1
Priority
Understand Right of Way
This is probably the most important piece of surf etiquette
for a beginner to understand.
As a general rule, the surfer with the better position
towards the breaking part of the wave has priority.
The exact application can vary depending on the wave,
the break and local conditions, so watch what is happening
around you before paddling for a wave.
✓ Do
Check who has priority before paddling for the wave.
✕ Don't
Assume that seeing a wave first automatically makes it yours.
2
Biggest Mistake
Don't Drop In
Dropping in means taking off on a wave when another surfer
already has priority.
It can ruin their ride and, more importantly, create a
serious collision risk.
✓ Do
Look both ways before committing to your take-off.
✕ Don't
Paddle straight into a wave someone else is already riding.
3
Lineup
Don't Snake Other Surfers
“Snaking” generally means paddling around another surfer
to gain a better position or take their priority.
Even if you technically end up closer to the peak,
deliberately moving around someone to steal their wave
is poor etiquette.
Let the lineup breathe.
You don't need to catch every wave. Give other surfers
opportunities too.
4
Safety
Stay in Control of Your Board
Your surfboard is a large, heavy object with fins attached.
In the wrong situation it can seriously hurt someone.
As a beginner, learning to control your board is just as
important as learning to stand on it.
✓ Do
Keep your board under control and know where people are.
✕ Don't
Throw or abandon your board towards other surfers.
5
Paddling Out
Don't Paddle Straight Into Someone's Wave
When paddling back out, try to avoid the path of surfers
riding towards the beach.
If there's a channel or quieter route around the breaking
waves, use it.
✓ Do
Paddle around the breaking zone where possible.
✕ Don't
Paddle directly across the line of a surfer riding a wave.
6
Awareness
Look Before You Go
Before taking off, make sure you know what's happening
around you.
Check for surfers on the wave, people paddling out and
anything else that could make your take-off unsafe.
A two-second look can prevent a serious collision.
7
Position
Choose a Spot That Matches Your Ability
One of the most overlooked parts of surf etiquette is
simply surfing somewhere appropriate for your ability.
If you're still learning to control your board, paddle,
duck-dive or manage whitewater, don't put yourself in the
middle of a crowded advanced lineup.
✓ Do
Look for smaller, beginner-friendly waves with space.
✕ Don't
Paddle into a crowded peak beyond your ability.
8
Respect
Communicate and Share
Surfing isn't a competition to see who can catch the
most waves.
Give other surfers their turn, communicate clearly where
appropriate and don't constantly paddle for everything
that comes through.
✓ Do
Share waves and give people space.
✕ Don't
Hog every set because you can paddle faster.
