Ideas needed for Surf Etiquette Article

General Discussion
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Hello Swaylockians,

I have been lurking around here for several months enjoying the serious wealth of information that is this BB. I’m not much of a surf craftsman, shoot, I can barely fix my own dings, so I have never had much to add on the highly technical design threads. But I was hoping to pick your brains on a subject that effects us all as watermen/women.

I’m writing a guideline style article about surfing etiquette for a website. My goal is to create a resource that beginning surfers can refer to as a guideline for proper behavior, action, and attitude in the water. Since many of you are extremely experienced and knowledgable surfers, I figure you guys and gals are a great resource for gripes/suggestions/ideas for an article of this nature.

So far I have 4 tips in a bullet style format, with a paragraph beneath each explaining the reason behind each idea:

  • Be Patient and Watch the Surf

* Do not overcrowd an existing lineup/surf zone

  • Never use your cell phone while looking at the surf

*Your leash is a convenience NOT a safety device

I’m going to include about 3 to 4 more rules/guidelines and am hoping this thread will stir up some good stuff. This will be seen by many wannabe surfers, so this is your chance to form the mind of that beginner sitting next to you this spring/summer. Thanks everyone!

PS. I realize the urge to post “quit surfing” is strong, but this most recent horde of newbie surfers is a fact of life. I believe it is best that they are educated properly, for our safety and theirs.

Peace all,

Juicenosis

2

I wouldn’t have thought of bullet three, never had it be an issue… But I can see where it would be bothersome in other places.

Under each heading, and with different examples and rationalles, should be the cardinal rule: when in doubt, stay out of the way of more experienced surfers. Paddling out; take it on the head rather than getting in the way of riding surfers, taking off; don’t even paddle for a shoulder someone else is already up and riding on, Lining up; never directly inside of people waiting for set waves. Stay out of the way, stay out of the way, stay out of the way!

Also, never bail your board. Unless the surf is tearing the rails from the grip of your cold, dead fingers, don’t bail your board. If you can’t make the duckdives on the paddle out, surf someplace where you can.

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Thanks Schwuz!

Your idea about the cardinal rule is right on. I think that is going to have to be the “meta rule”, the ultimate do not do. Thanks!

I have the whole “hold on to your board till death” thing involved in bullet 4, since many people seem to think the leash is the end all to that problem.

About bullet 3, yeah, there are some spots, places in SC where that has become an issue. Im wondering if its really neccesary, but it does get irratating hearing people call their friends to tell them its going off, or just the incessant chatter while chekcing the surf. Ruins the stoke, imvho.

Thanks Schwuz, I wanted to include the avoid experienced surfers issue but wasnt sure how or where. You helped me to decide that it needs to be the NUMBER ONE rule. aloha

Juicenosis

4

I would love to see any surfer who is new to waveriding, or just new to a spot, be forced to sit on the beach and watch the waves and surfers already on the peak for at least 30 minutes before paddling out. Firstly out of respect for those who have put in dedication, and secondly to suss out the conditions thoroughly before paddling straight out into the impact zone and ditching a board or getting in someone’s way.

this would be much more prevalent at point/reef breaks where take off spots are tight,

and a bit less necessary at shifty beachbreaks where everyone gets caught inside at some point anyway.

though i suppose there’s no real way to enforce this

Life’s not a bitch, Life’s a beautiful woman. You only call her a bitch cause she won’t let you get that p***y.

Maybe you didn’t share any similar interests, or maybe you’re just an asshole who couldn’t sweettalk the princess.

-Aesop

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Thanks Chasing Lefts. In bullet 1 I have this explantion of the rule:

For every foot the waves are high allow ten minutes to judge the conditions. So, for example, on a three to four foot day watch the surf for thirty to forty minutes. The ocean is unpredictable. You can never assume that you know what is going to happen, or that today is the same as yesterday, it NEVER is. This is a rough, un-edited sample, but I think it addresses your suggestion. Thanks for taking the time to reply. The yahoos who charge out into the surf without properly taking in the conditions are always a concern for more experienced surfers. I think I’m going to add something to similar to what you said in your comment regarding any one who “new to waveriding, or just new to a spot” to that tip. Could help clarify some.

Muchissimo gracias 'lefts

Juicenosis

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Great rule, i am in full support, except for the fact that if it’s 20ft plus you don’t get to surf til the next day. all funboarders should charge straight out to maxing waimea without the ten minutes per foot. and god forbid the paddle all the way out to the cortes bank and it’s 100ft plus. no pushing the NSP/Blue to it’s limits with the time rule out there either, it would be summer again before you could sit on the peak!!!

no seriously, that is a really solid idea, especially as the first bullet in your article. glad to be of service. if i think of anything else i’ll be glad to share. but i want royalties!

Go SKINS!!!(oh wait, they already lost. dammit)

Jamie

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  • Treat others as you wish to be treated.
  • Don't be greedy... it has nothing to do with wave count.
  • Be nice to beginners... we all started as one.
  • Offer help and assistance to anyone in trouble.
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Persons new to the ocean should first learn to swim, skimboard, ride sponges, bodysurf and THEN try board surfing! One big problem with newbies watching surf conditions from the beach is that they don’t have a clue what they’re looking at! Kooks learn the most when befriended by older experienced surfers.

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Rule 2:

Anyone seen sporting said NSP/Blue/Softop will be shot dead on the spot if see scoffing/mocking/rolling eyes at me walking up the beach with my neumatic rubber ducky mat(Can’t wait to get it from Dale) and/or kneeboard and UDT’s.

I may look goofy out of the water, but just wait and watch.

I want to be the halo that jumps off the brain of the genius who decided some pictures deserve frames.

My mamma told me there’d be days like this…

10

If you’re welcoming new folks to surfing, just a thought on the title. Maybe veer away from using the word etiquette. In reference to guidance, it has always seemed off-putting, or maybe warning like. At least to me anyway.

Maybe something like:

~Tips for the new surfer

~Guide to getting your feet wet in surfing

Best,

Herb

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Although the surf wax smells good, take it out of your mouth before catching a wave.

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Maybe a section on the best boards to learn on.

ie: You will be up and riding way faster on a fun shape than a shortboard.

Then go into the right board sizes for surfers height and weight.

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http://www.surfline.com/surfology/surfology_borl_index.cfm

Surfer’s bill of rights. I think Shaun Tomson was involved with the creation of this.

14

Thanks for all the replies, I’m stoked/surprised at the interest and quality of all the advice. Seriously going to be invaluable for this article!

Chasinglefts- Classic, following rule 1 you have to wait till the next day to surf. I figure anyone who actually deserves to be out at 20 ft waimea will bypass that rule, and, hopefully, not even need this guide. Funny to think about though. Lol.

John Mellor- awesome tips John, especially the offering assistance, and don’t be greedy. both crucial issues I must address. Am thinking that the whole be nice to beginner things is preaching to the choir, but perhaps it would impart the humbleness that all water people should have.

Norm De Plume- A very good bit of advice. Perhaps I can add something along the lines of, “Become proficient in all types of ocean activity before taking on the most difficult: surfing.” Sadly, I think the ego driven nature of most beginners these days will drive them directly to the final step. Also, your point about befriending veteran surfers should be addressed. Maybe something along the lines of: “When in doubt, ask!” I know I learned much from older, wiser surfers.

Herb B- Excellent, excellent point. I’m gonna ditch etiquette. Your second suggestion about “getting your feet wet” is great. Treats them as equals and not recruits or peons. Gracias.

SurfstheWord: lol at the wax comment. I watched my friend almost choke on a piece of wax, haha. About the board guide, maybe for a later article. I want to try to keep this piece succinct, and to the point on the act of surfing. But it’s a killer idea for a subsequent story.

Thanks again to everyone for their ideas. This forum is one of the best I have encountered. I’m definitely going to acknowledge all your help in my article. ALOHA!

Juicenosis

15

Hey Elewis:

Great call, I’ve seen it before but for some dumb reason didnt consider it when beginning this article. Thanks for pointing me in that direction!

Juicenosis

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Rule 3:

All surfers, regardless of experience, will be required to listen to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue in it’s entirety before paddling out at a new surf spot. All heavy metal will be banned from the water and car parks ajacent to spots.

Just a joke, but i really can’t stand aggression in the water. Our experience should be about giving waves, not snaking waves.

Plus all younger kids who haven’t been exposed to quality jazz music should be properly schooled, particularly those who claim to like hip hop, yet don’t know the origins of the species.

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Check this one out http://www.surfline.com/surfology/surfology_borl_index.cfm. Go stuff and easy to follow.

D

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1 Pick the right spots for your ability and attitude. 2 Don’t drop in on or snake your fellow surfer. 3 When paddling out, stay out of the way of riders on waves. 4 Learn to take turns. 5 Respect the vibe in the line-up. 6 Always aid another surfer in trouble. 7 When travelling, respect the local surfers. 8 Don’t use your surfing advantages to abuse your fellow surfers. 9 Be responsible for your equipment and respectful of others’. 10 Relax, have fun, and enjoy your surfing and that of your fellow surfer

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make the rules all tat follow them,quote ,mis quote

are your responsibility.

you’ll say

“thats my boy not talking on a sell phone while checking the surf”

“that’s my gang waving to me not taking off inside”

"‘‘that busload is on my reservation card’’‘’

there is only ONE RULE

dora said it if you dont know it maybe you will hear it someday

the sign by the steps has a couple rules on it

the biggest wave hog wrote the rule book then systematicly

broke all the rules

and thought sure everybody would buy in to his exceptions

on account of he was exceptional surf guy…

etiquette, interesting ,

how to hold your fork?

out west,holding chicken in your hands,just fine

I personally think of Eartha Kitt

thtat sexy voiced singer that

told some how to act

thte rules set down are changing with every tide change

If the dont learn respect from the git go they wont exhibit respect

dont hog- drop in-no snake job

all can be justifyably reversed on a moment’s notice

…ambrose…

any one breaking the rules

walks the rocks!

oh not anymore

the leash is god

drop in three times and the enforcer breaks off your fin

not anymore

the enforcer died

the enforcer died?

yeah who is the new enforcer?

YOU?

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Where are you posting this by the way? or is it for print media?