There are more and more surfers hitting up our shores and I feel its only fair that everyone get a reminder of some of the unwritten rules of surfing. As a relative young and growing community in Sweden it is important that we all set a good foundation and build mutual respect to one another. This way everyones experience will be harmonic and stoked
Below is a list of the most common rules. If you have any question, don't hesitate to ask.
BEGINNER SURFERS
Do not venture out the back to where the take off zone is, unless you are capable of controlled take offs on a main peak situation. You should not be out in the lineup where more experienced surfers are as it is not only dangerous to yourself, but also to other surfers especially if you are unable to control your board or maneuvers. Utilize the white wash when learning to surf. To practice take offs out the back, look for a section of beach where you will not interfere or get in the way of other more experienced surfers and do not rely on your leg rope as a lifesaving device that attaches you to your board. If you cannot tread water for 5 mins or swim at least 100 metres comfortably, then you shouldn't be out in the water. As you will need to be able to do this in case your legrope snaps and you are sucked out in a rip that may require you to tread water for 5 mins or swim at least 100 metres comfortably.
WHEN PADDLING OUT, STAY OUT OF THE WAY OF RIDING SURFERS
If you are paddling out, and another surfer is riding, it is your responsibility to get out of the way and not ruin the surfer's wave. For example, If the surfer is riding toward the left on the wave, it is best to paddle right, parallel to the oncoming wave and out of the rider's way, instead of trying to paddle over the green, open face of the wave and potentially in the path of the rider. If you get caught, a simple "sorry" or "my bad" goes a long way, BUT always do your best to stay out of they way.
DON'T DROP IN
The surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave (the inside or the peak) or the first surfer to their feet has the right of way/priority. Before taking off on a wave make sure no one is on your inside, always check behind you before taking off.
DON'T PADDLE OUT THROUGH THE BREAK
Do not paddle out through the lineup or where the breaking area/impact zone of the waves are. By paddling around the breaking or surfable part of the wave you will not interfere with another surfers ride and will also reduce the risk of getting hit by the surfer on the wave. No one likes having their ride ruined. If you get caught inside, stay in the white water and always paddle around the break or go in and paddle out again.
DON'T HOG THE WAVES
Don't try to catch every single wave that comes through. You will only create animosity amongst the others in the lineup and will be seen as a wave pig or hog. If you have the paddling power or a board that allows you to get into the waves a lot earlier remember this, learn to give and you will receive. Share the waves around and learn to give a few to the other crew. Respect gets respect.
KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT
Never ever attempt a move that will cause you to land or smash into someone else and always keep an eye on others paddling out. Usually when you are about to take off on a wave someone might be paddling out right in front of you, avoid the hassle or possible injury to you or the other surfer and just wait for another one.
DON'T SNAKE
Don't paddle up inside someone as they are trying to catch the wave. This is known as "snaking" when a surfer who is nowhere near the point of takeoff where the other surfer is taking off, paddles over and tries to steal the wave from the surfer at the peak. "Snaking is a no, no and one that will get you little respect in the lineup. The surfer who has been sitting out the back waiting ages for that boomer while everyone else is on the inside always has the right of way. It's just common sense and courtesy. The same goes for paddling into the lineup to the inside.
GIVE A YELL
If it looks like someone is going to drop in on you, let them know you are on the inside or have right of way by calling out and letting them know you are taking off or already on the wave. Sometimes crew drop in because they think you haven't made the takeoff. A friendly reminder of a shout like "Mine" or "Going right" or "Going left" helps clarify the situation.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF, PARK YOUR CAR WHERE ALLOWED
When arriving to your local surf spot ALWAYS respect the local rules. Park your car in public spaces and respect private land owners. Sometimes, knocking on the owners door and politely asking goes a long way. After you are done with your session, clean up after yourself: don't leave trash behind you and if you changed in a public toilet clean up the mess after your such as excess water (a simple water scrape is easy to carry with you in your car). After all, we need to show the public that we respect and care for our surf spots.
KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Noone likes a jackass in the lineup. Be cool, respect oneanother and share the ocean...and above all inform as many surfers as possible about the unwritten rules of surfing as the surf session will be more pleasant and stoke filled!
