Crowded lineups often generate tense vibes at the peak. Here's what everyone should avoid doing in a busy surf break.
The lineup is the area where waves break; the so-called take-off zone. Therefore, it is the place where the majority of surfers wait for their treasures, sitting on their surfboards and looking out to the horizon.When we're lined up waiting for our turn, we must remember that we're not alone, and everyone around us is near you for the same reason - to catch the most and the best waves.
They're not our enemies, and they're not our opponents. They're people like us with virtues and defects. In a perfect world, we would share waves between us, and have fun on the same rides.
But that's not what happens in the world's most frequented surf breaks. Throughout the decades, the surfing community established a set of informal and unofficial rules - or code of conduct - that tries to keep the act of riding waves safe for everyone.
However, as you might have noticed for several times, surf etiquette has its holes and seldom is the subject of misinterpretations. The source of problems is always clear: greed.
From a statistical perspective, it is clear that cool and healthy vibes lead to more waves ridden. Many time, surfers who are aggressively fighting for waves tend to let many waves go unridden. The same rule applies to very strict interpretations of priorities.
Conflicts will always destroy your surfing experience. Be a gentleman in the water. Surfing is not a battle. Don't do the following on your home break:
Snaking: don't back paddle - that's one of the most disrespectful actions in surfing. You're not being smart, you're being a prick, and sooner or later you will be paid back in your own coin;
Hassling: don't compete and hustle for waves like if it's the most important thing in the world. Let other breathe and enjoy the pleasures of surfing - don't be that constant shadow who sits two yards away from other fellow wave riders;
Yelling and Screaming: the sea is a place peace and retreat - don't be the primitive alpha male or female that is always showing off, or teaching others to surf by vociferating their advice and orders out loud;
Dropping In: just because you're older, experienced or a local surfer, you don't have the right to all waves in the ocean. A champion surfer is more than a skilled waterman or waterwoman - integrity and humility are what makes us admirable sportsmen and sportswomen;
Kicking Your Feet Wildly: If you need extra leg power to catch a small wave on shortboard, kick your feet gently, and having in mind that there are people around you who will only have a shower after their session ends;
Ditching The Surfboard: some surfers still think it's cool to ditch the surfboard when their ride ends - it's not. And it can be really dangerous, especially the nose of the board hits someone in the face;
