Surf Etiquette for Beginners

The rules of surfing are eternally unwritten. They undulate to break as to break the water surface, but as water, adhere to the laws of nature - the delicate equilibrium between gravity and surface tension. There are no referees in the water. There are no police, supervisors, managers or mommies to run to when things go wrong. Surfers lead by a loose set of principles that get passed through generations the way a mother bird teaches its young to fly, nudging them out of the nest.

I can only tell you enough so you can venture into the water and begin to learn by himself. Feel the rules. The line-up, people will tell you what is happening. The breeze will tell if this is a day for sharing the waves, or every man for himself. Close your eyes and you'll know if this is a day for solemn silence, or one day a hoot and scream. People will tell you. You know when you know. You. Until then, remember this ...

• Right track belongs to the surfer closest to the top of the wave. Never drop to somebody else when you're falling into the surf or closer to you to break the part of the wave.


• When paddling, the surfer in the wave has the right of way. Leave your way. You could ruin your trip, or perhaps get a Skagen in his melon. (Shredders, please do not try to hit or even spray people who are paddling out, no matter how lame.)


• NOT complaining. No bitching, moaning, lloriqueo, belly-aching, or mourn over the waves, other surfers, your boss, or whatever. Shut up. Nobody wants to hear.


• THE BEST most surfers riding the waves, like the big fish eats the most food and small fish must fight to survive and get bigger. Leave your credentials on the beach. The only thing that matters in the line-up is surfing ability.


• SURF hierarchy extends to breaks as well. The best surfers of the best surf spots. Do not try to learn in a world class wave, you do not even have a chance. If you feel intimidated in the water, go somewhere else. There exists an obligation to be a better student. The beach breaks, good surfers will meet in the best-sand bar, but usually there are plenty of other sand bars for beginners get sucked into practice during falls.

SURF etiquette is subject to immediate change at any time due to their size and attitude. Should 250 lb gorilla says you dropped in on his wave, say it is sad, even if it did not. Police officers can not swim. NO garbage. Never, never. Not water, not in the parking lot, not on the road to the beach. No cigarette butts, beer cans no, no granola bar wrappers, not fluff his pocket, nothing, nothing, zip. Someone shot his ass. Do not mess with the animals either. You are at home. The beach is surfing's sacred temple. Treated accordingly.

Knowing your limits. Surfing seems easy from the shore. Not so. Big surf will kick his ass. It drown you dead. Not being a coward, but not moving. If you feel you are in danger, you are.

To see one another. Surfers are your friends. Surfers are his family. Treat as you would have them treated. It can be dangerous in water, and we only have each other to watch their backs. Bring a smile and good vibes for water, and will bring a return.