Surfing Etiquette How To Catch Waves Without Being A Jerk

Surfing etiquette is a very important part of the surfing experience. It's almost as important as learning how to surf.

Waves are naturally exciting. They come, they break, and seemingly, the luckiest surfer of the lot gets to ride one to the beach.

But beneath the perceived free for all out in a line up of surfers, there is a complex algorithm being applied, an etiquette system in place to ensure that everyone, from great surfers to beginners, gets their share.

[KalesBroccoli]

Don’t ever steal my coffee. Unless you join my patreon, then you can have a sip. Patreon.com/kalesbroccoli

[madinjun]

When I started surfing the first thing I did was give a greeting to local guys in the water I knew were good. I'd usually make a joke about me just starting and how I suck. They'd be cool and answer questions or tell me tips to help me. I realized quickly noone cared that I wasn't any good because I was respectful in the water. They'd tell me "get that one "picking out beginner waves for me and scream to me instructions. As weeks went on I became part of the local group and ended up hanging out with them for years. I never became a good surfer but loved it and loved the culture and friends I made. Being honest and respectful can go a long ways in the water and in life.

[ageofsempires]

As someone just getting back into surfing I find the better surfers are the least courteous in the water, especially good groms. They seem to think they deserve more waves cause they will "get more out of the wave" than a less experienced surfer

[MikSrf]

Being respectful goes for paddle boards and longboards too.
Don't sit outside and catch EVERY wave just because you can start riding from a mile out at sea.
Share with the short boarders too.

[captainsensible]

I've been surfing for 35 years and I can honestly say I can count on my right hand the number of times I've been in the line up that proceeded in a logical manner. Even on point breaks with solid swell. Just because you think it's your turn or you have "priority" doesn't mean you do. Surfing with buddies different deal, everyones pretty cool and no drop ins. Combat surf pretty well rules.

[milogibbins]

I find that at my local breaks it is a complete free for all almost all the time

[sergioalonso]

At 2:06 you said "to be snaked by a beginner". In my experience, "dropping in" is typical of beginners, but sneaking is way more typical of medium to advanced surfers. Sneaking requires anticipation reading the wave and often paddling harder than the sneaked surfer. I've seen it way more often done by stronger locals marking "their" territory than by beginners.

[julioestrada]

Where I surf, everybody snakes. I used to try to act like we were in a line but eventually had to give up because I constantly found myself at the back of the "lineup"

[robwilliams]

Hi Kale, shortboarder of 4 years here who loves your videos! Before shortboarding I spent most of my teens SUP surfing so I'd like to add one more piece of etiquette.
If I'm SUP surfing, after catching a wave I'll paddle back out to the shoulder of the lineup and then sit down and wait for a few waves to come through. This is a statement of intent of saying "I'm not standing, therefore I won't paddle for the next few waves". From the surfers experience it also feels less like someone is going to fall on top of you from just standing around. Finally, when I do stand back up it makes clear which wave I'm about to paddle for and gives everyone plenty of warning! 👍

[michaelyoung]

It always comes down to good observation, when I see someone paddle over I always say hello and break the ice with them, most people go surfing to leave the rules elsewhere, we never own a wave if a break is to busy il find somewhere else, . The sea is a big place, respect everyone and if someone drops in or bails out in front of me I help them out with a bit of guidance to help keep them safe without putting them off, . And iv never walked away from a surf session feeling frustrated at someone else or what would be the point ' beginner's appreciate a bit of helpful guidance too' and if it's a party wave just go straight everyone. People who take themselves too seriously ruin their own fun

[valentinblanot]

Hey Kale - such a great video ! Been surfing for 20+ years and you literally take words out of my mouth! Seen so many people getting angry or frustrated at each other because of lack of etiquette / knowledge of these rules... Maybe something worth adding is the basic gentleman rule - regardless of where a surfer is positioned compared to you, if you're just back from taking a wave and he / she's been waiting, just let him / her go! And also, maybe a call for surf instructors to teach these rules to beginners, a lot of them don't!

[Xfuera]

Videos like this should be mandatory for beginners. My local break is a nightmare for beginners snaking and dropping in, simply as they have no idea of why they shouldn't do it.

[overthetop]

That feeling when everyone is waiting their turn and then the local uncle on a SUP attempts to keep lapping the waves and never looks, just goes.

[SunriseSessions]

I'd say it's worth emphasising how blissful it is to surf a break with a proper line up and people sticking to these rules. It doesn't happen often but it's so nice when it does. It's more relaxed and you can even chat a bit when you're in the back of the line😉

[dougiereid]

This video should be watched by every aspiring surfer, and some surfers who should know better! People seem to grasp the drop-in rule and happily paddle to your inside, snake and then get angry if you decide to take your wave. I've tried to calmly explain in the past but the default position is pure righteous fury of the snake... You didn't go into the miss your wave rule - this is a big one for me. The number of times someone will paddle for and miss a wave, and then go for the next one just blows my mind...

[taidriscoll]

I've grown up at the north shore of Oahu and the way you described snaking was bizarre to me because when I'm in the water whoever is deepest on the lineup has priority no matter how long they've been there with a few exceptions. also the way you described dropping in is the exact way we picture snaking the wave.
thank you for the video though and i love the be respectful to locals tip, the locals in my home breaks beat up people that don't know the rules

[brandonlock]

I always get worried about taking someone’s wave when I go out but then I remember I only surf beginner breaks and it’s party wave central😂

[MrDebourbon]

You are so polite when you talk about the groups. We all know who they are :P. One of the worst etiquettes for me is when you are paddling back and the guy in front of you is bailing out of his board instead of duck-diving. That's so inconsiderate and dangerous.

[DarthKoopa]

this should be required viewing for every single person that surfs or is learning to surf

[Mazza]

You did a great job articulating localism....thx for that. But I still think it’s such a strange concept....maybe because I started surfing after my 30’s...? I live literally across the road from my break and have been surfing every week for years....every time I see somebody out my instinct is to welcome them and behave like they are at my house...like “here’s a chair and a drink”....maybe I’m wrong...