Good Surfing Manners

Filed under: Surfing

Nobody could contest the fact that surfing is indeed a fun and enjoyable activity. Surfers could attest that the activity never fails to give them a sense of high feeling. There is contentment and of course, excitement. It is not surprising that surfing is one of the most popular and most sought-after extreme leisure recreational activities around. Yes, it is extreme because it is risky, but it sure is most of all fun and thrilling, like no other.

Anywhere in the world where there are beaches, surfing gets more and more popular. If in the past, surfing is only enjoyed in Hawaii, now, it is done in many other parts of the world, like in California, in the Philippines, in Australia, in South America, and even in specific parts of Europe.

Needless to say, surfing could be all about respect. Surfers are expected to respect the pros, the locals, and even fellow surfers all the time. Courtesy is always expected. In many times, people overlook the fact that surfers still practice good manners despite enjoying the rough waves. On many occasions, fights and arguments inevitably arise due to possible lack of proper etiquette.

Here are several good surfing manners that surfers need to know and observe while enjoying the activity. Before proceeding to perform the activity, surfers need to make sure they have surfboards, wetsuits, good attitude, and rightful skills. A pair of fists is not necessary, though many surfers could not help but be involved in brawls maybe due to exhaustion.

1.Prior to going out to enjoy the activity, thoroughly study the break (wave). You should determine the specific area where many other surfers and people come to try to catch and enjoy waves. You should not resort to entering crowded locations. Paddle into an area that is least crowded. If possible, go to a channel. There, you could easily paddle closer into areas where actual waves are apparently breaking in the lineup. Do not surf where other surfers form crowds to avoid getting into any unlikely argument.

2.Beginners should not surf in areas where the best waves are. If you are a beginner, be honest to admit to yourself that you may still not be ready enough to handle intense waves. Instead, go an area with subtler waves, which could be apparently more forgiving for starters like you. Locals at an area where there are advanced breaks (more challenging waves) would surely welcome you in, that is if you know exactly what you are doing. Anyone would like a surfer who could float in an impact zone while trying to catch whitewater on an ordinary overhead day.

3.Always remember that you are out to surf, not to socialize. Keep talking to a minimum unless you brought in a friend. In general, talking about tips and insights about surfing is fine. Do not get to narrate your entire life story. Other surfers surely want to catch waves just like you do so give them the chance to do so.

4.Do not forget to respect the locals. You should know that they know most about the best breaks in the area. Most of them would want those breaks for their own, not for outsiders. If you establish a negative vibe with them you would not convince them to tell you where those breaks are. If they ask you to leave, go immediately. There surely are still more than enough waves out there to ride. Do not get into a fight just to catch perfect waves. Not catching a break in a day is not worth all the broken bones and bruises.

5.As you catch a wave, remember to check the inside first before you take off. See if other people are going for the same wave. The practice is just like crossing a busy street. Do not go when someone else is coming from the right or left. In general, the surfer who is closest to a breaking wave has the practical and logical right of way. Do not steal a wave from another surfer unless you are really out to make an enemy.

6.Immediately apologize if you make a mistake. Surfers do make mistakes. Other surfers would easily recognize it. If you cause trouble to others, be quick in acknowledging your mistake and apologizing for it. Always respect other surfers.