Surfing rules … What’s that? Are you new to this unpredictable surf world? Let the journey begin. Are you ready?
We all were beginners at some point. 🙂
One day we reach the stage when we get bored riding the white water. Full of determination to catch one of the great green waves, we decide to grab a board and paddle out.
But hold on for a second. Before you do so, do you already know what the unwritten rules of surfing are?
If the answer is “NO”, please take a minute and continue reading. This quick guideline will explain to you better how to stay safe and show respect to other surfers. 🙂
This will bring more fun to your surf sessions and keep good vibes in the water. It’s more enjoyable if people cheer at you rather than get angry.
Rules of surfing you need to know before you “paddle out.”
Some of us learned them the hard way. When we paddled out full of determination and with a big smile to catch those green waves. We tried hard and managed a few, but suddenly, a few screaming surfers slowly took your smile away.
Why this?
What made them scream and get angry at you? What have you done wrong?
You were probably unaware of a few things you need to learn to stay safe, maintain fair play and keep a good vibe in the water. Ultimately, you aren’t the only one who wants to experience the great feeling.
Yeah, having the beautiful condition and no crowd is quite rare. Usually, it’s you and a few other surfers too. Unless it’s early morning, work day or a super cold day. Lol.
So what are the keys to a joyful surf session?
Rule no. 1 – Don’t be in their way
Paddle out around the waves.
Later as you progress with surfing, you will understand this better!
It can be pretty frustrating when you wait for the perfect wave on the lineup; then, you put in all your energy to catch it, only to be forced to give up the wave because there is a beginner surfer in your way who doesn’t know this basic rule.
Fair play: When you paddle to the lineup to join other surfers, ensure you are not in their way. Suppose you are caught inside, paddle towards white water instead of crossing the way of the surfer riding on the wave.
2. Who has the right to surf this wave?
It’s not that you can catch any wave just because you decide to. You do need to pay attention to what’s happening around you.
One of the first things you need to see is whether you are the only one paddling for this wave or someone is paddling next to you.
If someone is next to you, you need to check where the peak is (the highest part of the wave). Why that’s important?
The surfer closest to the peak has the right of way.
Imagine two surfers paddling for the same wave (1. and 2.). The first one has priority because of his position closest to the peak. So the surfer (2.) needs to give up this wave and let him go. If you misread the priority by accident and are already up and riding, get off the wave as soon as you can and apologise.
3. Show a respect
You don’t need to catch all the waves you see coming. Share them and let others have fun too. Spreading good vibes and cheering for their success will make you have more fun too.
Respect the other surfers who are sharing this experience with you. If you are at the localised spot, show some respect to the locals.
Have respect for the ocean and beach too, by keeping them clean or helping to collect the rubbish you see on your way.
4. Communicate What You Do
There could be a situation when you have the priority for the wave, but a second person is paddling next to you. You already know you will turn to the right and see the opportunity for the other to take the wave on the left side.
If you communicate to them that you go left or right, you inform the other surfer that they can still go the other way.
This can help you to earn extra credit. 🙂
5. Consider your surfing skills
Before you enter the water, check the conditions. If it’s out of your level, go and surf somewhere else.
I recommend that you sit at the beach for a while and observe. How often do we see the ocean way too calm? We hurry to dress in our wetsuits and rush to the water only to be surprised by the set of big waves we didn’t expect.
Safety first. It’s about having fun.
6. Don’t let go of your board
Safety first. Please don’t ditch your board, as it can easily injure another surfer.
If you can’t duck dive with your board, learn the proper technique of turtle roll to get more control over your board.
The very basics of controlling your board will give you more confidence in paddling outside, and you will be able to have more fun when you relax.
7. Don’t drop in, or Snake
Last of the surfing rules involves dropping in on other surfers or snaking.
Dropping in is when you take a wave from someone who has priority.
If it happens accidentally, get off the wave as soon as possible and apologise to the surfer.
Also, don’t paddle around other surfers (snaking) to get a better position. Wait your turn, there are waves for everyone.
Yeah, the ocean will teach you to be patient. It will pay you off in the water and also in real life. 🙂
Final words
Don’t be hard on yourself if you mess up along the way. We all make mistakes. It’s part of the learning process.
Be humble, don’t be afraid to say sorry and spread a good vibe. With all these tips, the fun in the water will be multiplied.
Now that you know all these rules of the surfing world, you can continue to the 8 Best Surf Spots in the Algarve for Beginners.
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