1. The Drop In Rule "Don't be a Snake"
Respect other surfers in the lineup by not 'dropping in'. The surfer who is nearest the foam/white water or breaking part of a wave in either direction - left or right has priority on the wave. If you take off on a wave when another surfer is already riding it, heading towards you, you're dropping in - don't do it! By 'dropping in' on strangers can result in verbal/physical abuse and generally bring a bad vibe to the water.
2. Interference
Do not paddle in front of a surfer who is up and riding or across their path which normally involves paddling for the shoulder or unbroken part of the wave. This can not only ruin the surfers ride but also put both of you in danger. If you paddle for the shoulder and don't make it in time then you could end up being run over and injured by the fins or nose of the board.
- Stop and wait for the surfer riding to pass by you and then duckdive the white water. Don't stop however if it's going to be a close call as you may end up causing a collision.
- Paddle in the opposite direction to the rider as fast as you can and prepare to duckdive the breaking part of the wave. It is your duty as a surfer not to disrupt someone else's wave and to take any punishment that the wave dishes out.
3. Hang On To Your Board
Don't ever bail you board. "let go of your board"
If you must - make sure you hold onto the 'rail saver' part of your leash (material piece) to prevent the board from hitting someone. If you are already committed to a wave that someone else is on i.e. your board is moving and your just about to stand up when you suddenly spot another surfer flying down the line towards you!
If this happens, don't jump off and let your board go over the falls i.e. over the top of the wave and down the other side. If this happens you are likely to hit the other surfer in the face with your abandoned board as they fly past. If your paddling out and a set waves are approaching duck dive, turn turtle, or what ever, but don't let go of your board just because you have a leash on.
Give respect and get respect!
