Equal dibs in surfing? In this economy?!

It’s not the most common phrase to hear in the surf lingo, but it’s common enough. We all instinctively know what it means.

It’s the idea that everyone in the lineup—regardless of experience, gender, age, or what board you ride—has an equal right to catch waves, following the surf etiquette rules.
Sure. Makes sense. But then you hear: “Equal dibs? Where do you surf, a wave pool in Texas?!”

Apparently, this equal dibs—give a wave, get a wave—concept is not as popular as we thought. For two reasons. You either don’t give equal dibs or you’re not taking equal dibs. It’s a tough topic to cover without sounding preachy (I’ve already reviewed this piece twice), so please bear with me.

Emoji key:
= give dibs
= take dibs (I challenge anyone to find a better emoji for this!)

You don’t get to own the spot

You went out, found a perfect spot. This is going to be an awesome sesh, you think. And suddenly, you feel like everyone’s following you wherever you paddle to. They are on top of you. But it was mine! My precious. Alas, you don’t get to own a spot in the ocean. If a lineup somehow apparates around you, the lineup rules should be followed—however upsetting this may be to you. This is literally a pep talk I wrote for myself.

Become local

This is not a secret. At most beaches, being local beats your position. Because being local means that everyone else local in the lineup is acutely aware of your surfing ability. That’s why you sometimes get to see two surfers on a single wave not trying to kill each other. If there’s a break you surf often, try to make friends. Easier said than done, I know. And keep in mind that different spots may follow different rules as far as where you should end up after paddling back into the lineup after taking a wave to wait your turn. It’s good just to sit and study for a bit.

Let them

No, it’s not about following Mel Robbins’ new mindset system. It just means: don’t be a wave hog. If you’re lucky enough to be on a longboard and catch every ripple while everyone’s struggling, let them have a couple. Be more British-like (queuing politely): take a wave, paddle back, scoot over, sit deep enough, and let waves go by. Your turn will come. Also, I think we can all agree that paddle boarders do not belong in the lineup.

Understand the lineup dynamics

There is surf etiquette we all know: whoever is closest to the peak/breaking wave has the right of way. Not clear enough? Then—whomever is first on their feet.
Someone already riding a wave? Don’t be a shoulder hopper!
Someone on the wave as you’re paddling back to the lineup? Avoid at all costs.
But no one ever talks about taking turns! Because it’s no longer about the rules at most surf spots—it’s all about manners.
There’s an argument floating around that expert surfers’ instincts supersede good manners because they can tell if a lesser surfer will make a wave.
Hey, look at all these kooks just sitting there, not catching waves. Let me paddle back to the peak. Better take a wave and not waste it than remain polite.
Which is why the next piece of advice is crucial:

Assert, assert, assert

Competent surfer, but you don’t look it? Maybe sporting a foamie at a beach you’re visiting? Or perhaps you’re a slightly older surfer lady like Layne Beachley (Aussie surfing legend) in Noosa?
Assert your level of experience. Catch waves, take up space, demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that you belong in that lineup.
Someone drops in on you—on purpose—more than once? Holler.

Kill them with kindness

There comes a time for every beginner to get into the lineup and stay there. It can be a gut-wrenching experience, because you may never feel like you’re fully ready, doubting yourself—and surfers can spot the weak.
I found this quote and found it very apt:

“Once I started trying to paddle battle people, fight them when they tried to backpaddle me, calling what waves I was going on (“going left”), making my takeoffs consistently, smiling and being respectful (“your turn, you going?”), paying note if any locals that are getting dibs so I don’t take their wave, complimenting the guys’ rides, ‘hey that was a sick wave you just got,’ charging the biggest set waves and not bitching out—when I started doing these things, I started getting actually respected in the lineup vs. walked all over.”

Try colder water

If everything fails and you can’t catch a break—or you just don’t want to give one—try colder, less busy climates.