When dropping in on a wave, do I yell “COWABUNGA”!

When you’re new to surfing, surf etiquette is mind-boggling. There’s no codified set of rules. More experienced surfers scroll away—you got this. Or do you? 🦈

Different rules will apply to different types of breaks (point or beach) and different geographies (i.e. East Coast of US vs California vs Costa Rica),and different surf spots (tourist-heavy or locals-only).

So let’s start with the most common unwritten rules.

✅ Do wear a leash. You will see that some surfers don’t, that’s on them.

❌ Do not ditch your board. Hold onto it tightly if a wave breaks on you.

✅ Do apologize 😅. If you did (or thought you did) something wrong.

❌ Do not paddle out into the path of other surfers. If you’re paddling out and a surfer is coming towards you: look first => consider the timing => paddle around into the whitewater (opposite direction the surfer is going on the wave).

✅ Do look 👀. Sit on the beach and spend a few minutes watching other surfers and the waves.

❌ Do not snake 🐍: paddle around other surfers to get closer to the peak of the wave.

✅ Do adhere to the right of way:

⏳ Furthest out: the surfer that is furthest out or that has been waiting longest
🌊 Furthest inside: the closest surfer to the peak of the breaking wave has priority.
🦶 First to feet: if multiple surfers are near the peak, the first to stand up on the wave takes it.
💬 Communication for A-frame/dual peak waves: call out of “Left!” or “Right!” depending which side you’re taking.

The right of way doesn’t necessarily apply to beach breaks and beginner-friendly point breaks where surfers tend to go in a straight line.

Now having said all of the above, here’s what some surfers think about the surf etiquette.

In my opinion, surf etiquette is pretty much never followed. Most surfers are selfish hypocrites. Everybody ideally wants the best shot at the best waves. We’re all competing for a very limited resource.

Experienced surfers on Reddit

At least, they speak the truth.