SURFERS ETIQUETTE
By Rebecca Heller

Girls and get away with a heck of a lot more than the boys out there simply by being so darn cute! But it pays to be neighborly and know the rules of surfing. Check out the following often unspoken rules and etiquette so us surfers, especially beginners, can keep our squeaky clean image in and out of the water.

Don’t drop in. The person furthest out from shore and closest to where the wave is breaking has the right of way. If you are further out on the shoulder and the person on the inside is catching the wave, pull back. As a beginner, pretty much consider anyone up on a wave having priority over you.

Queue up. At point or reef breaks where there is a centralized take-off area there is an unofficial line. Kind of like Disneyland, wait for those who were there before you to go, then it is your turn. Once you have taken a wave, or even attempted a ride, give those closer to the peak a chance. Let a couple waves go by before you try again. Hopefully, they will do the same for you.

Paddle straight out at a beach break, avoiding the peak of the wave and the take off zones. This is easier said then done, since the take-off spot at a beach can shift around. This also means you may have to paddle out through the white water rather than the unbroken sections. If a surfer is coming down the line as you are paddling out try to gauge your speed and paddle behind them. At a point or reef, try to paddle around the break.

Location. Location. Location. Stick to spots that support your ability level (i.e. beginners, don’t paddle out at Pipe). Surfing at spots that are too difficult put you in danger as well as those around you. That being said, more advanced surfers shouldn’t get pissy with those trying to learn at well-known beginner breaks.

Don’t ditch your board. When you are turtling or duck diving hold tightly onto your board. Don’t just let it go haphazardly with the wave as you will knock out surfers behind you. Remember you have a ring of destruction around you equal to the length of your leash! If you can’t hold on – let’s be honest sometimes the wave will rip the board out of your hands – try and yell “Board!”

Beginners are invisible. When more advanced surfers see beginners flailing around looking like they don’t have it all under control yet, they will ignore you. Thankfully they will avoid you, but they will also ignore you. Meaning, they will take off when you are going for a wave assuming that you are unable to catch it. Don’t get upset, you probably weren’t going to catch it anyway. Hopefully, when they see you catch one they will pull back and give a cheerful hoot!

Respect your elders. They have probably been surfing the break you are at since before you were born. Give ‘em some space and their fair share of waves; hopefully they will do the same for you. Don’t be afraid to ask advice, more surfers than not will be flattered and eager to tell you what they know. Plus, they have a lot to teach you; if they give you some advice (kind or unkind) take it.

Support others. Help others, give encouragement, and don’t drop in on them. Beginers are the minority out there so give a little love to the others out there. Give ‘em a smile when they paddle out a hoot when they catch a good wave. Compliment them. There is no greater buzz than someone telling you, “Nice ride.”

Share waves. Once you get good enough to catch most of the waves your try for, share, especially if you are on a longboard as you will be further out than the shortboarders and able to catch more waves. Let others have their turn, especially those who aren’t as good as you. Even if you were snaked all the time when you started, don’t return the favor. Surfing shouldn’t be a hazing process.

Localism sucks. But unfortunately, it does exist. Know something about the surf spot where you are going out. It is best to go with someone who has surfed there before. Sadly there are spots where locals will pester you, throw things, break into your car and go as far as beating up other surfers. This gross behavior should not be condoned, but should be avoided, especially by the beginning surfer.

Surf with Aloha. If you are a beginner, or even a veteran surfer, have the right attitude. It’s all about having fun, communing with nature and goofing around. Leave any grudges or bad attitudes at home and surf with aloha, peace and love.

Pick up after yourself. And finally, the best etiquette is always to leave the beach as you found it. Don’t litter whether you are on the beach or on the street. Join an ocean conservation philanthropy like Surfrider Foundation. We only have one ocean so treat it with respect.

Click here for illustrations.

Rebecca Heller is a freelance journalist and keen surfer.
She publishes some of her work at Surfersvillage.com and WahineSurfing.com from time to time.
Rebecca may be contacted as follows;-
Rebecca Heller
REBECCA.HELLER@newline.com

Copyright - Rebecca Heller/WahineSurfing

Learn to Surf - surfmovies.org

Why Surf? : -
Ask anyone why they surf and you will receive many individual answers. To some it is their entire life, to others it is something to do when they have a week in the sun every year. To many, it is simply because there is nothing else like it. It is one of the few sports that uses only the power of nature, pure and natural. It is great fun, and that is the bottom line.

How to start : -
The best way to start surfing, is to get started. The greatest fun can be had from the smallest of wipe-outs. How to start is different for everyone. Most common probably, is going surfing with friends. It´s not important if they can surf, it is about having fun. Surf schools are an excellent option, they usually provide the equipment required, and you start off by learning good habits, under instruction. Progress is generally rapid. Use our Surf Schools Directory or an internet search engine to find a convenient surf school.

Equipment : -
It is not wise to get all the gear required before you actually find out if you like surfing or not. There is some cost in getting yourself fitted out for full time surfing. Check out the Choose a Board, Choose a Wetsuit, and Choose Accessories sections for more information on these equipment requirements.

Begining to Surf : -
Before learning to surf, you must be able to swim. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. Surfboards are built to ride waves, or occasionally to catch waves. In neither case are they built to be a lifesaving device. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not endanger your own life, or the lives of others who may have to come to your rescue, should you be forced to swim.

Before begining to surf you should be able to swim at least 100 metres without stopping. Once you have learned to catch and ride small waves (say up to 1 metre high) then make sure you can swim 500 metres without stopping. If you want to ride 2 metre waves and bigger then be sure you can swim at least 1,000 metres without stopping, and are able to swim at least 25 metres underwater.

Excercise for Surfing : -
You can´t beat swimming as preparation for surfing. Swimming exercises many of the muscles you use to paddle a surfboard, it improves your aerobic fitness, and increases your water confidence. Watch the faces of your non-swimming friends as you paddle past them to catch your second wave, while they are still paddling out to catch their first!

Pre-Surf Warm-up and Stretching :-
Pre-surf warm up and stretching is important. If you wish to surf regularly and be ready for the waves, make sure you do not sustain unnecessary injury. Without going into detail here, ensure that you stretch all the main muscle groups and that you do not enter the water cold.

Some Surfing Do´s And Dont´s : -

Alcohol ; - Save drinking for after surf bragging sessions.
Be Aware ; - of other surfers & water users, the surf conditions, & where you are surfing.
Comfort Zone ; - Surf in waves you are comfortable in, don´t get in over your head.
Fitness ; - Make sure you are physically fit when surfing.
Food ; - Do not go surfing for at least 45 mins after a meal.
Fun ; - Surfing is about fun, keep that in mind when you are in the waves.
Patrolled Beaches ; - When surfing a patrolled beach stay within the designated area.
Priority ; - Always make sure that you are not taking anyone else´s wave.
Practice ; - If you want to improve, be in the water as often as possible.
Respect ; - the locals if you visit a beach. Remember that you are a guest.
Rips ; - If you get caught in a rip, paddle parallel to the beach until you are free
Sun Block ; - Wear a good waterproof sunblock.
Surf Buddy ; - Always surf with at least one other person.
Surf Conditions ; - Make sure the surf is safe. Check it out while warming up.
Throw or Hold ; - Know when to hold onto your surfboard & when to get rid of it.

(When paddling out keep hold of your board, you´ll get out to the line up more quickly, and not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe-out then get rid of your board. An injury is more likely to be sustained if you and your board are getting washed around together). Surfersvillage partners provide more info on Surfing-Waves

Surfmovies.org- Learn to Surf.

Your first surfboard is just that that... a board that will get you into the waves, and easily help you master the basics of paddling, getting into the waves, standing up and getting down the line. A mistake many beginners make is to want the same board the local ripper is using, or their friend that has surfed for some time.

It helps to remember your first board is to learn how to surf a wave rather than look cool. Use it until you feel ready to move on to a board that will give you more performance.

Essential Info About Surfboards:-

The modern surfboard is hand shaped by professional shapers out of foam, and finished with a fibreglass coat. They are light and strong. The leading edge of surfboard design changes quickly. Here are the basic elements you will need to know;

Length : -
The length is the most influential aspect of a board´s design and is a good place to start when considering what dimensions your first surfboard should be. For beginners looking to learn as quickly and as easily as possible, bigger usually means better. A longer board will offer easier paddling and more stability under it´s rider´s feet. Many first time surfboard buyer´s, will find a board that is 18-24 inches taller than it´s rider to be the easiest to learn on. However this may vary, depending on the weight of the surfer too.

Width : -
The width of your first surfboard will determine how stable it feels, and how easy it is to control. A wider board will offer beginning surfers a definite advantage in smaller conditions, and is best for learning on. For this reason the width of a first board should be at least 19 inches or greater.

Thickness : -
The thickness of a surfboard directly affects how well it floats. More floatation means a smoother ride once standing and less fatigue from paddling. For most surfers a thickness of 2.5 inches is sufficient in a first board. However, since the proper thickness is mostly determined by the surfer´s weight heavier surfers may benefit from a thicker board.

Template : -
The term template refers to a board´s overall outline. A board with a template that is wide throughout the nose, center, and tail of the board is best for the beginner. This will offer the rider a more forgiving feel and better overall balance. A fuller template will also make paddling much less difficult.

Choosing the Surfboard you want:-

Shortboard
MiniMalibu
Longboard
Fish
Gun

Surfboards for Beginners
Softboard
Pop-Out

Here is a look at what the essential parts of a surfboard are called.

The Shortboard:-

There are basically four types of surfboard design, plus beginners boards. The first is the Shortboard, also known as the Thruster. This is the type of board that is pictured above. It is a board used to perform quick manoeuvres and is the most popular type of surfboard design. The size of these Shortboards is generally from around 5´8´´ to 6´10´´.

The Longboard or Malibu:-

The main difference in design from a shortboard is that the nose of the Longboard is rounded. Other than that there is no real difference, Shortboards tend to have 3 fins and Longboards tend to have a single fin. (Surfboards can have as many fins as they like, it is not a standard thing). Mini Malibus range from the 7´2´´-9´0´´ and Malibus are 9´0´´ and upwards in length.

The Fish:-

The Fish is very similar to a Shortboard but is smaller in length. The lack of length is made up by an increase in the width of the board, giving it a slightly more rounded shape. Fish are generally between 4´8´´ and 6´0´´.

The Gun:-

The Gun is a bigger version of the Shortboard and is used in the big wave arena. The increased length of the board makes it possible to paddle into bigger waves. The Gun can be anywhere from 7´2´´ in length to over 12´ for the really big waves.

Surfboards For The Beginner:-

The Softboard:-

The best surfboard for a beginner is a Malibu. The bigger, thicker Mals are easier to catch waves with and are more stable to stand up on The ideal board should be at least 9´ long and be made of foam. Foamies as they are called are the ideal board to start on because the soft foam construction means the boards are incredibly buoyant, enabling the beginner to catch waves easily. Their dimensions ensure that they are very stable in the water - making it easier for the novice to stand up.

The Pop-Out:-

A Pop-Out is a surfboard that is made on a production line and is a cheap alternative to a custom made fibreglass surfboard. The Pop-Out is made of foam covered with thick fibreglass and is practically indestructible! As a result of their construction the pop-out is heavier than a softboard or a custom board of equal size, which is good from a learners point of view, because the board is much steadier in the water. The Pop-Out is a good beginners choice because of their cost and the fact that they float really well.

The Pop-Out is a popular choice as a beginners board. They offer more for the average surfer than the soft surfboards, because they have a longer time span where they are still of use as a board to learn to surf on. Another great thing about the Pop-Out is that they are in demand and always have a good resale value. When you have learned to surf on them and are looking to buy a board more suitable to your surfing ability - try finding a second hand one.

Surfboards for Beginners Summary:-

Surfboard Size : -
> No matter what type of board you buy it should be at least 6´´ longer than your own height.
> The wider the board, the more stable on the waves
> The thicker the board the more buoyant it will be, making it easier to paddle and catch waves
> An ultra thin, light shortboard will make learning to surf harder

Type : -
> The best type of beginners surfboard depends on different factors.
> How often you will be surfing, your fitness levels, whether you need to look cool etc.
> Soft boards, longboards, minimals and pop-outs are all great beginners boards
> Shortboards are not such a great beginner board for the average surfer.

New or Old : -
> This depends on a number of factors including budget and availability of boards
> Buying a new soft surfboard is a good idea if you have children or you do not intend to go surfing regularly.
> If you progress quickly in your surfing you will soon need another board more suited to your ability.
> Soft surfboards are for the novice only.
> Good second hand surfboards can be hard to find, take a look at the surfboard buying guide
> With a beginners board you will have to replace it soon, you need a board that you can resell

How Often You Surf : -
> If you surf intermittently go for either a pop-out, mini-mal or malibu
> If you surf 3-4 times a week you can pretty much start on any board you like.
> Surfing this regularly should see you quickly out of the ´novice surfer´ stage

Ding Repair:-

Sooner or later you are going to ding your prized possesion. If you don´t know what you are doing and want to keep the trade in value of your board high and the board looking and working correctly... BRING IT IN TO GET IT FIXED! If you insist on repairing dings yourself, various websites cover this in detail, and ready-to-go repair-kits are available for purchase.

Surfersvillage partners provide more info on Surfing-Waves

Surfmovies.org - Learn to Surf.

Wetsuits come as shorties, full suits, and some have detachable arms and legs. Neoprene comes in different thickness´, from 2 to 6 mm. The thicker the neoprene the warmer the suit. The average Wetsuit will have a zip to make it possible to get in and out of it.

Zips are situated in different places on suits, traditionally down the back. But it can be found across the shoulders or high up on the chest. Latest Wetsuits are made out of neoprene so stretchy that you can get in through the neck.

How it works : -
A Wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between the Wetsuit and the skin. The body temperature of the surfer heats this water giving a warm water blanket. This is why a Wetsuit that fits well is a must. The Wetsuit should be a tight fit (not so tight that you can´t move freely) and there should be no baggy areas where the suit comes away from your body. If it is for cold water, make sure that there is also a tight fitting neck.

Buying a Wetsuit : -
There are two things to keep in mind
First, what size do you need to buy, Second, what type of wetsuit do you need to buy.
If you surf in cold water, a good wetsuit is required, and you should be prepared to pay for it.

Wetsuit size : -
Check out the size charts of the various manufactures to find the suit you need. Below is an example size chart for Quiksilver mens wetsuits.

Which Wetsuit To Buy : -
Good wetsuits are not cheap, on cold days they are worth the investment. Which type of wetsuit you need depends on the water temperature that you surf in. If you are only going to be surfing during the summer months then a spring suit will be fine. If you surf down the bottom of the South Island of New Zealand in the depths of winter you are going to need a 5/3. (5/3 refers to the thickness of the neoprene in millimeters). If the water is going to be very cold you will also need booties, gloves and a wetsuit hood - and for those extra cold days an extra rash vest to help keep the heat in.

´Shortie´ Wetsuit : -
A shortie is for water temperatures above 70F and is made of 2mm neoprene. If boardshorts are a little bit cold then a shortie is just right.

Three Quarter Length / Springsuit : -
Used when the water temperature is between 65-75F and made of 3/2mm neoprene. Great for windy days when it would be too cold in a shortie. The three quarter length refers to the wetsuit having short arms or legs.

Full Suit : -
A full suit is needed for water temperatures below 65F. Depending on how cold the water will be you will either need a 4/3mm or a 5/3mm wetsuit. A 5/3mm suit will be needed if the temperatures get below 60F.

When It Gets Too Cold : -
A titanium rashvest can help with the cold, as will booties, gloves, wetsuit socks and a wetsuit hood. The temperatures quoted are only guidelines as some people feel the cold more than others. If you like comfort go for a thicker suit - but keep in mind that thicker the suit the less flexible it is.

If you surf in extremely cold conditions then you will need a semi-dry suit, and that is a whole other type of suit. Surfersvillage partners provide more info on Surfing-Waves