The Waluaa Guide to Surf Etiquette & Navigating the Lineup

Paddling out to a new surf lineup can be intimidating, no matter what level of surfer you are. If you’re new to surfing, the lineup may seem like a daunting and even unwelcoming place full of hard-to-understand unwritten rules and crabby locals who enforce them. While there are some lineups around the world with more than their fair share of crabby locals, once you understand the ins and outs of surf etiquette, you’ll be able to seamlessly blend into any surf lineup on the planet, as long as you’re surfing within your skill level. If you’re learning to surf, take the time to understand lineup dynamics and politics of the lineup to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. At Waluaa, we integrate surf theory into all of our Panama surf lessons, so our guests understand how to surf safely around others. Continue reading below for The Waluaa Guide to Surf Etiquette & Navigating the Lineup.

Surf Etiquette Rule #1: Understanding Priority & How Not to Drop in on Other Surfers

For non-surfers, it may be hard to understand how surfers decide who gets to go on any given wave. Fortunately for the sanctity of lineups everywhere, there’s a universal system in place that’s fair and easy to understand. If two more surfers are paddling for the same wave, the surfer closest to the peak of the wave has priority on that wave. The peak is the highest point on the wave, where it begins breaking first. If the wave is an a-frame, meaning it breaks from the middle in two directions, two surfers may split the peak and surf in opposite directions without violating surf etiquette.

Surf Etiquette Rule #2: Don’t Ditch Your Board

If you’re surfing in a crowded lineup, keeping tabs on your board is vital to the safety of those around you. If you ditch your board while paddling out, you could seriously injure other surfers. Whether you’re riding a shortboard or a longboard, it’s critical to always maintain control over your board. When turtle rolling or duck diving, always keep a firm grip on your board to avoid accidents. The only situation where ditching your board is acceptable in surf etiquette is when no other surfers are near you.

Surf Etiquette Rule #3: Paddle Around the Lineup

When you’re paddling out to a point break like the one in Santa Catalina, Malibu, or anywhere else in the world, paddle around the lineup, not through it. Point and reef breaks typically have single peaks, so it’s easy to identify where surfers are taking off and riding. Beach breaks have multiple peaks, so you may find yourself in a surfer’s path when paddling out. If you can, always give the surfer the right of way by paddling behind them into the breaking wave rather than in their way down the line.

Surf Etiquette Rule #4: Don’t Snake

Priority dictates that the surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way, but paddling around other surfers at the last minute to get priority is considered snaking and is frowned upon by other surfers. If you’re unable to get to the peak without back paddling another surfer, then give up the wave and try for the next one.

Surf Etiquette Rule #5: Surf Within Your Limits

Every surfer has limits. There’s no shame in showing up to the beach and not paddling out. If you’re unsure that you can stay safe in the water, then don’t paddle out. Surfing is all about enjoying yourself and pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone within reason. Understanding when to not push those boundaries is one of the most important lessons a surfer can learn.

During your Panama surf retreat, you’ll learn the ins and outs of surf etiquette so you can continue to progress on your surfing journey on your own. We strive to create lifelong surfers, not just provide a thrill and a photo op during your vacation. If you’re eager to learn to surf, consider a surf retreat to Santa Catalina, Panama with us! To find out more about our retreat programs and schedule, head to our website. Stay tuned to the Waluaa blog for more surf and travel tips and news.

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