Surfing Etiquette & Rules
Surfing tends to be pretty free form but there are certain accepted rules, mostly based on safety and common sense, that you should adhere to not only in Rincon, Puerto Rico, but other place as well.
These rules are well established throughout the world and bring order to what would otherwise be a nightmarish and chaotic sport, with everyone running over each other resulting in dinged boards and lots of waves going
un-ridden due to confusion.
These rules apply to body boarders, short and long boarders, surf skiers and kayakers.
1. Always look inside- before you commit yourself to the wave ALWAYS look inside (toward the apex of the wave) to see if someone is already on or about to take off on the wave. If you don't you could be putting yourself and another rider in serious danger because you may cause a collision.
Both you and your board will get hurt and so too will the other surfer. You could be asked to pay for any damage you cause to the other surfer's board as well as receiving a real dressing down.
2. Wave ownership - The person closest to the breaking part of the wave has the right of way. Caveat: If someone is up and riding, paddling into the wave behind them does not give you the wave. Also note: In many low-key breaks, the first person paddling for the wave owns it. Do not expect this to apply in crowded conditions.
A surfer taking off on one side of a peak does not have right of way over a surfer who has already caught or is riding the other shoulder. This means a surfer cannot cross under the peak to the opposite shoulder and expect right of way if it is already occupied.
A wave rider must try to avoid all other swimmers or surfers.
3. Dropping in - 'Dropping in' is when you take off on a wave in front of someone else who is about to or is already up and riding and obstruct or interfere with their right of way. Don't do this. Ever. No exceptions.
For example, you see this nice wave coming and you either don't see or don't care about the guy on your inside already paddling or already on the wave. You get up and spoil his ride while your plans on riding the white water to shore go as planned. Please respect other people's right of way.
Remember: If you 'Drop In' on someone unintentionally then make sure you apologize to them for your error and let them know that no harm was intended. Generally they will accept your apology.
4. Paddling out - When paddling out, if you must get over a wave that someone is riding, paddle behind them (on the white water side). This allows them to continue riding the wave without having to dodge you. It generally means getting knocked around by the wave for the sake of someone else's ride. Take comfort in the hope that they would do the same for you.
Also when you get out the back remember that others were waiting for a wave well before you so don't paddle round them and park yourself on their inside in order to take the next wave. This is a selfish and un sportsman like act and not the way to have a friendly surf.
Remember: Do not paddle in front of someone unless you are so sure that you will be 20 feet in front of them that you are willing to bet the well-being of your board, your car and your nose on it.
5. Attitude - If you are having a bad day then take your 'bad attitude' somewhere else. No one wins an argument, especially in the surf. Your and their day's surfing will be ruined. Surfing is supposed to be FUN and exhilarating not an unpleasant experience.
Hey, don't be rude to anyone in the parking lot or wherever you are, it just isn't cool. You'll wind up having a bad day. Also, please watch out for other people, their gear and other cars when leaving the parking lot.
Remember: You are entitled to make your point and voice your opinion. The hard thing to do is to leave it at that. Keep in mind that fellow surfers will respect you more if you do.
6. Accidents - Always apologize if you make a mistake. If you are involved in or near a collision then stop what you're doing and make sure that everyone is okay. Above all, keep a good attitude.
Remember: You are out there to enjoy yourself while participating in an exhilarating sport. Say "hola or hello" to your fellow surfers and you will all have a better day.
7. Tow-In Surfers - The general rule is that if there are paddlers around then you should go somewhere else. This is just plain courtesy and will save you becoming VERY unpopular with your fellow surfers.
These rules are well established throughout the world and bring order to what would otherwise be a nightmarish and chaotic sport, with everyone running over each other resulting in dinged boards and lots of waves going
un-ridden due to confusion.
These rules apply to body boarders, short and long boarders, surf skiers and kayakers.
1. Always look inside- before you commit yourself to the wave ALWAYS look inside (toward the apex of the wave) to see if someone is already on or about to take off on the wave. If you don't you could be putting yourself and another rider in serious danger because you may cause a collision.
Both you and your board will get hurt and so too will the other surfer. You could be asked to pay for any damage you cause to the other surfer's board as well as receiving a real dressing down.
2. Wave ownership - The person closest to the breaking part of the wave has the right of way. Caveat: If someone is up and riding, paddling into the wave behind them does not give you the wave. Also note: In many low-key breaks, the first person paddling for the wave owns it. Do not expect this to apply in crowded conditions.
A surfer taking off on one side of a peak does not have right of way over a surfer who has already caught or is riding the other shoulder. This means a surfer cannot cross under the peak to the opposite shoulder and expect right of way if it is already occupied.
A wave rider must try to avoid all other swimmers or surfers.
3. Dropping in - 'Dropping in' is when you take off on a wave in front of someone else who is about to or is already up and riding and obstruct or interfere with their right of way. Don't do this. Ever. No exceptions.
For example, you see this nice wave coming and you either don't see or don't care about the guy on your inside already paddling or already on the wave. You get up and spoil his ride while your plans on riding the white water to shore go as planned. Please respect other people's right of way.
Remember: If you 'Drop In' on someone unintentionally then make sure you apologize to them for your error and let them know that no harm was intended. Generally they will accept your apology.
4. Paddling out - When paddling out, if you must get over a wave that someone is riding, paddle behind them (on the white water side). This allows them to continue riding the wave without having to dodge you. It generally means getting knocked around by the wave for the sake of someone else's ride. Take comfort in the hope that they would do the same for you.
Also when you get out the back remember that others were waiting for a wave well before you so don't paddle round them and park yourself on their inside in order to take the next wave. This is a selfish and un sportsman like act and not the way to have a friendly surf.
Remember: Do not paddle in front of someone unless you are so sure that you will be 20 feet in front of them that you are willing to bet the well-being of your board, your car and your nose on it.
5. Attitude - If you are having a bad day then take your 'bad attitude' somewhere else. No one wins an argument, especially in the surf. Your and their day's surfing will be ruined. Surfing is supposed to be FUN and exhilarating not an unpleasant experience.
Hey, don't be rude to anyone in the parking lot or wherever you are, it just isn't cool. You'll wind up having a bad day. Also, please watch out for other people, their gear and other cars when leaving the parking lot.
Remember: You are entitled to make your point and voice your opinion. The hard thing to do is to leave it at that. Keep in mind that fellow surfers will respect you more if you do.
6. Accidents - Always apologize if you make a mistake. If you are involved in or near a collision then stop what you're doing and make sure that everyone is okay. Above all, keep a good attitude.
Remember: You are out there to enjoy yourself while participating in an exhilarating sport. Say "hola or hello" to your fellow surfers and you will all have a better day.
7. Tow-In Surfers - The general rule is that if there are paddlers around then you should go somewhere else. This is just plain courtesy and will save you becoming VERY unpopular with your fellow surfers.
Safety Tips
People - The major annoyances when it comes to surfing are other people. Now that surfing is so popular (it has its down sides), everyone is in the water. This of course leads to many people being in each other's way. Please respect other people and their right of way or you can, and sometimes will, get hurt.
Beginners - We all started off here at one time so please be patient with those learning to surf and give them some room. Maybe if you give them a hint or two on how to surf it would not go astray as the more we teach them the sooner they will learn and make everyone's surfing a lot less stressful. Say, hello today!
The Ocean - Ah, the ocean. How calm, soothing, and deadly it can be for those who panic when they do not know what to do. You really do not have much to worry about if you just follow some simple rules.
Rips - We always hear how dangerous they are, but are they really? They are usually a good way to get outside when first paddling out. If you get caught in one, you can either try paddling PARALLEL to the shore to get out of it, or just let it take you more outside (you won't be going out to the mid-ocean, OK) and then paddle out of it.
Currents - Have you ever noticed that while you are surfing, you tend to drift south or north... well this is a current. They can be strong, bad or very weak. The only way around a strong current is to paddle to keep yourself in position, if you want arms of steel and a sore back. Or just catch a few waves, go in to shore, walk back along the beach (further than you would normally) and paddle back out.
Advice - If you are not a good swimmer ask a life guard or life saver for the best spots to swim and where the rips and currents are.
The Weather - Here are some of the weather related issues you must pay particular attention to.
Direct Sun - Please, if you are going out surfing when it is sunny wear sun block! You will thank yourself when you are older and do not have to go the doctors because of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days wear sun block. We recommend you use a water resistant brand and is at least SPF 30. Make sure you cover your nose, ears and back of the neck. This way you will not look like a freak because you forgot to wear block and are peeling all over your body.
Cold Water - We hate it and therefore so must you! If you are a working person then the mornings and evenings are the only time you usually get to go out. At these times it gets cold, especially in the winter when a nice little breeze decides to pick up. Solution: wear your steamer and booties, if necessary, gloves. If it is really cold maybe wear some head gear. This way you can stay in the water longer and catch more waves.
Why is there always some person wearing just board shorts on a cold day? Who cares! As long as you are comfortable. Remember different people have different tolerances to cold, for a while.
Enjoy your surf and surf safely - that is all that matters!
(reprinted by permission from Gumby Lock)
Beginners - We all started off here at one time so please be patient with those learning to surf and give them some room. Maybe if you give them a hint or two on how to surf it would not go astray as the more we teach them the sooner they will learn and make everyone's surfing a lot less stressful. Say, hello today!
The Ocean - Ah, the ocean. How calm, soothing, and deadly it can be for those who panic when they do not know what to do. You really do not have much to worry about if you just follow some simple rules.
Rips - We always hear how dangerous they are, but are they really? They are usually a good way to get outside when first paddling out. If you get caught in one, you can either try paddling PARALLEL to the shore to get out of it, or just let it take you more outside (you won't be going out to the mid-ocean, OK) and then paddle out of it.
Currents - Have you ever noticed that while you are surfing, you tend to drift south or north... well this is a current. They can be strong, bad or very weak. The only way around a strong current is to paddle to keep yourself in position, if you want arms of steel and a sore back. Or just catch a few waves, go in to shore, walk back along the beach (further than you would normally) and paddle back out.
Advice - If you are not a good swimmer ask a life guard or life saver for the best spots to swim and where the rips and currents are.
The Weather - Here are some of the weather related issues you must pay particular attention to.
Direct Sun - Please, if you are going out surfing when it is sunny wear sun block! You will thank yourself when you are older and do not have to go the doctors because of skin cancer. Even on cloudy days wear sun block. We recommend you use a water resistant brand and is at least SPF 30. Make sure you cover your nose, ears and back of the neck. This way you will not look like a freak because you forgot to wear block and are peeling all over your body.
Cold Water - We hate it and therefore so must you! If you are a working person then the mornings and evenings are the only time you usually get to go out. At these times it gets cold, especially in the winter when a nice little breeze decides to pick up. Solution: wear your steamer and booties, if necessary, gloves. If it is really cold maybe wear some head gear. This way you can stay in the water longer and catch more waves.
Why is there always some person wearing just board shorts on a cold day? Who cares! As long as you are comfortable. Remember different people have different tolerances to cold, for a while.
Enjoy your surf and surf safely - that is all that matters!
(reprinted by permission from Gumby Lock)
