Shared water / field note 11
Respect the Lineup
Surf etiquette is a practical way to prevent collisions, protect access and make room for people who know a break well.
The wave has a direction and a rider.
In general, the surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave has priority. Do not paddle for the same wave simply because you are already moving. If you accidentally take someone’s wave, get out of their line safely, apologise, and wait your turn.
At busy points such as Malibu or popular reef lineups such as Waikiki, watching the rhythm from shore is a courteous first move.
A practical checklist
- Look behind you before taking off; a board needs a clear path.
- Paddle wide of the take-off zone when possible, rather than through people riding.
- Hold onto your board when it is safe to do so; never throw it toward others.
- Do not snake repeatedly into priority position or drop in on a rider already committed.
- Give learners and instructors extra room in whitewater zones.
- Ask respectfully about local rules, access paths and areas to avoid.
- Take litter with you and avoid trampling dunes, vegetation or fragile reef.
Etiquette is not a substitute for judgement.
Priority rules do not require anyone to take a dangerous line. If avoiding a collision means kicking out, do that. If the lineup is beyond your current control level, return to shore. Courtesy works best alongside alertness, humility and willingness to make a smaller choice.