Surf Etiquette or Surfer's Code

Basic rules for Begginners:

If you are a beginner, don't get in the water where you see a lot of surfers. Do the opposite, always try to find an uncrowded spot in the water with plenty of room. It can be dangerous for you and other surfers.

If you are going to paddle for a wave and see someone in front of you, and you still don't have enough confidence, don't risk it ! Let the wave go by. You could fall and hurt that person very badly with the surfboard's fins or noose.

Basic rules for everybody:

• Never drop in on someone's wave.
• Always look to your left and right while paddling, to make sure that no one is going the wave before you try to get up.
• Avoid surfing a point break when it is busy with locals. If you do, do not hustle like at home !
• Stay in the shoulder of the wave and wait for your turn, it's a sign of respect towards the locals
• Never paddle for position through the inside. Always through the outside !
• If a local drops in on you and paddles around you, don't say anything and avoid problems.
• Try not to reach the peak in group. Crowds usually bring problems.
• Spread across the sea. Some people like to go where other surfers already are. It is not necessarily the best break ! Look for the waves,  and not for the crowd.
• Do not litter the beach, the parking lot or anywhere!