How to Catch Waves in a Crowded Lineup

With surfing's growing popularity over the last decade, crowed lineups are the norm, not the exception. Don't let a clogged lineup deter you from going for a surf though; all you need is a good strategy, because if you assert yourself, you still may catch that perfect wave in a sea full of surfers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. On crowded days it's a good idea to first surmise the lineup. As you do so, ask yourself some basic questions, like, "Are the best waves being ridden only set waves, or are the in between ones, or non-set waves just as good, but smaller?" And, "Do good, rideable set waves ever swing wide of the pack and break in a less crowded part of the lineup?"

2. After getting a feel for what's going on out there, suit up, wax your board, attach your leash and paddle out to your pre-chosen destination.

3. Once in the lineup, just try and blend in, not drawing attention to yourself, and again, surmise the crowd again. See who is catching the majority of the best waves, who is continually letting waves go by and look for a gap or empty space amongst all the other surfers.

4. When a set wave finally does come in, do not paddle for the first wave. All of the people already out will be doing the same. Instead paddle directly for the best takeoff area with the intention of catching either the second, third or even fourth wave of the set.

5. When you finally are in position to catch a wave, you have to make it. Now, that doesn't mean that you have to ride it like a pro, you just can't blow it; otherwise, the rest of the surfers around you will be merciless based on your initial performance.

6. If these steps do not work, you can always paddle away from the crowd-20 to 30 yards-and pray that a random wave comes to you. You'd be surprised how often they will, just don't expect the waves to be as consistent, or well shaped as the main peak, or else this area would be similarly crowded.