How to Understand Surfing Right of Way

One of the most important things to learn as a beginning surfer is how to stay out of the way of other surfers.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Women's Athletic Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Adhesive Traction Pads
• Board Shorts
• Surf Leashes
• Surf Waxes
• Surfboard Bags
• Surfboard Ding Repair Kits
• Surfboards
• Surfing Wet Suits

1. Understand that the surfer closest to the breaking wave has the right-of-way.

2. Remember that if you're in the water and a surfer is riding a wave toward you, either paddle for the open shoulder of the wave so that the riding surfer passes well behind you or paddle into the already broken wave so that the rider passes in front of you.

3. Note that if you're sharing a wave with another surfer and the wave starts to break on the far side of the other surfer, he or she has the right-of-way and you must concede the wave.

4. Understand that if the wave peaks and breaks between the two of you, you can both ride the same wave because you will turn away from each other as you each head toward an unbroken shoulder of the wave.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid surfing in crowds until you can catch a wave, stand up and keep control of your board.
• One of the best ways to garner respect when you are learning is to stay out of the way of experienced surfers.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[hansito00]

on 10/13/2008 Learning the rules is probably more important than learnng how to surf. I saw someone get hit by someone else's board today!

[worldwideweapon]

on 5/15/2008 also the first surfer to their feet and furthest out surfer has right of way.

on 1/18/2006 When you are surfing, try going left and right on the waves. If you only go one way, you may get into the habit of not looking the other way and cut other surfers off. It's also hard to gain respect when you only have one dimensional surfing.

on 11/22/2005 If you are surfing on a longboard, or in a crowded spot, let other surfers take a turn. Create good surf karma for yourself by letting the shortboarders and the people around you have a wave or two now and then.

on 11/22/2005 There is the rare occasion when somebody is in front of you and you have the option of going either left or right. Although you may want to go right, you and the other guy may both be able to go if you go left, and vice-versa. Sometimes it just helps the mood if you urge the other guy to go too.