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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

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.