CODE OF CONDUCT: THE LINEUP

Summer is upon us, and at most of Canada's surf spots that means smaller surf and bigger crowds. Not exactly the kind of equation that makes for happy lineups. With a bit of care and etiquette, though, there's no reason that busy lineups can't be both functional and cordial. Here are a few codes of conduct for newer surfers, as printed in the Spring 2007 issue of SBC Surf.

1. TAKE YOUR TIME

When you pull up to a spot, don’t simply suit up and paddle out right away. Take your time to assess what’s going on: where the waves are breaking, where the pack is sitting, and where the rips and shoulders are . Watching from shore will help you stay oriented once you’re out there. It’s like being above the treeline in the mountains: once you’re actually out there, it becomes exponentially harder to figure out what’s actually going on.

2. BE REALISTIC

A significant portion of the tension and danger in the water is caused by surfers who overestimate their ability. There’s nothing wrong with pushing yourself, but if there’s a crowd and it looks too big, too fast or too heavy for you to consistently make the drop and beat the sections, you should probably think about paddling out at a less challenging spot.

3. NUMBERS MATTER

Every surf spot has a carrying capacity. A beachbreak on a consistent day can handle a far bigger crowd than a pointbreak on a lully one. If the spot you’re checking looks full, with few or no decent waves going unridden, you should probably head somewhere else. There are waves everywhere, and there’s no need to follow the herd .

4. READ THE LINEUP

It’s like walking into a small-town saloon: there are certain barstools reserved for the cowpokes who have been there the longest. When you paddle out, take a minute to figure out who’s out there, as many spots have pecking orders that have been in place for years. Don’t paddle around other surfers, unless they’re clearly not interested in being on the peak. Slot yourself into the order, give the senior members of the lineup the respect they deserve, and before too long you’ll be alone out back with the set of the day stacking up in front of you .

5. DON’T DROP IN

It’s simple: whoever’s closest to the curl of the wave has the right of way. If someone’s deeper than you and clearly making it, let them have it. Don’t paddle for a wave someone’s riding, and don’t drop in. If others are doing it, don’t fall to the lowest common denominator. Lead by good example. At A-frames and beachbreaks where surfers can go either left or right, clear communication is necessary: goin’ right!

6. BEWARE THE ZONE

The impact zone is one place you don’t want to be. If you’re stuck inside, don’t take the shortcut to the peak, as it’ll take you straight through the path of people taking off. Paddle out to the shoulder and around the back. If you’re on the inside and there’s a surfer coming at you, paddle behind them – even if it means being worked by a wave. If you can’t get behind them, paddle straight out and they’ll go around. Stay alert at all times, and get out of the impact zone as quickly as possible.

7. DON’T DITCH YOUR BOARD

Loose board injuries are the most preventable accident in surfing. If you’re faced with a wave breaking in front or on top of you, hold on to your board at all costs. A loose surfboard caught in the lip of a wave is a savagely dangerous thing to everyone in the water. Even if you’re going to get beaten hard, HOLD ON . The only time it’s remotely O.K. to ditch is in genuinely heavy surf – and that’s only after a check that there’s no one else behind.

8. IT’S ABOUT THE ALOHA

There’s no need for stinkeye and attitude. We’re all incredibly fortunate to be able to spend our time in the surf. Don’t forget that, and don’t leave your basic manners on the beach. Nod hello, and don’t be afraid to hoot for people you don’t know taking off on beautiful waves. That being said, if the vibe in the lineup is quiet, go with it – nobody likes a Nattering Nancy. It’s about the aloha, people. Let’s keep it that way.