Surfing
The Surfing Code
It doesn't matter where you surf as these rules are pretty much global. Respect other surfers in the lineup by not 'dropping in'. The surfer who is nearest the white water or breaking part of a wave in either direction - left or right has priority on the wave . If you take off on a wave when another surfer is already riding it, heading towards you, you're dropping in - don't do it! When surfing with friends it doesn't matter so much, as long as they don't mind! But 'dropping in' on strangers can result in verbal/physical abuse and generally bring a bad vibe to the water.
Sometimes it can be done by mistake especially when there are lots of surfers, all surfing the same peak and takeoffs are fast. If this is done, make sure you 'kick out' (surf out over the back of the wave) as soon as possible and allow the surfer with priority to continue on their way. A surfer taking off, may shout or whistle if they think you are going to go for a wave on which they have priority (the inside postion) i.e. they are sitting deeper and are therefore nearest the most critical, breaking part of the wave.
You'll sometimes encounter surfers who shout for every wave, no matter what! In this situation a bit of common sense will work wonders. Just do your thing and paddle for the wave and by all means compete for the wave but the 'drop in' rule remains the same.
Snaking
'Snaking' is achieved when a surfer deliberately paddles inside of a surfer who would normally have priority. It's a thin line between paddling for position and deliberately snaking someone. If a surfer for instance took off deeper on a longboard and was up and riding early and you then caught the wave further inside as it reformed and shouted him off then this would be considered 'snaking'. You might also sit tight until the last second and then paddle across someone who is paddling for a wave and take off deeper thus claiming priority. These are all considered to be 'snaking'.
Interference
Do not paddle in front of a surfer who is up and riding or across their path which normally involves paddling for the shoulder or unbroken part of the wave. This can not only ruin the surfers ride but also put both of you in danger. If you paddle for the shoulder and don't make it in time then you could end up being run over and injured by the fins or nose of the board. If surfing reef, the surfer up and riding may have to take avasive action, putting their own life in danger by turning towards rocks on the inside to avoid you. Most competent surfers will do their best to avoid you by cutting back or steering around you and ultimately the rider has responsibility and control over the situation.
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