Does surfing have rules? We are not talking about a competition but about the free practice of this sport. We can call them rules, good practices or standards of education or behaviour of a good surfer. It doesn’t matter what they are called, the important thing is to know what the unwritten rules of surfing are and understand their importance in order to be able to enjoy this sport in safety and without creating problems or bad feelings with other surfers.

In reality, almost all of them could be summed up in two words: respect and education. But we will be more concise and clear because we like to teach everyone who comes to our surf school in Fuerteventura Surfintrip.

Surfing: unwritten rules you should know

1 – Respect the turn, the most important of the surfing rules

Surf spots with good waves are usually very crowded and even if nobody asks every time, there is a turn to catch the waves.

  • Those who arrived before you have the preference. Don’t skip your turn, no matter the rush that you have to catch the waves, we can all wait!
  • If you paddle a wave and don’t catch it, you have lost your turn.
  • Always look before paddling a wave to see if there is anyone who has already caught the wave. If you are a beginner, it might be difficult for you to pay attention to everything, but it is very important for safety.
  • Do not interfere in the trajectory of others; If you return to the peak after catching a wave, make it across the channel without getting in the way of the surfer or go into the foam of the wave in the opposite direction of the trajectory of the surfer that surfing the face of the wave.

2 – Understand your level and your capacities

Another of the rules of surfing is not to go “surf spots” with waves that you are not able to surf. Put you out of your comfort zone is fine, but it takes years and you can’t skip steps for your safety and that of others. Also, go to “surf spots” that are too difficult for you will prevent others to enjoy this sport and you wont bring anything positive, be patient and go step by step, you will avoid fears and you will enjoy the experience much more and you will not be frustrated.

3 – Respecting the “local” surfers on the beach is a basic rule of surfing

Among the rules of surfing there is education when you arrive at a beach you are not used to go. It’s not that the place already has owners, but out of courtesy and respect, the logical thing to do is to be considerate of the locals.

  • Saying hello when you arrive and goodbye when you leave is a basic educational rule that every surfer should keep in mind.
  • Don’t paddle all the waves. Even if you really want to catch lots of waves, controll yourself. Understand the existing dynamics and the tacit precedence system.
  • Avoid going in groups to a “surf spot” that you don’t know or don’t usually go to. It can be tempting to go with a group of friends but it is considered respectful to go with two or three people at the most. Large groups tend to make surfing in crowded places difficult.
  • Don’t squirm rowing towards the peak. Be kind, respectful, don’t brazenly go to the peak. Use common sense to pick the right time and do it appropriately.
  • If you get to the beach and there are good waves, go surfing. Don’t waste your time calling a dozen friends who fill the beach and cause crowding. But, above all, don’t give the alert live on social media. Also, the more people, the fewer waves you will catch so enjoy surfing.

4 – Take care of everyone’s safety while surfing : basic rules to avoid risks

Unwritten surfing rules help to improve safety and help create a good atmosphere, to avoid misunderstandings and problems.

  • Never let the board go away from you, no matter what.
  • In peak A-frame surf “spots,” say others which wave you are about to catch.
  • Do not go to surf “spots” that are not suitable for your level.
  • Do not paddle in front of a surfer who is surfing the wave.

5 – Enjoy and protect the environment: take care of the beach

Does surfing have rules to take care of the environment? Implicit and unwritten, yes. Do not leave rubbish on the sand or in the sea. Never, whether you surf or not, caring for the environment is for everyone, and that goes for any space, not just the beach.

Believe us when we tell you that all these rules are very easy to understand when you start surfing. With respect and politeness you can get anywhere and if you arrive at the beach and you have any doubts, I’m sure that asking any of the local surfers will give you the best advice to adapt to the surf “spot” and enjoy this beautiful sport in a relaxed way, in a respectful environment and in good company.