Kiri Binnersly, AWSA Regional Surf Network rep, reflects on the importance of surf etiquette

As the ocean gets busier, understanding surfing etiquette is more crucial than ever. With more people in the lineup, knowing how to navigate the surf safely and respectfully ensures that everyone enjoys their time in the water without unnecessary collisions or conflicts.

I have had many experiences at Manu Bay where I have been on a wave, traveling at speed, only to have someone paddle up the green face to avoid the whitewash—right into my path. This has resulted in multiple collisions where my board has hit paddlers simply because they didn't understand basic surf etiquette. Situations like this highlight why it is essential to talk about etiquette in the water; it's as fundamental as knowing table manners when sitting down for a meal.

A recent experience: The importance of awareness

Not long ago, I had an incident that reinforced the need for surfers to understand the rules of the lineup. I was riding a wave, going fast down the line, when another surfer dropped in on me. There was no time to react, and I ended up hitting her. Our leg ropes became tangled, and as we worked to untangle them, she landed on top of me again. We spoke immediately after; I checked that she was okay and assessed my board, which appeared fine. She apologised and admitted she had been trying hard not to drop in but mistakenly thought I had fallen off the wave. I reassured her that the most important thing was that we were both okay and gently reminded her to always double-check before taking off.

She was lucky that it was me on that wave and not a grumpy guy. I have had my fair share of being yelled at in the lineup, but those moments taught me quickly where to sit and where not to sit. After our chat, we laughed it off and continued our surf. However, I later found out that her board was significantly damaged, and she had gone in.

Learning the basics: Observing and respecting the lineup

I didn’t grow up surfing from a young age. My dad bought me a surfboard at 18, and I spent about three summers in Mount Maunganui, practicing in the beach breaks during the holidays. When I was 17, I was also thrown into the deep end, literally, teaching surfing at the Mount. This experience helped me understand the ocean, etiquette, and the importance of positioning in the lineup.

When I finally progressed to surfing point breaks, I didn’t paddle straight into the pack and expect waves. I sat on the shoulder, observed, and watched how the experienced surfers moved. This was how I learned, and it helped me avoid getting in the way. I have had moments at the beach where I was in the wrong and was told off—but those experiences shaped my understanding and respect for surfing etiquette.

The rise of surf entitlement

It seems like the new generation of surfers wants everything instantly, like a TikTok trend or fast food—without putting in the time to learn the fundamentals. But surfing is not a sport where you can skip the learning curve.

Understanding etiquette isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s about respecting the ocean, the people around you, and the unwritten rules that have long been in place to keep the lineup safe and fair. Know where to sit, know when to paddle, and most importantly, always look before you drop in. The ocean isn’t just yours—it belongs to everyone, and respecting it will make the experience better for all.

Surfing etiquette - The Do's and Don’ts

Surfing etiquette is essential for all surfers, from beginners to experts. It’s the code of conduct that ensures a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone in the water. By following a few key do's and don'ts, you'll help foster a positive surfing environment and minimise the risks for everyone involved.

The Do’s

DO learn the basics of surfing before you hit the waves. Understanding the fundamentals will help keep you safe and improve your overall experience. Not sure where to start? Book a lesson with a reputable surfing school.
DO respect the locals. They are likely familiar with the conditions and waves, as they surf the break daily. A little local respect goes a long way.
DO surf in areas suitable for your skill level. This reduces the chance of injury and ensures a safer surfing experience for you and others.
DO always wear a leg rope. It prevents your board from drifting away and potentially colliding with another surfer or swimmer.
DO take turns when surfing with others. Sharing the waves helps prevent overcrowding and minimises the risk of collisions.
DO stay aware of other surfers and obstacles in the water while riding the wave. This increases your safety and helps avoid accidents.
DO apologise if you make a mistake. If you accidentally drop in on someone or get in their way, owning up to it shows good manners and respect for others.
DO clean up any trash you bring to the beach. Surfers often lead the charge in keeping coastal areas clean, so take part by picking up any litter you see.
DO stay informed about the conditions before heading out. Check the weather, tides, and wave height to ensure they are within your ability and comfort zone.

By following these simple do’s, you’ll not only enjoy your surfing experience more but also contribute to a positive and respectful community in the water.

The Don’ts

Avoid crowded surf areas while you're still learning. Being surrounded by others can increase the risk of accidents, and you may unintentionally collide with another surfer or their board.
Steer clear of areas marked with flags or surf too close to swimmers. This not only endangers your safety but can also put others at risk.
Don’t paddle straight out to the lineup if you’re a beginner, unless the waves are small. Take the time to learn your limits, build your confidence, and practice in the whitewash or smaller waves closer to shore until you're comfortable with your board control and skills.
Never drop in on another surfer’s wave. This is not only disrespectful but can also lead to dangerous situations.
Avoid throwing your board away from you when an oncoming wave approaches. This can be hazardous for other surfers. Instead, use techniques like the eskimo roll to duck-dive your board safely under the wave.
Don’t choose the largest wave of the set if you're not confident in your abilities. Opting for bigger waves before you’re ready can put you and other surfers in danger.
Refrain from cutting off another surfer by paddling directly in front of or around them. Respect the surf etiquette to ensure everyone's safety.

And finally... Be a responsible surfer. This means respecting the rules, showing courtesy toward others, and protecting the environment. Responsible surfing helps maintain a positive reputation for the sport and ensures everyone enjoys their time on the water.

The new level of entitlement in surfing and the importance of etiquette