1st published 30.7.21 | last updated 11.4.25

Grasping the priority rule in surfing is vital, both for your safety and for the safety of other surfers. By following the rules, everyone can enjoy the waves without conflict. And while there’s always someone who “drops in” or “snakes” a wave, you definitely don’t want to be that person.

Here’s how a drop-in happens: Surfer A, let’s call him Bill, is closest to the breaking wave. He paddles into it and catches the wave, only to realize that Surfer B (Bob, aka the dropper-in) has paddled in from further outside and is now riding the same wave. This blocks Bill from completing his ride, and there’s a risk the two could collide—whether by accident or intention—which never ends well.

While drop-ins can happen by accident, here’s how you can avoid them by following the three

L’s: Look, Listen, and Learn

⇒ LOOK to your inside toward the breaking wave before you commit. Make sure no one is already in position to catch it.

⇒ LISTEN for a hoot or whistle from the surfer in position. This is a common warning that they are about to take off.

⇒ LEARN from your mistakes. If you do drop in on someone, get off the wave as quickly as possible, apologize, and check that the other surfer is okay before continuing your session.

A more subtle, yet potentially more offensive maneuver is snaking—a sneaky exploitation of the commonly understood drop-in rule. It’s often practiced by advanced and/or aggressive surfers, and it can lead to tension in the lineup if not handled respectfully.

Here’s how snaking works: Bill, having waited his turn and positioned himself properly, begins paddling for the wave. Bob (the snake), biding his time, waits until Bill is fully focused on catching the wave. Then, as Bill gets ready, Bob makes a quick move to the inside and takes off, claiming the wave as his own. If both surfers end up riding the same wave, it may appear that Bill has dropped in, and he’ll be blamed for the situation. However, most surfers (and onlookers) will know that Bob is the one who was in the wrong. The key difference between snaking and a drop-in is that snaking is rarely accidental.

Unlike drop-ins, which often result from miscommunication or misjudgment, snaking is a deliberate attempt to take priority of a wave when someone else is already in position. It’s often viewed as a form of aggressive behavior that disrespects the natural flow of the surf lineup. In crowded surf spots, snaking can lead to frustration and conflict, especially when surfers try to assert their dominance by cutting off others who are waiting their turn.

How to avoid snaking:

• Be patient: Trust the lineup and wait your turn. Everyone in the water has an equal right to the waves.
• Respect other surfers’ positioning: If someone is already paddling for a wave or is closer to the peak, give them space.
• Understand local surf culture: Every surf spot has its own vibe, and understanding how surfers interact at your local break can help you avoid making enemies. In places with heavy traffic, it’s even more important to follow the rules to keep the peace.

Snaking may seem like an easy way to catch more waves, but it often leads to more trouble than it’s worth. Surfers who snake are often disliked and can create an atmosphere of tension, rather than camaraderie. So, if you want to maintain good relationships in the surf community and have a positive experience, it’s best to avoid snaking altogether.

Surf etiquette isn’t just about priority and snaking—it’s also about respecting the local surf culture and the unspoken rules that vary from place to place. Whether you’re at a well-known spot or a remote break, understanding and adapting to the local vibe is essential for a positive surfing experience.

Local surfers take great pride in their home spots, and it’s crucial to acknowledge their familiarity with the waves and their connection to the area. If you’re a visitor or a newcomer to a surf spot, it’s essential to show respect. This means not paddling out and trying to dominate waves right away or behaving aggressively in the lineup.

How to respect the local surf culture:

• Observe first: Before paddling out, watch the waves for a while to see how the locals are behaving. This will give you insight into the flow of the session and the way surfers interact.
• Be humble: If you’re in a new surf spot, it’s okay to start by taking it easy and letting the locals take the more powerful waves. Show that you’re there to enjoy the surf, not to take over.
• Communicate: If you’re unsure about where to sit or how things work at a particular spot, don’t hesitate to ask a local surfer. A friendly approach can go a long way in building positive rapport and ensuring you’re not stepping on anyone’s toes.

Respecting the local culture not only ensures a smooth session but also helps foster a sense of community. Surfing is about sharing the waves, and when everyone respects each other and the environment, the experience becomes much more enjoyable for all involved.

This is a fundamental rule in surfing, where the surfer closest to the breaking wave has priority. This means that if you’re paddling out and another surfer is already in position to catch the wave, you must give them the right of way. You should avoid paddling in front of someone who is already in the line-up, as this can block their chance to catch the wave.

Paddling straight in front of a surfer riding a wave is one of the quickest ways to cause a collision. If you’re paddling out and need to get around a surfer riding, it’s best to paddle wide and out of their path. This not only keeps you safe but also prevents disrupting the other surfer’s ride.

This is a violation of the priority rule. If someone is already riding a wave, you should never paddle into their path or try to take their wave. Dropping in on another surfer can lead to dangerous situations and bad blood in the lineup.

The impact zone is where the waves break, and it’s typically where surfers catch waves. If you’re not riding a wave or waiting to paddle out, try not to linger in the impact zone, as it can cause congestion and confusion. It’s better to sit just outside the breaking waves where you’ll be out of the way of others.

Keep your board under control at all times. Avoid flailing it around when paddling or when you’re not actively riding a wave. In crowded surf spots, it’s easy to accidentally hit another surfer with your board, which could cause injury. Always be aware of your surroundings and handle your board with care.

In the surfing community, helping each other out is essential. If you see a fellow surfer struggling to get back on their board or in need of assistance, offer a helping hand. Surfing is about more than just individual rides; it’s about community, respect, and sharing the stoke with others.

At the end of the day, surfing is a sport that takes place in nature, and respecting the ocean is a top priority. Always be mindful of the environment, clean up after yourself, and take care of the beaches you surf at. Follow all environmental guidelines to ensure the ocean remains a safe and sustainable place for future generations of surfers.

The channel is the area between waves, where surfers paddle to get back out to the lineup. Don’t sit in the channel or block it by paddling slowly. This area is essential for surfers to paddle out to catch their next wave, so make sure to keep it clear.

If the surf is crowded, it’s important to be patient and not overcrowd the lineup. More surfers mean more competition for waves, so avoid paddling for every wave that comes your way. Share the waves and respect others’ space in the lineup.

If you’re a more experienced surfer, be mindful of beginners in the water. Help them out if they need assistance, and avoid pushing them out of the way for waves. If you’re in a beginner area, try not to catch waves that they might be targeting, and always give them the space they need to practice.

By following these rules of surfing etiquette, you contribute to a safer, more enjoyable environment for yourself and others. Surfing is about respect—respect for the ocean, the people you share it with, and the culture that surrounds it. So, next time you’re out on the waves, remember these rules, and you’ll make the experience better for everyone involved!