RULES AND LEVEL OF SURFER
Surfing involves more than just standing up after catching a wave. Surf etiquette refers to the accepted norms among surfers regarding how to catch a wave. These “rules” are more like guidelines to maintain everyone’s happiness and safety in the water than actual rules. The basic dos and don’ts of surfing are listed here.
Proper Direction
The surfer closest to the wave’s peak (highest point) has the right of way. This means that if a surfer to your left wants to catch the same wave as you are seeing on the right side of the wave’s peak, you must give them the right of way.
Do Not Enter
You can alter their course on the lock by taking off on the wave in front of another surfer. Dropping in on someone is incredibly intrusive and risky.
Avoid Snake
To the snake, someone on a wave refers to positioning oneself to obtain first dibs on a wave by paddling around another surfer. It isn’t enjoyable even while no one is in immediate danger due to this. A lineup is something that happens during surfing. Snaking someone implies you cut in, which is unacceptable to surfers and will lose you a lot of respect. This is essentially a line for catching waves.
Never throw your board away.
It might be risky to drop your board before diving under a wave, especially if it’s packed. Surfboards are enormous and heavy, and dumping them before you dive beneath a big wave can eventually result in someone getting hit in the head. Try always to keep control of and in contact with your board. This rule can be particularly challenging for newcomers, but developing good habits can make it much simpler later on.
Communicate Your Intentions “Yep!” was shouted in a hurry.” “Left/right, I’m going!” will give other surfers enough time to move out of your path or decide whether they want to catch the wave in the opposite direction. To maintain the respect of other swimmers who surf, you must keep a pleasant tone of communication.
Respect yourself to earn respect.
In the surfing world, respect is highly valued, and you must work for it. You can gain the respect of other surfers in the lineup by adhering to a few basic rules of surf etiquette, which will make your and their surfing safer and more pleasant.
WHAT LEVEL OF SURFER AM I?
Although we prefer not to judge by talents in surfing, it is necessary to look at where you are to know what you need to do to move forward. Similar to other sports, surfing benefits from repetition, and improving in the surf takes time. You’ll advance more quickly if you surf more. Let’s check your surfing skill level.
1 Level surfer
A level one surfer will often utilize a foam board in waist-deep water on whitewash waves. If you’re at this level, you’ve had some surfing instruction and are only now beginning to master the fundamentals. You are not yet confident enough to surf alone or catch your green waves. With the help of a coach, you will learn how to choose and catch waves, pop up on the board correctly, fall off the board securely, and the fundamentals of surfing etiquette when you sign up for a beginner learn-to-surf lesson.
2 level surfing
A level 2 surfer can stand up and control the board for at least three seconds and can easily paddle through whitewash waves on their own. Level two surfers are eager to catch unbroken waves and concentrate on perfecting the pop-up technique. In this level, you’ll study wave selection, practice your first bottom spins, angle your takeoff, and build wave speed. This level will test your ability to effectively and securely handle any situation while putting your surf etiquette to the test.
3 level surfing
A level 3 surfer, sometimes known as an intermediate, can catch waves on their own. Surfers who can easily stand up and ride a wave all the way to shore and who feel ready to advance to trying moves on the waves should surf at this level. Since level 3 surfers should be able to manage the surf independently, coaches are typically no longer in the water. In level three, we begin to learn when and how to execute trickier maneuvers, including a cutback. A street board is utilized in regular training sessions offered by Surfing WA Surfschool to imitate tricks or as a warm-up before entering the ocean.
4 Level Surfing
A level four surfer is comfortable in the water and can maneuver quickly, powerfully, and fluidly in the wave’s key area. Your coach will point out areas for improvement at this level and work with you to address them. You will pick up techniques and skills that apply to your proficiency level and will advance you personally. This level’s goal is to provide the surfer with a clear understanding of the areas they need to improve on and the methods they can use.
