For the newbs

[jAmmYcAsT]

Hello and welcome to surfing etiquette 101! Summer is crowded and the regulars are cranky. If you are learning please remember the following.

1. Find the least crowded area, this is the best place to learn. You are less likely to get in someone's way, less likely to get yelled at, even less likely to feel humiliated, and more likely to get a wave. The waves may look crappy in the uncrowded area but that is the best place for you to be. After lifeguard hours you can go where you like, so spread out! Find a little spot for yourself and go for it!

2. LOOK Is someone else paddling for the wave? Don't go. If you are still learning to stand then the wisest choice is to defer to those around you. Remember the safety of others, meaning they don't have to fear your high-flying board.

3. Hold onto your board. Before you learn anything else, learn this.


I don't want to start a kook bashing thread. Please direct sarcasm to frrok's thread  I noticed that there are a lot of "guests" so I'm taking a chance that some fledgling surfers are reading the message board. Rather than go over the more complicated rules of etiquette (priority, peaks, and whatnot) I wanted to break it down for people who are at the most basic level as those are the people who cause the most issues. To the kid in the full wetsuit (wtf?) on the blue board: I did not enjoy yelling "Not only did you paddle in front of me, then you fell!" Okay, maybe I enjoyed it a little. Learn a little about etiquette and safety and it will be more fun for all of us.

THANKS!

[SeaCliff]

The language from original Rockaway Beach Surf Etiquette Sign, which we really need to put back up:

***************************
Welcome to the
Rockaway Beach Surfing Area

Please follow Surf/Beach Etiquette:

Rules of Surfing:
•   When paddling for a wave, closest to the peak has the right of way.
•   Surfer already on a wave has the right of way.
•   Don’t take every wave just because you can. Give a wave, and share the stoke.

If you are new to surfing:
•   Stay to the right, away from the jetty and off the main peaks, for your own safety.
•   Be safe and develop Sticky Fingers: Try to never lose control or let go of your board!
•   Avoid sitting too far inside, in the takeoff zone of other more experienced surfers.
•   When paddling out, it’s your responsibility to avoid other surfers.
•   Respect the locals, but don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.

Respect the beach:
•   Clean up after yourself, encourage others to do the same.
•   Take a moment to pick up some extra trash.

Respect each other:
•   Don’t drop in. Ever. If it happens, apologize. If someone apologizes, accept it.
•   Don’t snake waves. It’s the ocean, there will be more where that one came from.
•   Always come to the aid of others in danger.

Have fun, enjoy the surf, and enjoy your day in Rockaway!

Donated at no taxpayer expense by the
Sand Flea Surf Club
****************************************************

[YouBetcha'Berry]

how the heck did you not filter that?

[shenzi]

I've noticed Steve at Boarders hands out a 'surfing etiquette' flyer when he rents boards -- looks a bit like what's posted above.

[Dual Psychlonic Action]

Thats cuz Poppa is Top knoch! He's outr own lil local legend. I wish I could get him in the water more, I'd love to shoot him surfing with his sons.

[OddSea]

Hmm....could really use that sign out east.