Surfing Etiquette & Surfing Tips
Aloha Surf Guide strongly recommends that all beginning surfers hire a professional and experienced surf instructor. It will be more fun and safe, and you are more likely to catch some waves.
If you are travelling to Hawaii and are wanting to surf, please enjoy our site to help you learn about surfing before you arrive. We have lots of tips that you should know about before you take the surf lesson. Surfing is like golf, lots of small things to remember, but we usually forget all the rules when its time to take action. If you want to enjoy your surf lesson, definitely come physically fit. The instructor will help you with a lot of stuff including giving you a thrust to help you catch the wave, but please come with some ability to take of yourself. When you are looking for a surf lesson, call around and ask about rates. Also ask if the insturctor has the Hawaii surf instuctor certification, and ask about other qualifications such as lifeguard experience, water safety, CPR, how long in business, etc. Location is very important too. If you know where you are staying, try to find a surf school nearby, or one of the many beachside lessons available. Many surf schools have transportation avialable to certain spots and can service many parts of the island. We also have a directory of local surf companies. Some surf schools are nothing more than imported services. Try to hook up with a locally established surf shool, becuase their instructors are more likely to have respect from local surfers. Enjoy the ride!!
If you respect others and do not drop in on other surfers, you will probably have a good day. A smile and friendly attitude go a long way. When you go, paddle out humble and leave humble.
Avoid frustration and fatigue, and save money by starting with the correct board - usually long and sturdy. Your surf instructor and local surf shops can help determine the board best suited for you.
Always wear a leash and wax your board well to ensure proper footing.
Avoid contacting the ocean floor. You never know what's down there - rocks, sharp coral, wana (sea urchin) or other ocean life. If you fall off your board, never go in head first.
After you have made it to the line up, take a break and gather your energy. Don't try to take off on the first wave or set. Check ocean conditions and orient yourself to the surf spot.
Always maintain control of your own surfboard. If you are losing control while riding a wave, try grabbing the rails firmly near the middle of the board and lower yourself down. Return to sitting position and use your legs to slow you down. Look for fellow surfers and immediately begin paddling out of the way.
Between sets keep yourself and your board pointed out to the ocean, away from the shoreline. Even after you wipe out or are paddling back out, always keep an eye on what might be coming at you.
When paddling for a wave, look both ways to check if another surfer is paddling or taking off on the wave. If someone else is in position and is catching it, be respectful and wait for the next one. Don't drop in!
Sometimes other people's boards and bodies will inadvertently come into contact with yours. Always make sure that the other surfer is OK and apologize if you were wrong. If the other surfer was wrong, forget about it and paddle away.
Surf with an experienced friend and make friends in the water. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to let others know you are just learning.
Leave your valuables at home. If you really need your mp3 player and cell phone, be ready to part with them. Vehicles are subject to break-ins in some areas.
Many surf spots have an inside break that is suitable for surfing. This is a good place to start since the more experienced surfers are usually outside seeking bigger and nicer waves. Be careful of shallow rock and coral.
When someone is on a wave, it's your job to get out of the way. Definitely don't paddle across their line. Although it may be easier to go towards the shoulder, you are probably going to cut them off. It is often best to just bite it and paddle into the breaking part of the wave and allow the surfer to enjoy the wave.
Practice paddling, sitting on your board and basic control of your surfboard before venturing out to the line up.
When paddling out, keep a good distance from the person in front of you. This will help avoid a collision if the other surfer loses control.
Always wear a rash guard or shirt. The board and wax can cause irritation to the skin. Also, a shirt will reduce the amount of sunscreen you have to cake on. Special UV protective swimsuits are available.
Before paddling out, take some time to stretch and warm up your body. This is a good time to look around and understand the conditions.
Goofy vs. regular footedness. If you surf with your right foot forward, you are considered 'goofy'. And if your left foot is forward, you are 'regular'. The leash is attached to the rear ankle. Your surf instructor will help determine your footedness.
