Winning in the Surf Line Up

Winning in the Surfing Line up begins with mastering basic techniques. When I teach Surf Lessons in Oceanside USA, we begin in foam waves where we don’t really have to understand surfing etiquette. Once you start riding real waves where there are other surfers, etiquette is to keep everyone safe and share rides. You want both.

Winning is being assertive but also giving everyone their turn. If you are on a beach where there is usually one or two main breaks, chances are the best surfers are lined up to get the waves. It is not as much of a problem if the waves are rolling in quick succession, but more of a problem when they slow down.

The best surfers will get the best position which is the inside under the peak. They have the right of way right or left. If the wave is breaking right, you know which way they are coming. If the wave is breaking right and left, and you are not at the peak, then you have to wait and see.

If it is a long break and you are closer to the shoulder or down the line, it is difficult to see if someone is coming before you pop up. You might pop up thinking it is clear and quickly hear a “Yo”.  It means they are bearing down on you.

The well liked successful surfer at the line up takes waves and gives waves. They are entitled to their turn but they back off when someone has position on them. The way to establish position is start paddling for the peak as soon as you see the ripple on the outside. You are alerting everyone that you are going for the wave. Those that don’t have a chance of getting better position than you will probably back off.

As soon as I see the ripple I start moving regardless of whether I know where it is going to break at the moment. I want to develop momentum so that I can paddle to the wave and run parallel along it looking for the best spot. Others seeing me paddle parallel to the wave know I want it and might be in the best position.  If it is going to break further in that I expected, I might chase it, but those further in that waited probably have better position than me. In these cases, I will often say “You’ve got it”.

You have to catch them. If the line up sees you chase and not catch consistently or fall off the wave, they will not give you as much room. When you see someone chase, catch, and ride each time, they get the most respect.

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For Surf Lessons in Oceanside, see my Home Page

See my video on how to do pop ups. https://youtu.be/8vOL5z7Y2yE