The purpose of this list is to help new surfers understand the often unspoken rules that exist in surf lineups throughout Los Angeles. If you plan to start surfing or have only been surfing for a short time, commit them to memory before you go back to the beach.
1. This Ain’t the “Aloha” State
Surfing in Los Angeles is a contact sport. When you paddle out, be prepared to be run over, yelled at, threatened or pushed off of a wave. No one is going to greet you in the lineup with a lei and a kiss. The fact is that there are too many bodies in the water these days. When the waves and weather work together to deliver a beautiful day, it can get downright ugly; the presence of newbies, particularly those who fail to follow surf etiquette, is unappreciated, to say the least. It is best to be prepared for this by learning the rules (which one can find online) and learning your place in the surf lineup pecking order.
2. You Aren’t Kelly Slater and This Isn’t Blue Crush
Unless your skills are such that you can surf anything and everything, leave your ego at home. Neither a $700 shortboard nor the cutest Roxy wetsuit—with matching zinc oxide face paint—will miraculously transform you into the surfer you are in your dreams. The space you occupy is at the bottom of the surfing totem pole. Be patient, and take the time and humility to work your way up.
3. Nobody Cares How Much Money You Have or What Car You Drive
Money talks at The Ivy. And Spago. And wherever else the monied class chooses to congregate. Money means nothing in the water. Waves cannot be bought. Respect cannot be paid for. Your surfing and behavior speak for themselves. That $70,000 car that you arrived at the break in could be a $70,000 car with waxed windows and flattened tires by the time you and your superior attitude emerge from the water. Remember, your position on the surfing totem pole remains the same whether you are rich or poor.
4. Get Out of the Fucking Way
This one is self-explanatory. Remember to look left and look right before you paddle for a wave. More often than not, there’s someone already up and riding. All too often, a beginner or oblivious surfer will drop into a wave right in front of someone, thereby ending the first surfer’s ride. Always apologize and, more importantly, never do it again (at least not in that session). Dropping in on an experienced surfer is good way to find out the depth of someone’s hatred for you and your kind. If you are still at the point where you cannot pop-up and surf without trouble, stay in the kiddy pool and leave the better waves to those who can appreciate them.
5. No One Owns the Waves, But Squatter’s Rights Often Prevail
You will find locals at just about any break you surf. Locals lay claim to that beach and to those waves. When you step out of line by ignoring surfing etiquette or disrespecting those who surf those waves day in and day out, the locals will put you in your place. They will take your waves, curse you and your firstborn and make you run home with your tail between your legs. Remember, a good attitude is your best defense. A little civility goes a long way when dealing with the locals. (All bets are off at breaks where the “Locals Only” code is enforced. Those breaks are well-known; enter at your own risk.)
6. Stop Staring
Toto, you’re not in Kansas anymore. The stereotype of the young, blond and male surfer died a slow and painless death a long time ago. This is Los Angeles. The diversity you see on the streets is the same diversity you will see in the water. What? Never seen a black surfer before? Look to your left. There is another one over there. Yes, that guy who just dropped in on you is your grand-dad’s age. He also surfs better than you do. And so does that Asian woman tearing up on the longboard. Get over your preconceived notions about what a surfer should look like and remember where you are.
7. Never Underestimate the Women in the Water
While some women, particularly newer surfers, will back off when a sexist wave hog asserts himself, the more experienced women will not. Those women who have been surfing for years know what to do with the likes of you. They will take your wave and then give you the stinkeye when they paddle back out. The smart guy leaves it at that. The not-so-smart guy, the one with the bruised ego, says too much. Before he knows it, he is facing off with that woman’s (a) boyfriend/husband, (b) girlfriend/wife or (c) male friends. Give the women the same respect you give the men.
8. Treat Your Equipment With Respect
Are you one of those surfers who straps the board to the top of the car wax-side up, and then drives away with the still-attached leash swaying in the breeze? Do you see nothing wrong with jamming a nine foot longboard into the back seat of your sporty little convertible? If you are serious about surfing, prove it. Buy a board bag. Buy a vehicle that accommodates both you and your board. Stop looking like dorks! (You will thank me for this advice when you follow it and realize people no longer snicker at you when you pull up at a surf spot.)
9. It’s Not Your Trash, But Pick It Up Anyway
Our beaches are filthy. Be part of the solution. When you see trash on the beach, take a few minutes to pick it up and throw it away. Keep your eyes open for plastic refuse. Plastic does not biodegrade. It simply breaks down into smaller pieces, toxic pieces that are eventually ingested by sea life. Plastic will be the death of our oceans unless we learn to recycle. Your homework for today, class, is to read up on the “Pacific Garbage Patch”.
10. Give Respect to Get Respect
Enough said?
Photo by malibusurfinglessons.com
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29 responses so far ↓
1 Jeremy // Jan 14, 2008 at 11:33 am
Completely dissapointed. The spirit, and arrogant condescension that is ventilating from this piece is why I’m really getting tired of a “counter-culture” that is trying too hard. This is also why I don’t wish to indentify myself as a “surfer”. Yes, I do surf (longboard) and it has truly changed my life for the better. The experience of harnessing a teaspoon of the power the Good Lord has infused into the ocean is a life giving force. Sometimes equal to that, comes the human to human experience that occurs in the water. I’ve met many, most of whom I only know by their face, and there are days that as I leave the water, I am wanting to give all of them a hug because of the experience that we all shared. To some that may seem lame, but there are those that will understand. I have frusterating days in the water, but most of the time the blame is my own. Sometimes it’s hard to leave life out of the water, out of the water… Because I have surfed quite a few times near the author of this piece I thought it fair to her that I use my real name.
2 Hammer // Jan 14, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Always drop in on chicks and boogie boarders, Drop in on most longboarders (unless its tiny).Team up with your friends to stuff kooks into being too deep. Never trust anyone that is not wearing a fullsuit. Practice saying “I thought you were going left” “I didn’t see you” and “I didn’t think you were gonna make it” Aloha spirit is dead. Aloha.
3 Kenosha Kid // Jan 15, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The author makes valid points about diversity, humility and respect. But I agree with Jeremy that her challenging tone — an odd mix of negativity and self-satisfaction — isn’t really helping the reader. Yes, the lineup can get testy at times, and yes, novices need to understand the rules of the road before paddling out. But the local breaks really aren’t the emotional and physical battlefield described by the author. The vast majority of sessions end positively, without incident. While most surfers I know complain about increasingly crowded surf spots, most are live-and-let-live, and are happy to help out beginners who are genuine and courteous.
Visit http://www.surfline.com/surfology for some practical tips with a little less attitude
4 fellow girl surfer // Jan 17, 2008 at 12:02 am
Wow. You totally missed the entire point of surfing, little girl. It’s people like you, who’s mothers didn’t teach them any manners, that are the reason surfing is becoming unpleasant and dangerous. Grow up because you are the one who needs to work on her humility.
5 St McC // Jan 18, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Yea Little Gal, all come to Doo Dah Surf Day 7/08 for attitude ReFreshment. As reigning Doo Dah champion,Judges’ Pick “DooDahSomest ‘007″ I invite you all to again feel the spirit. Stay in contact with OneLastWave.com DooDahSurf.com (both free, as is my MP3 music site with my instrumental “SURF ROMP”) for this year’s event details.The event was created by a very mixed group, mixed in all ways; is now a fun benefit for SurfRider Foundation, but it is most of all attitude ReFRESHment. There are some videos of it on YouTube, a non surfing Emmy; Tony winner I know screened a video of it& said “I could see the fun camaraderie”
Feel it, pass it on; be aloha,be the DooDahSomest
6 Skwidlipps // Jan 21, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I agree with everything said, and those that don’t most likely fit into the beginner /kook category. Those that have been surfing for 30+ years, such as me, remember the days where sharing waves with some friends was the ultimate session. Unfortunatelly, those days are long gone with the resurgence of longboarding which has ruined the sport. Now I only go out when it’s over head since most longboarders can’t make it out . In the end if you want to get waves you have to assert some dominance in the lineup, that’s just reality:)
7 LA Surfer Babe // Jan 31, 2008 at 2:03 pm
This article written by Mary really disappoints me.. mostly because of the negativy and anger she displays and expresses. Yes, Mary, there will always be annoying kooks at pretty much every surf spot you go to these days.. and yes, every now and then they get in your way, but it is more helpful to spread the Aloha spirit then the hate by giving them a hint or tip, or point out that the waves “over there” (to the side where there are less people and smaller waves) are more safe and for beginners so that they don’t get in the advanced surfers way. That way everyone stays happy and peaceful (and safe).. because if you’re bringing all your negative shit from land out into the water.. then you are by the biggest kook of them all. Even Kelly Slater knows, he says “The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun!”
8 Venice Denizen // Jan 31, 2008 at 8:00 pm
First you say “nobody cares about the car you drive” and then say “Buy a vehicle that accommodates both you and your board”. What gives? And besides Ms Potty Mouth, who is Kelly Slater?
9 Rusty K // Feb 1, 2008 at 3:09 pm
First of all if you are going to surf in LA especially on the weekends it’s going to be crowded … so deal with it and get over it. Also, everyone was a beginner once and they’re bound to make some innocent mistakes. Just be glad that you have the use of your arms and legs and live in place which allows use the privelege to partake in an activity once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.
I recently started surfing last year again … after many years. One of the most pleasant places that I surf in the summer is also one of the most crowded with the most beginners … you guessed it Sunset. Alot of friendly people with great attitudes.
Localism should have died in the 1970s. If you try to regulate in the water, you’re bound to run into trouble either in the form of a lawsuit or worse …
My last piece of advice … if it’s too crowded for you then take a day off from work during the week and surf then.
10 Rusty K // Feb 1, 2008 at 4:15 pm
A little more commentary …
I agree with the majority of the other posters in that I find the tone of the author quite annoying. People which such bad attitudes should just sleep in on the weekends. Perhaps then the lineups would be a little less crowded with a mellower vibe.
I do know of a “secret” spot right in the middle of the urban beach sprawl that is actually a pretty good beginner’s spot. It is a beachbreak with three distinct sections … and it never gets crowded even on weekends. It can get pretty decent in winter especially with offshore winds.
If you are a beginning surfer and want to know where this spot is feel free to drop me an email at kptnron0802@yahoo.com
11 girl // Feb 2, 2008 at 12:59 pm
hun, you needa be taught what surfing’s all about. if you wanna be stressed out you should go sit in some traffic.
12 DieKooks // Feb 6, 2008 at 1:29 pm
This article is spot on. Take your wanna be surfing lifestyle and shove it up your arse.
There are already too many surfers in the water and many of them are transplants from Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, etc. It would be nice if these Blue Crush/In God’s Hands wanna be’s would go home or try some other sport where their apparent lack of coordination would be more unobtrusive.
If you are considering surfing don’t ever try it. It is a terrible sport. The water is cold especially when you surf when you should surf (In the Winter!) But that would be too cold for you little titzy pritzels right. There are huge sharks in the water every day that threaten to shorten a random appendage. There is raw sewage, needles, condoms, and dead bodies in the line-up every day….. With perils like this why would someone dedicate their lives to such a terrible sport? Again, Don’t ever try it.
Nota Bene: If you want to surf start with shortboarding. There is no reason why this is not a feasible platform. Anyone that tells you that starting with shortboarding is too hard doesn’t have the dedication you might one day desire. Longboards are for people pysyically incapable of riding shortboards, and body boards are for people to mentally retarded for either.
Have a nice day, and stay the hell out the water. JD.
13 Mike // Feb 10, 2008 at 4:56 am
I have a feeling people are misunderstanding this story. It’s ridiculous. Obviously. So idiotic that I think the author wanted us to laugh instead of take it so seriously.
Personally, I think the surf in most of LA county is a sad joke to begin with (relative to OC and Ventura) so this poking-fun-at story seems to go along with that, if you know what I’m saying.
14 Agreed // Feb 10, 2008 at 10:16 am
Agree fully with the article.
>>“The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun!”
Unfortunately, too many beginners are having fun at the expense of others, and not realizing it. If you want to take turns, go snowboard or get a starting tee time.
If you’re not in position, its not your wave. End of story.
15 Disagreed - you are a biatch // Feb 11, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Only shitty surfers get that irate over beginners fumbling in the water. Your arrogant and condescending tone are typical of surfers who take out their frustration with their own ineptitude on those who are most vulnerable. Your ranting and raving is like an abusive father who beats his wife and child because he can’t hold a job. Stop picking on the newbees, learn to surf better, and start paddling out at the better spots where beginners don’t go.
Also, your reference to the Aloha state as a place that is welcoming to beginners doesn’t make sense. If you have ever surfed in Hawaii, you might know that the local scene is more like Lanada Bay than the Disney Land atmosphere you describe.
16 Emberly Modine // Feb 12, 2008 at 11:40 am
Boogie Boarders should always drop in on asshole surfers, cut them off, and if they start any shit, grab a knife out of their secret boogie compartment and cut their leashes.
just kidding.
Waves here are small so you have people of all abilities vying for room. Deal with it and know that the more people loving surfing and the community it engenders are more people who will rally when it comes to causes like saving Trestles.
Deal with eachother. And seriously - how can you say it doesn’t matter what car you drive and then rag on people for driving too small a car….?
Also - when I board in Hawaii - I avoid locals at all costs. Those fuckers are crazy. I don’t want to get a tiki shoved up my ass for cutting one off.
17 Ryan // Feb 19, 2008 at 10:59 am
Having surfed in the LA area for over 20 years ive experienced everything in the water. My only solution to this problem is to go out on overhead days only. This seems to thin the heard out a bit, and Ive surfed Ventura more times this winter than LA(mainly because there are more overhead days there in the winter and surfers are better up there). Obviously the author of this article has never surfed Hawaii, well maybe Canoes but not Makaha or anywhere on the seven mile miracle.
Aloha!
18 jpbassking // Feb 19, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I learned how to surf in ‘64. My first experience with the “attitude” is when I dropped in on an older kid who immediately brought his board across my ankles. Nothing has changed since then except that maybe things are a little mellower out in the water. The 70’s were harsh, you needed to be big, strong, and good to get waves. I’m now over 50 and ride a longboard, I get waves whenever I go out. I’m not out there to watch everybody else.
19 secretspotjunkie // Feb 21, 2008 at 8:53 pm
This is why most of the real talented surfers in California surf in the north. The colder the water the less idiots and the more dedicated the surfer. The earlier the session= the less kooks to in the line-up. So stop complaining and get your ass up early to get good waves. It never seems to amaze me with all of the coastline in LA county and all of these experienced surfers out there that everyone flocks to the same spots over and over? I have not been surfing for 30 years, but in the short time I have been surfing I have managed to find a few spots that are still fun and not over crowded. I hope everyone who reads this article doesn’t adapt this attitude in the water, as this attitude is not acceptable anywhere else in the world and should not be tolerated here as well.
20 Aaron // Feb 22, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I thought the article was entertaining, yet pretty negative. I’m one of the lucky ones who grew up surfing as a little boy. My dad grew up surfing in Manhattan Beach. He’d tell me how he carried his longboard down from the tree section to the beach. I was fortunate to grow up in Manhattan too and started tagging along with dad when I was around five years old. Along with getting an occasional push from dad, I was taught the basic ettiquite. I’m glad I had a real teacher, and not some goofy guide.
21 No Whiners // Feb 24, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I started surfing in Northern LA as a boy in ‘78, and I’ve never stopped. My learning curve included blackeyes for not hanging on to my board; another (+others) for snaking a wave (or two), and many @$$ chewings for just generally being in the way. Now I’m (a lot) older, and would be considered a local at a few north county beaches. It’s a lot mellower in the water than ever; but I still hear plenty of yelling, even an occaisonal fight; heck, even I pulled the board out from under a guy after the third time he burned me. If you’re new to the lifestyle, spend a lot of time watching from the shoulder in the lineup. Spot the surfers that get the set waves (it’ll be the same 3-4 each set), and stay out of the way. Eventually one will come your way -
22 that girl that surfs in a bikini // Feb 25, 2008 at 2:18 pm
yeah, a little harsh mary, but i’m feelin’ you. i have days i gotta school a fool or two. i’ve learned though they usually learn better with a little love. if they listen, i always make sure to give them a little encouragement during the rest of the day. just building on the love and learning. my friend jen gave me invaluable advice “be nice twice”, sometimes they’re an ass at first but with that second “nice” usually they chill enough to see that you really care about helping. tafter the second nice if they are still a dickbitch and are a danger to me and others i generally stuff, back paddle, etc. till they just give up or split and in the real bad cases i just cock block the fucker till he’s sees the futility of it all and kicks rocks.
so to you newbies, it’s okay to be new, we all were at one time. just listen and apologize gracefully, don’t do it again, and ask for help or direction if you need it, then do what your told. we all went through it. we all paid our dues. i love surfing with people who are respectful and happy any day of the week. there might not be enough waves, but there can still be enough fun.
kisses chitlins
23 Randy{GORDY} // Feb 26, 2008 at 11:28 am
Follow the article to the TEE!! I am somewhat forgiving in the water but don’t want to talk to you even if I know you! Also your rule’s didn’t include showing up to the beach with a bunch of people then clogging up the break and taking wave’s!! Almost went to Jail over that S— at stairstep’s LA county. You can tell whose a F—— jerk by the way they SURF!! In the old day’s before crowd’s people used to get a rotation of wave’s going if you showed up 5th that day you were 5th in line for a wave!! Huntigton pier day’s 1960’s. Personally my favorite break in the world is on the West side of Oahu!! Dangerous for 3/4’s of the world’s population but not for me you have to know how to act and let your surfing do the talking without being a wave hog. Show respect to elder’s that arn’t FAGS or HODAD’S this knowledge only come’s with time invested in THE WATER!! Maybe take time to teach your children well. Also people stick to yourself there will be much less abuse. Pick up trash and when in doudt don’t go out!
24 jp // Mar 16, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Well done !!!! one of the best ever
I have to add to it but that was a great start
You may want to add a hole section on Longboarders next. It seems we have to have growing a lack of etiquette in this department
Just a few to get you started
Longboard should be used out of desperation when its small not the first pick so you can be a fat greedy pig
Longboards are for beginners or waves under chest high so Join Jenny Craig or Weight watchers instead of wasting good waves
Just because you have a 10ft plastic pop out piece of junk doesn’t mean you need a 12ft plastic piece of junk so you can be more of a ass and out flank the shorter boards in the line up
If you cant hit the lip because your board is too big please do us all a favor and destroy the piece of junk
Don’t ride a longboard at a shortboard spot you have to know your an A hole
If your first time at a spot don’t paddle deeper than the locals
Don’t bring a crowd
Don’t get in the way and hold on to your stupid longboard
When you go to other countries only the beginners ride longboards they think we are a joke I am ashamed of what we are a bunch of fat lazy longboarding kooks we have become
Don’t just stand on a board California do something / the way to get better at surfing is not buying a longer board
I am sure that will start the ball rolling
25 JJ // Mar 17, 2008 at 10:26 am
It’s attitudes like this one where she perceives a list of “rules” needs to be handed out to surfers to be reviewed, signed, and enforced like we’re a bunch of first-graders again. PLEASE!! Aren’t we feeling high and mighty and proud of ourselves… Please remember this mantra “UNTIL YOU MAKE YOUR LIVING RIDING THOSE WAVES PROFESSIONALLY, OR IN SOME OTHER FASHION IN THE WATER; YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE ETIQUITTE OF FELLOW SURFERS (BEGINNERS TO EXPERTS) IS MOOT”. People who get hung up on etiquitte take the fun out of surfing for all. They bring hostility to the water, to a sport where fun and a good workout should be top priority. I can say with relative certainty that she was also a beginner once and probably didn’t learn to surf on a 5′ fish. If so, my apologies. The point is that surfing (shortboard or longboard or boogie board) is about getting wet, enjoying the waves, enjoying the dolphins, the pelicans and not bogging down on the issues that dwell inside.
Etiquitte rules don’t apply in SCA, much like they don’t apply on an ant hill. Just too many bodies occupying the same space. If you want to apply the rules; you’ve got to head to where the crowd is managable or negligible.
26 Gabriel // Mar 18, 2008 at 1:09 pm
As a new surfer, I am very appreciative of people who are able to share knowledge and good vibes in the water. Everyone, as with anything that is learned, was a rookie one day, and was given the space and courtesy to learn and get good.
People that bring attitudes into the water, ruin the sublime activity of surfing and having contact with nature.
Neighborhood bullying in the water taints not only the sport, but will not make the bully’s’ day any better.
Respect!
27 bg // Mar 24, 2008 at 1:44 am
surfing in LA is way overrated and not worth the hassle anyway..i relate to both sides of all that left there comments on this article..the reality is, if you suck don’t get in the way..and know before you go..don’t take anything personal in the water..it’s just surfing..some prefer jogging, cycling, etc., I prefer surfing..there’s nothing cosmic, divine, magical or supernatural about it..it might seem like it because of how the media portrays surfing (or stay off crack)..cheap thrills is all that it is..I’ve been surfing for almost 25 years in the south bay all the way up to county line and locals and wannabes are always there only when the surf is good..so if you want to learn, go when the surf sucks..if you think surfing can relieve stress from your daily work life..you got it wrong..that’s what yoga’s for..there’s probably more stress in the water than you can imagine..i was a beginner once, but thank god i’m not anymore..inevitably, in these modern times..you have to be a ‘dick’ and/or a ’saint’ depending on the situation the day presents itself..in others words, be flexible..one day you’re the king of the lineup, the next day you could end up a scrub..remember there’s always someone in the water that’s gonna be better than you, local or not, so you gotta give props..aloha also means goodbye, so if you suck just stay or go home when it’s pumpin’, but if you’re a bonafide charger, then handle your business…also, remember this isn’t the ‘dreamlife of surfers’ that most surfers fantasize about..this is LA not paradise..the reality is localism is another form of crowd control and greed..surfing is not a religion either and there is no special membership required, so surf clubs /crews are like high school ‘cliques’..’soul’ surfing is just a way for slackers to feel good about themselves..awareness is key, ignorance is not bliss..earning respect sometimes means not giving any..and keep things in perspective..’surfing’ is supposed to be fun, if not, we wouldn’t go through all the hassle
28 brandt // Apr 14, 2008 at 10:58 am
tip: if the surfspots parking lot is full, or there is just plain old nowhere to park, take a hint, do you even think there is a wave to ride? or do you want to join in on the mayhem? how about if you have a weekday off, surf, and let the weekend warriors fight for waves, go mountain biking, there is a lot more camradery on the trail, and its a great cross training tool, it makes you a better stronger surfer! if everybody had a weekday to surf and one extra person gave up his or her weekend day up to do something else, it would be a little less crowded for the masses, however if its pumping overhead barrels, go surf, anyday, the sheer mass of the wave will scare out the undesireables…..c ya at leo, im the guy outside with the lt blue 11 foot board, when its crowded and a 7 foot quad fish on the weekdays….
29 Ben Aipa // Aug 28, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I hope that whoever wrote this article never comes to Hawaii. Out here, “were surfing was born,” people like you, mostly Hali’s, should shut up and learn. I don’t know how long you have been surfing but as for me and my grampa crew we have been at it a few years. I welcome newbies to the line up and offer them help when I can. But, then again I dont have anything to prove like you, I have already won titles. And for all you punk shortboarders, get over yourself. Most real surfers can do both and love both. The linup is congested, so what! Try coming to publics, threes, fours, or queens then you will know what congestion is. If this article is a representation of what California Surfers are like then I hope you stay on the mainland and keep your bad attitudes, shitty surfers, cold water, and small waves all to your misserable self.
Mahalo Nui,
Ben
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