After years of surfing in Lombok and bouncing around breaks all over the world, you start to notice the same surfers again and again.
Each person in the ocean becomes a caricature of themselves and falls into a certain category. Some ride waves with style. Others flail in the whitewater. Some cause chaos before their feet have even left the sand.
This is a playful look at the unwritten rules that keep a line-up from turning into a demolition derby.
It’s not meant to be taken literally, but it does shine a light on the subtle bits of surf etiquette most surfers forget to observe. And if your New Year plan is to enjoy surfing more without annoying someone else in the process, you’re in the right spot!
Why surf etiquette matters (and the real rules that do exist)
Surf etiquette keeps everything peaceful, harmonious and flowing in the right direction.
If two surfers paddle for the same wave or someone decides to drop in because they don’t know the basic rules, things get messy fast. These rules of surfing exist so everyone can catch more waves safely.
Whether you’re at your local beach or checking out a new spot for the first time, the general rule is simple. Respect the ocean and respect your fellow surfer.
There are subtle, nuanced variations on each of the following rules. But here’s a general overview.
- Right of way: The surfer closest to the peak or the closest surfer to the breaking part gets priority
- Don’t drop in: Never take a wave someone else is riding
- Don’t snake or snaking: Don’t paddle around someone to steal position
- Paddle wide: Don’t paddle straight through the take-off zone
- Hold your board: Only bail if you must and always check behind your head
- Communicate: A simple call of “Left” or “Right” avoids collisions
- Know your skill level: Advanced surfers and experienced surfers should set the tone while new surfers and beginners sit where they’re safe (learn more about surf safety for beginners)
- Respect locals: It’s their home break and that really does matter
Follow these unwritten rules and you’ll catch more waves and have way more fun.
Surf species found in Lombok’s lineups
The paddle battler
Scientific name: Flappus nonstopus
Summary: Never sits still, always paddling, wants to catch ALL the waves
The paddle battler zips around the lineup like someone cutting laps in a speedboat. They paddle for the next wave, then the next wave then for another wave going in the same direction as someone else who actually has priority. They mean well, but never sit long enough to understand how the ocean works. The definition of over-excitement.
Typical behaviours:
- Paddles for more waves than they actually catch
- Never stops to wait their turn
- Would paddle over the top of their grandma for a wave
The snake
Scientific name: Serpentus insidious
Summary: Magically appears inside of you, always “somehow” closer to the peak
The snake slips behind or around you like it’s a game. They always position themselves as the closest surfer to the breaking part when the next wave rolls in… even when it’s not their turn. They know exactly what they’re doing. But they don’t care. Snakes are going to snake. Always.
Typical behaviours:
- Pretends they didn’t see you
- Always paddles inside of the pack
- Really good at slithering to the main peak after catching a wave
The board bailer
Scientific name: Launchus unawareus
Summary: Throws their board at even the slightest hint of danger
The board bailer panics. Instead of a duck dive or turtle roll or even bailing responsibly, they launch their surfboard into orbit. They forget other surfers exist around them, which is how accidents happen.
Typical behaviours:
- Bails whenever things get spicy
- Never checks behind them
- Turns their board into a weapon of mass destruction
The wannabe pro
Scientific name: Seriousus loserus
Summary: OK surfer… terrible vibe
These surfers show up at a new spot acting like they own the lineup. They ride waves well enough, but they’ll drop in on surfer B for an extra second of action. Their surfboard is brand new and expensive and they have a superior expression on their face at all times.
Typical behaviours:
- Won’t smile at a fellow surfer
- Surfs well but behaves badly
- Claims waves that belong to someone else
The “I’m sorry” king or queen
Scientific name: Apologeticus strategicus
Summary: Thinks that simply by saying sorry, they can do whatever they want
They drop in, snake, paddle for waves they shouldn’t touch then say sorry like it’s an all-access pass. They know the rules but pretend they don’t.
Typical behaviours:
- Drops in then says “Sorry”
- Snakes then says, “My bad”
- Uses words as a way to absolve themselves of responsibility
The human torpedo
Scientific name: Projectileus dangernensis
Summary: Surfs waves way beyond their skill level
They go for the biggest wave at any break. BUT… they can’t duck dive, can’t control their surfboard and can’t avoid barrelling through groups of surfers like a runaway train.
Typical behaviours:
- Stuffs up their duck dives
- Always goes over the falls
- Bumps into other surfers after wiping out
The log
Scientific name: Floatus obstructus
Summary: Floats through the lineup or takeoff zone like driftwood
Instead of paddling wide, they drift straight into the break zone and consequently into surfers catching waves. They’re not trying to ruin your ride. They’re just unaware. Like a log floating in the open ocean.
Typical behaviours:
- Paddles straight through danger
- Sits in the wrong spot
- Doesn’t understand why everyone yells at them
The (over)confident kook
Scientific name: Tookeenus oblivious
Summary: Thinks surfing is easy… gets humbled fast
They hire a surfboard, head into the ocean and assume riding waves will be natural. Instead, they miss every wave and drop-in because they’ve never read an article like this. Zero self-awareness. Maximum annoyance to every other surfer in the lineup.
Typical behaviours:
- Paddles for waves they can’t or shouldn’t catch
- Causes tension in already-crowded lineups
- Doesn’t understand how dangerous surfing can be
The disrespectful drifter
Scientific name: Localus oblivious
Summary: Shows up at a new spot with zero respect for local surfers or surf culture
The disrespectful drifter treats every break like a free-for-all. They ignore the locals who’ve been riding that wave since they could walk. They sit in the wrong place. Take waves out of turn. Act like the rules don’t apply to them because they’re on holiday.
Typical behaviours:
- Drops in on locals like it’s nothing
- Doesn’t watch the lineup before paddling in
- Ignores the culture of the spot and upsets everyone fast
FAQ: Your surf etiquette quick-fix
Q. What’s the top rule of surfing?
Right of way. The surfer closest to the peak or breaking part gets the wave.
Q. How do I avoid dropping in?
Watch the peak and see who’s riding. If someone’s already on the wave, it’s theirs.
Q. Where should beginners sit?
On the shoulder at a quiet beach break or further down the line, where they won’t collide with advanced surfers. Learn more about beginner surfing in Lombok.
Q. Is paddling straight back out wrong?
Yes. Always paddle wide around the breaking part so you don’t block someone riding a good wave.
Q. How do I avoid upsetting locals?
Observe first, ask questions and wait your turn. Respect goes a long way at any local beach.
Want to evolve beyond these species?
Follow the rules, respect your fellow surfer, choose the right waves for your level and move through the lineup like you’ve been paying attention. The fewer snakes, paddle battlers and disrespectful drifters out there, the better the ocean gets for everyone!
Want to avoid falling into any of these categories? Check out our comprehensive surf etiquette guide below.
