Surfing is a sport for free spirits, but there are well-established rules that promote safety, common sense, and courtesy. The law of the land-less and the camaraderie of the sea dictate that experts and students alike get a fair shake on the waves, that everyone emerges from the water unharmed, that boards remain undamaged and a great time is had by all.

• If you come as a large group, reduce the shock and enter the sea a few at a time. This isn’t an ambush. Everyone will get their big break.
• Wait your turn: Don’t paddle straight out to where the best waves are breaking, but rather hang on the side and join the lineup in order. 
• Once in the queue, do your best to say “Hi.” Even if you don’t get a response, it is your friendly intention that counts. 
• Share the waves and don’t be too aggressive. If it appears that you’re hogging the swells and are disregarding the rights of other surfers, don’t be surprised if a fellow rider drops right in on you! 
• When you paddle for a wave… catch it! If you back out of a perfectly good wave, the locals may not let you have another. 
• Even if you stand up first, the right of way belongs to the surfer closest to the peak. If you “drop in” accidentally, apologize. 
• When paddling back to the lineup, a surfer riding a wave has the right-of-way. When you can, paddle behind the surfer so you do not interfere with his ride.