Urban Surf

Beginner, intermediate or experienced surfer, everyone manages to get in someone else's way now and again. If you don't want to look like a kook, you need to know the surfing code of conduct. Read on to maximize wave count and minimize hassles in the water.

The Golden Rule: Do Not Drop In On Somebody.

The surfer first up or closest to the shoulder (the steepest, best part of the wave) has the right of way. A righthand wave, breaking from right to left (seen from the beach), gives the surfer who is furthest right the priority. Don't take off in front of (or behind, for that matter) a surfer already up and riding. Always look before you take off.

The exercises are to be performed in series with minimal rest between each.

Nose Guard

If you surf a short board, fit a nose guard, just in case you hit someone. Use a good leash and don't let go unless you really have to. Don't bail - unless its huge, you run the risk of damaging boards and bodies. Learn to roll or duck dive and you'll find it's actually easier and you'll get out the back faster than if you bail.

Paddling Out

If you have to paddle out where others are riding waves (beachbreaks, generally), keep out of the way of those up and riding. Head for the whitewater. This way you don't mess up the face or force them to change direction just to miss you. Watching waves and surfers will help you learn to anticipate situations.

Flags

Check with the lifeguards or beach signs to see how the swimming and surfing areas are flagged. Don't be the one they're yelling at through a megaphone. Bodyboarders can go in between swimming flags, surfers can't. Surf in the surfing zone - the lifeguards might do you a favour and keep you away from currents, or they might put the swimming area right where the peak is. Either way, you'll have to deal with it.

Locals

Show respect to the people who surf the break day in, day out, even when it's crap. Don't turn up in a huge group. Don't go hassling them out of the take-off zone or you may find some wax up your tailpipe later on... Watch and learn instead - nothing like local knowledge.

Getting your Fair Share

So how can you get your fair share of waves, with all these people to dodge and all these laws to abide by? The best piece of advice is to walk that little bit further and find a less crowded peak. The waves may not be as great, but you may well catch a lot more of them.