priority and respect questions

[Jahremy]

Hi, I am a beginner surfer since 2 weeks and I have questions about who as priority in the line-up and where to go or what to do to correctly get out of the way of others surfers. I really want to respect the locals and any other surfer when they're already on a wave but sometimes I see somebody who is closer to the break of the wave than me, I know he is going to catch it so I try to not be where I think he's going to go, but I feel I dont move at all and finally they stop or he pass really close to me...

I try to never be behind somebody, but for example 2day, I was in the lineup, with just one or two persons. than 3 obsiously good surfer arrived next to us. so, it was okay, nobody was in front of ohers, but when a wave was coming just a little bit behind the line-up, they were paddling to that place (in front of me) and triying to catch the wave. and passing really close to me cause i didn't know which side to go or how to get out of the way

so, I know it can be hard to visualize it but, anyway if anybody can explain me a bit more on priority on waves and how the line-up works it would be well appreciated

thanks

[tree4]

Try this ... https://surfing-waves.com/wave_priority.htm

[isaluteyou]

i have surfed breaks that were so crowded it was impossible to comply to anysort of etiquette as a sea of people are paddling all viaing for position and such.

In normal circumstances it is politness not to sit directly in front of someone or directly behind them. It is also politness to also let the person closest to the peak have first shot at the wave - if that person happens to be you then make it clear that you intend on making an attempt at the wave this means paddling for it. What you dont want to do is paddle around someone for the wave or paddle on the inside sneaking in around them that way. As a beginner it can be very hard to get waves as you are not yet familiar with the whole thing as of yet. In truth its really just a confidence thing so get out there and surf some more yes you will make small etiquette mistakes but if your motives are good then it's all good - some complete A-holes fail to realise this particulaly when beginers are concerned.