Getting out of the way when someone's coming towards you...

[waterlily]

I've been reading the posts on here about what to do if you're paddling out and someone is riding a wave towards you. I have often found this to be a problem, particularly since I'm not great at paddling and manouvering my board.

When you guys say 'head to the whitewater' what do you mean?
Do you mean I should turn around and head back to the beach? Surely that would take more time. I ride a 7'6 so duckdiving isn't really an option.

I don't mean to be a dumbass, I'd just like someone to explain it in real laymans terms so I can stop getting in people's way, because I know myself what a pain in the ass it is!

Thanks guys

[PapaW]

As in paddle towards the broken section of the wave rather then the clean face.

[surf patrol]

It's your responsibility to get out of the way. Bear in mind the surfer coming towards you may not have the skill to avoid you.
If you can make it over the peak without getting in the way then go that way but if you cannot you just have to bite it and paddle back towards the broken wave.
You have either got to duckdive or turtle roll

[easty]

Paddle out either side of a breaking wave.Use Rips where you can on beach breaks. I saw a nasty accident this year at Bondi where a beginner got run over by another beginner .... fins can really cut you !