Wave priority question.

[skuba]

Ok, I know that usually whoever is more on the outside will have wave priority, but here is a twist.

If I am sitting on my board in a certain spot, a wave starts forming, and I on a great spot already, just waiting the wave to completely form so I can get it, but then another surfer that is kind of far, comes paddling fast and then suddenly he is a little bit on a better spot that I am, don't I keep my priority? Basically I was almost at the peak of the wave and just waiting for it.

What do you think?

Thanks

[cj]

If you were waiting for it, it is yours. If someone else snakes you, you just have to deal with it, or jump on them and beat them down in the middle of the water. What else can you do? It was rude of the guy, but hey maybe he didn't know you wanted it. I would probably let it go once, if he did it twice, he would be trying to spit my toes up and crap my foot out of his butt, because I would seriously bury my foot.

[el_timmo]

the one with priority is the one with the biggest crew!

nah sounds like this guy tried to snake you.... Keep going for your wave, then as soon as you stand up, get your Walther P99 silenced out of your wetsuit pocket (you know, the one on your right leg) and fire three well aimed shots at his board, then surf the wave in to a standing ovation from your crew and escape is crew in your Aston Martin DBX44590HHGF Special Edition to the nearest helipad where your helicopter will be waiting. Take your helicopter to your local secret spot where you will be safe.

[Broosta]

Yep you got snaked. Its not very sportsman-like but technically the snaker does have priority.
Real world rules dictate that you should make it known you were going for the wave and that if it keeps happening then its time to kick off.
Situations obviously vary alot but thats the general deal.

[cj]

Dude yea, shank his ass in the parking lot. Give him some of that life without parole treatment.

[dondiemand]

it's better that u start paddling towards or parallel to the wave (wherever u think is a good spot), if u were just sitting, then he assumes that you dont want it..happens to me all the time..goodluck!

[SilverShark78]

dont get frustrated or violent about it. remember, waves are an endless resource from nature. if he keeps doing it ask him about it. but out in the water is not the time to be angry and other negative feelings/thoughts/actions. just step back and look at the big picture. be civil if you confront him if it keeps happening, though. nobody likes to lose a good wave

[SilverShark78]

it's better that u start paddling towards or parallel to the wave (wherever u think is a good spot), if u were just sitting, then he assumes that you dont want it..happens to me all the time..goodluck!

i agree. even if i'm in the absolute RIGHT spot of the wave, if i see a wave coming from hundred meters, or wherever i realize "i want it", i'll start paddling out to it...even if you only paddle a meter or two, you still claim it as yours because its obvious you are going for it. dont paddle too much where you get out of the break, though. make sure you keep the kick spot.

[SilverShark78]

oh...and about this:

I know that usually whoever is more on the outside will have wave priority

it's the guy on the inside, closer to the strongest and most energetic part of the wave (where it's going to break first and with the most power). he's got the right of way

[GowerCharger]

well it depends where he started paddling from, if he was deeper and paddled towards you then took of then its his wave, if he paddles past you and then takes off deeper then its his wave according to the rules, but he is snaking you which means in practice that you are within your rights to drop in .
Whether you should drop in or not depends on other factors, if your visiting at a harcore locals only spot and hes local then you might want to let it slip once or twice (especially if hes bigger than you/ has lots of mates with him), but if he does it again then you might wanna just go to show you wont be walked over.
At a regular spot or my local break i would drop in without even thinking about it, but be ready for possible verbal confrontation.
Be warned tho that if you do drop in and then go on to balls up the wave completly then your gonna look pretty silly.

The real solution to your question is if your in a good spot for an approaching wave but there is a better position dont just sit and wait for it, be pro-active and paddle to that better spot to take the wave and you wont have to worry about snakes.

[IdRatherBeSurfing]

yo GC did I see you drop in on someone down on the Gower last week? it was you riding a board with a dragon on it wasnt it? or have I got it totally wrong?

I was the kook chick on the 7ft4 funboard but u probably didnt see me anyway

[gdude335]

padlle for it, show that you want it and call the side your going to. for example if your going left and he goes on your right its fine but if you yell right he will know that hes in the way. Try to really show that you want it, turn your board and paddle looking back.

[dougirwin13]

oh...and about this:

I know that usually whoever is more on the outside will have wave priority

it's the guy on the inside, closer to the strongest and most energetic part of the wave (where it's going to break first and with the most power). he's got the right of way

Urm. Not sure I agree.

According to "tribal law" (below) furthest out and most inside has right of way.


Not sure, but it doesn't sound like he's snaked you (Paddled around you to get into the best position for a wave - in essence stealing waves).

But he sure isn't sharing waves or being respectful.

Regardless the advice on here is good. Show intent and commitment to getting the wave you want by paddling for it.

And if it keeps up it's you judgement call as to wether you approach him about it. If you do be poilte and non-threatening. Maybe even ask what you are doing wrong, rather than tell him he is doing something wrong. "Sorry mate, I don't want to bother you. But I keep wanting to go for waves that you get. I know you are further out and have priority, but is there something I can do to get more waves." Maybe wait until after he's finished a good one, has paddled back out and is stoked... Maybe say "good wave" first. Be his mate. You might even make a new friend.

Anyway, just my 2c. Feel free to ignore it.

-doug

[el_timmo]

ignore it! take my advice.... it's far more exciting!

[isaluteyou]

funny i have that same experience many times when im in perfect position and some guy comes paddling around to steal position. When that happens now i just paddle in front to block there path much to their dismay got a few nasty stares but my philosophy is bugger off i was first just jking im a very share a like person although i love it when they steal position and then wipeout

[WooD]

This subject comes up a lot.

Here are a few words of wisdom.

http://forums.surf-station.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=8c46628272246e87747524e5ecaa79a8;act=ST;f=1;t=11120

[drowningbitbybit]

This subject comes up a lot.

Here are a few words of wisdom.

Wave priority:
1. Furthest Out or surfer that has been waiting longest.
2. Furthest Inside - closest surfer to the peak of the breaking wave.
3. First to Feet or first onto the wave has priority.

I'd re-write that as...

Wave priority:
1. Furthest Inside - closest surfer to the peak of the breaking wave.
2. Furthest Out or surfer that has been waiting longest.
3. First to Feet or first onto the wave has priority.



Closest to the peak is the most important rule - ultraimportant if you're surfing in a group of mixed long/shortboards. I dont care if you stood up 200 yards earlier when it was merely a ripple thinking about becoming a wave when its a grown up.... If Im closer to the peak, its my wave.

[GowerCharger]

yo GC did I see you drop in on someone down on the Gower last week? it was you riding a board with a dragon on it wasnt it? or have I got it totally wrong?

Maybe, there is a couple of other guys with dragons on their boards here ive seen about (copycats )
What break was it at and when? i did majorly cut some guy off at caswell last week, but it was an accident and i think he was a student so i wasnt that bothered
On the other hand ive been dropped in on at least once every time ive been surfing in the last month or so, not usually by good surfers tho, usually beginners who i guess havent learnt the rules yet. Maybe they should inlcude a booklet on the rules of the road with every foam or popout minimal sold.

[drowningbitbybit]

Maybe they should inlcude a booklet on the rules of the road with every foam or popout minimal sold.

They do now!

The BSA has tried to make sure pretty much every shop has got the little booklets and that they're given to anyone buying a board (okay, probably not the local getting 10th board shaped there)

So no excuses!!

[IdRatherBeSurfing]

i did majorly cut some guy off at caswell last week, but it was an accident and i think he was a student so i wasnt that bothered

sory dude but you sound like a twat lmao