The Complete Guide To SUP Surfing Etiquette / How To Respect The Lineup

SUP surfers sometimes get a bad rep in the surf community and that is because we have certain advantages over other surfers. We can paddle faster and can see waves coming from a distance which means we have the ability to catch more waves.

In our Complete Guide To SUP Surfing Etiquette, we learn about the priority system, the best ways to minimise our impact on prone surfers, come to know the 10 commandments of SUP surfing etiquette when in a crowded lineup and a give you a couple of tips to have more fun on the water.

The 10 Commandments of SUP Surfing Etiquette

1. Don’t be a snake: Wait your turn in the lineup and everyone will get their fair share of waves.
2. Don’t drop in: that’s stealing someone’s wave
3. Don’t be a wave hog: In other words don’t catch everything that moves. Be aware of your wave count
4. Sit down every now and then – this help to keep a low profile
5. Let waves go through – if you see a great wave coming, let it go. You’ll gain more respect this way
6. Paddle wide and don’t ruin other surfers waves by being in the way
7. Call out the sets for priority surfers – let them know a good wave is coming
8. Sit wide on the peak to begin with and then integrate slowly into the lineup
9. Say hello and be friendly in the water
10. Know your ability level: If you can’t control your board, don’t surf with a crowd