Self-regulation guidelines for Surfing and SUP.
On Maui like many other
popular surfing destinations we have seen a dramatic increase in people
surfing. This includes Longboarders as well as SUP boarders.
This is cause for concern as many new surfers do not know
the etiquette and rules of surfing, and also many new surfers do not have the
control necessary to surf safely in crowded conditions.
Here is a set of Updated Surfing Rules to use as a guideline
to help make the surfing experience safer and more enjoyable for all:
1) Know your
level.
Newbies:
If you have never surfed or supped, get a lesson.
Do not try to learn on your own, unless you are far away
from other people. A lesson will show you the basics, and hopefully teach you
how to avoid getting stuck in the washing machine.
Beginners:
A beginner should stay at beginner breaks. Do not attempt to
mix in to more advanced breaks until you have the skill to do so.
Intermediate:
Once you have mastered the basics, move away from the true
beginner spots to make room for the beginners. Avoid beginner areas because
beginners do not have the control to avoid you.
Advanced:
Advanced surfers should go find some advanced breaks, and
again avoid beginners. Advanced surfers have the ability to catch all of the waves,
but just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should.
2) Know your
limits:
If in doubt, don't go out.
If the conditions are too big, or the paddle too long. Don’t
push yourself. You should stay within your ability to handle the conditions. If
you don’t have the skills to handle the conditions you will be a liability to
yourself and others.
3) Avoid Crowds:
More people means less waves, unless you take more than your
share. So unless you are there to socialize, you should avoid crowds. Take a
drive and find a less crowded spot.
(Maui has 120 miles of
coastline, go explore).
4) Respect others:
No matter how good you are, or think you are, every one else
deserves the waves just as much as you do. And everyone deserves to be treated
with respect. This means that you should not diminish their safety by cutting
too close, or diminish their share of waves, even if they are going to wipeout
on a few of them. Do not get into stressful situation by acting possessive or
trying to take over a spot. That is disrespectful to the other guy.
5) Use a board
leash:
Your board leash is for public safety. Because you cannot
guarantee that you will not lose your board once in a while. A loose surfboard
or standup board can easily hurt a lot of people. So always use a board leash.
All Surfers; shortboard, bodyboard, longboard, and standups need to use a
leash. Otherwise you better only surf alone.
6) Share the
waves:
No one owns the waves, they are for everyone. So always
share the waves with the other surfers in the line up. Maybe the other guy has
two jobs and only gets one hour to surf a week. Get a wave, give a wave. Keep
the circulation fair. You don’t cut in line at the store, so don’t do it in the
surf. Even if you have the longest board or you are the best paddler, and can
catch every wave, it doesn’t mean that you should. Surf with aloha.
7) Be Safe:
Being safe means that you must always be in control of your
gear, and your actions. If you cannot take off on a wave in a safe way then don't
do it. One wave isn't worth risking your life, or risk hurting someone. If it
is risky, pull out and get the next wave instead. Never take off if someone is
in your path. And do not let go of your board when you are close to anyone
else.
8) Paddle Around
the break:
Paddle around the break to get out, not through it. This
gives the other guys more room to surf in on the wave, and less stress worrying
about avoiding hitting you. Paddle a little further around the break and make
room for the guys actually surfing the wave.
9) Don’t rest in
the takeoff zone:
If you are taking a break, pull over into the channel. Do
not hang out in the take off zone or on the inside. You will just be blocking
the other guys from getting waves.
If you are not about to catch a wave, then pull over and let
another surfer get close to the peak so that they can have their turn.
10) Avoid
beginners and Children:
All surfers should avoid beginners and children. Do not surf
through a pack of beginners. And do not surf close to kids surfing. They do not
have the skills to avoid you, and you might force them to bail out, and risk
injury. If you have the skills to avoid beginners then you should. Do not drop
in, or cut through, or get close to a beginner, because you could create a
safety hazard to them and you.
Please remember these guidelines, and don’t forget that we
are all out there to have fun.
Be safe and surf with aloha,
Surf Club Maui
