Just like driving on the roads, there are rules concering who has right of way on the water to help avoid accidents. Learn these basic concepts outlined below and they will keep you safe while surfing some of the busier surf spots along out coasts.

Note: These guidelines are a mirror of those published by the BCU/WCA

 

Rights Of Way

This page aims to show some the most common rules relating to rights of way on the wave. By making your group aware of these rules and using them on the water, you will help make the waves a safer place. However, be aware that not everybody will be familiar with the rules. Safety is paramount and irrespectful of who has the right of way, collision should be avoided at all costs.


Nearest to Pocket

Green is nearest to the pocket and so has right of way.

Drop In

The paddler already surfing has right of way.

Dropping In 2

Althouhgh red is inside, green is already surfing the wave so has right of way.

Snaking

Red manoeuvres inside of green, but green was inside initially so has right of way. This is often contested as it can be a technical way of gaining the best position just before take off. It is also a dangerous manoeuvre and should be avoided.

White Take-off

Red is taking off in the white water so doesn't have right of way.

Regaining Shoulder

Despite being beneath the white water, green is still surfing forwards with control and so retains right of way when regaining the shoulder.

Peak

When a peak forms with a left and right wave, both surfers can take off as long as they go in opposite directions and their paths don't cross.

Crossing Peak

Red cannot cross the peak as the other shoulder is occupied.

Crossing Clear Peak

Green can cross the peak to an un-occupied shoulder. ( a more technical and higher scoring move)

Closing Out

As 2 shoulders come together to close out, neither paddler has right of way and both must take action to avoid a collision.

Paddling Out

The surfer paddling out must take action to avoid a surfer on the wave. It is generally accepted that the surfer paddling out should aim for the white water, sacrificing a trashing for the benefit of the surfer on the wave. When paddling out, you should always keep an eye behind to ensure that if you are wiped out you won't be swept into another surfer.

© BCU 2007