Longboard Rules

Your longboard surfing experience will be a fun-filled and exhilarating one if you are certain to follow a few definite longboard rules. Longboard rules that are mandatory to the sport for common-sense reasons and as a safety measure include wave possession or the right of way, interference, the sportsmanship attitude and basic good surfing practices. It would help to remember these longboard rules when you tread the water with your longboards to avoid any unnecessary events.

  1. Wave Possession

    • You can possess a wave by catching it and turning your longboard in your chosen direction to surf your way across the water. If another surfer seems to ride the same wave from the other end, the wave belongs to the surfer who reaches the peak first (the initial point of takeoff). Do not expect the right of way by crossing under the peak to the opposite shoulder as it is already occupied.

    Interference

    • It is an important rule that a wave rider stays away from all other surfers and swimmers to avoid any possible danger from collisions. Never catch the same wave in the shoulder of another surfer who already has the right of way. Crossing over can be very dangerous and should never be attempted. Do not spoil the sport by breaking down a wave of your fellow surfer or infringe on the length of her ride. Adhere to these rules and avoid any hassles from interference, or besides causing any unpleasantness you may end up paying for damaged longboards.

    Sportsmanship

    • Don't try to overtake a surfer who is already on or is about to take off on a wave by paddling behind him or around him to move ahead of him on the same wave. If this occurs by mistake, do not hesitate to apologize (if you do it) or let go the action of the wrong surfer (if this happens to you). You can only benefit from the thrill and fun of the sport when you remember not to make surfing an outlet for your bad mood or behavior.

    Tow-In, Not Hinder

    • Look on the apex of the wave and check if another surfer possesses it before finding your right of way. This will greatly avoid collisions. You and your buddy can use the same peak of a wave if you surf in opposite directions and make sure your paths do not cross. Blatant paddling for a wave by hindering the fellow surfer's progress or grabbing or touching other surfer's boards is a strict no. The respect that you give to your fellow surfers and their right of the way ensures you enjoy the longboard sport in its real sense.