How to Paddle Into the Surfing Lineup

The lineup is the invisible and unspoken hierarchy that exists at just about every surf break. Dealing with it properly can save you some unnecessary conflicts and bad vibes.

Things You'll Need

  • Women's Athletic Swimsuits
  • Sunscreen
  • Adhesive Traction Pads
  • Board Shorts
  • Surf Leashes
  • Surf Waxes
  • Surfboard Bags
  • Surfboard Ding Repair Kits
  • Surfboard Racks
  • Surfboards
  • Surfing Wet Suits
  • Surfing Videos
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the break for a few minutes before you get in the water. Watch at least two sets to determine where the sets start breaking, where the best place is to paddle out, whether people are dropping in on each other, and whether waves are going unridden.

    • 2

      Watch someone else paddle out. If you are a newcomer to the break, this is a must. Is there a better way than that person's taking? Some places are always the same, and some places change daily.

    • 3

      Realize that the surfers closest to the place where the sets start to break are at the top of the lineup. They have first priority in catching the wave since they are closest to the peak. This order also tends to reflect the general skill level, since the better surfers sit at the top of the lineup.

    • 4

      Get in the water and paddle out. Make sure to dunk your head if you don't have to duck dive. This way nobody can tell that you just got in.

    • 5

      Paddle to the bottom of the lineup and briefly size up the other surfers. Are they pros or are they beginners? Knowing who's who in the water can really affect your wave selection. If a good surfer is paddling for a wave, you can assume he or she is going to catch it. If a beginner is paddling for a wave, there's a good chance that he or she won't catch it or will fall on the takeoff, leaving the wave unridden.

    • 6

      Work your way slowly up the lineup. It's OK to paddle right past people and sit wherever you want - there's no "real" lineup. Just be respectful and don't paddle straight to the top.