Have Fun, Be Safe and for Pete’s sake, Be Polite!!!
Surf Dog Etiquette
I’ve taken the unwritten rules of surfing as written for Surfers and have condensed and modified them for Dog Surfing. Many of these unwritten rules apply to both! Please read, understand and practice these rules! You really will have a better experience! (Use the Contact Us page to e-mail me the ones I forgot. Thanks!)
Observe Right of Way: Learn who has the right of way on the wave. (The next 4 rules)
On a wave: Any dog that is surfing a wave has the right of way. They can’t turn or steer their surfboard. It’s up to you to get out of their way. Don’t Surf (launch, push, ease) your Surf Dog into the same way unless you have agreed in advance to do so!
Furthest out: The Surf Dog that is furthest out or that has been waiting longest has the right to the next wave.
Furthest inside: The Surf Dog who is closest to the peak of the breaking wave has the right to that wave.
First moving: The first Surf Dog who’s Owner has them moving in the direction of the wave has the right to that wave.
Communication: Call "Left!" or "Right!" if the wave is dual-peaking and there are two of you waiting.
Don't Drop In: Surfing (launching, pushing, easing) your Surf Dog into or in front of other Surf Dogs who are already riding a wave is the worst! Observe the right of way and you should be fine.
Don't Snake: Repeatedly surfing (pushing) your Surf Dog where someone is already waiting to get into the inside position on a wave is a no-no.
Don't Hog the Waves: Share. Even if you can go out the furthest outside and catch the waves first every time you reach the lineup, don't do it. Share the Stoke!
Apologize: If you drop in on someone, run over someone, or breach the etiquette and rules in any way, just apologize. It's just plain good manners. We've all done things that we shouldn't have when out surfing, saying sorry goes some way to smoothing things over. (Obviously snaking, dropping in, hogging the waves and running everyone over will probably end in a beating, no matter whether you say sorry each time or not.)
Respect the Locals: Keep in mind that the locals surf the spot every day. Give respect and behave while visiting a spot, keep things friendly, earn some respect yourself. Don't mob surf spots in large numbers. Don't rush straight outside, take your time.
Learn the Right Way to Go Out: Stay out of the path of other Surf Dogs. Yell "DOG ON" if a surfing dog is heading towards someone who is in the way and is not paying attention. Pay attention to what’s going on around you. It is your responsibility when going out to keep out of the way of incoming Surf Dogs!
Surf Spots and Swells that Suit your Ability: Do not surf in areas or in high surf that are beyond your ability. You’re just endangering yourself, your Surf Dog and others.
Help other Surf Dogs: Always aid another Surf Dogs in trouble. Surfing can be dangerous, look after each other. Help retrieve surf boards when possible. (Does this really need to be said?)
Respect the Beach: Leave only footprints. Don't litter or otherwise impact the beach or surroundings. Leave the Beach cleaner than when you got there!
Have Fun! Have the right attitude! It’s all about having FUN! Leave all the bad vibes, bad karma and bad attitude at home!