Surfing is a surface water sport in which a person (the surfer) moves along the face of a breaking ocean wave (the surf). Surfing also takes place on rivers, riding a standing wave.

Two major subdivisions within stand-up surfing are longboarding and shortboarding, reflecting differences in surfboard design -- particularly including surfboard length, and riding style.

In tow-in surfing (most often, but not exclusively, associated with big wave surfing), a motorized water vehicle, such as a personal watercraft tows the surfer into the wave front, helping the surfer match a large wave's higher speed, a speed that is generally, but not exclusively a speed that a self-propelled surfer can not match.

Surfing-related sports such as paddleboarding and sea kayaking do not require waves, and other derivative sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing rely primarily on wind for power, yet all of these platforms may also be used to ride waves.

Recently with the use of V-drive boats, wakesurfing, riding the boat wake has emerged.

Readers Comments

SURFING ETIQUETTE
Looking out to sea people in the water might seem like a bunch of surfers bobbing about. But there is order to that chaos and every new surfer should learn a little about surfing etiquette before taking to the water. Following the rules won’t just keep you safe – they will gain you friends too.

The drop in rule
If you learn one rule then this is it. The person nearest to the breaking part of the wave (the curl) or the person already standing on a wave has priority. Never paddle for a wave if someone else is already surfing it because it can cause a collision. If you are in any doubt about this rule have someone explain it to you.

If two people are paddling for the same wave then it is impolite for the person furthest from the breaking part of the wave to turn and cut across the other surfer. This is called snaking and is considered very rude.

Paddling Out
When you paddle out you should stay clear of the surf zone if possible by using a rip or channel. But if someone is surfing towards you, its polite to aim for the the white water rather than the part of the wave that is yet to break as that is where the person surfing is aimed. They should be good enough to surf around you, but you need to make every effort not to ruin their ride.

Throwing your board
If you are paddling out and are about to get hit by a big wave do not throw away your board. There may be someone behind you. Hang on to it, even if it means you get a trip in the washing machine! Loose boards can cause nasty injuries.

Surf to your ability
Stick to waves that are right for your ability. If you paddle out at beaches that have fast, hollow and potentially dangerous waves then you are putting yourself and others in danger. If you paddle out at breaks that are too advanced for you, seek the advice of other surfers in the water. They will know the break and will be able to guide you in. DO NOT surf beaches without lifeguards if you are a new surfer.

Have a good attitude
Surfing is fun. And it always should be. Having a good attitude, being friendly and abiding by the rules will get you a long way. Experienced surfers don’t like those with bad manners or who don’t follow the rules. Smile, be polite, apologise if you make a mistake and you’ll soon find your place in the line up.

Maria Threlfall

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