Costa Rica Surfing Etiquette
Costa Rica is surfing paradise and as anywhere else the proper surfing etiquette is a must to make the most out of your vacation. Being in the water, enjoying a surf session with friends is one of the best feelings there is. Surfing is an individual sport, there is you, your board and the force of the ocean flowing under your feet, it is simply magical. Nevertheless is a social sport, where you meet all kinds of persons from all over, and you get to share that happy moment with lots of persons that you could only have met in the water.
There are some basic rules that every surfer knows that are just common sense of good behavior and being polite. Please, try always to put them in practice.
Who gets the wave?
• Furthest out: the surfer that is furthest out or that been waiting the longest
• Furthest inside: the closet surfer to the peak of the breaking wave
• First to feet: the first to feet or first onto the wave
• Communication: the call of “Left” or “Right” if the wave is a dual-peaking
Surfing Etiquette Costa Rica
Don`t Drop In
Cutting in front of another surfer who is surfing the wave is a quick way to get in trouble with the locals and other surfers. In case you do not notice that other guy is getting onto the wave, get out and then apologize, and be sure not to drop in again.
Don`t Keep Putting Yourself on the Right Position
Repeatedly paddling round other surfer to get in the inside position is not nice. Be courteous, if you are nice with other surfers and share the waves, the same attitude will be rewarded to you.
Apologize
If you drop in on someone, run over or breach the surfing etiquette, please apologize. Is just good manners, but always try not do the same mistake twice or even the nicest apology won’t work and you will find yourself in a bad position in the water.
Respect the Locals, is their home break!
Is their beaches, their home break, give respect to the locales; learn a little bit of Spanish it will be greatly appreciated. When your paddle ling out, say “Pura Vida” with a smile on your face and you`ll be ok.
Leave only footprints! Don`t take anything from the beach not even a stone, just your trash, a great memory and lots of pictures.
Santa Teresa Costa Rica
Surf Spots That Suite Your Ability
Learn about the break you are about to surf. If the waves are too big for you, don`t get in, it will probably just be a headache for you, plus you only be a hazard to other surfers and some “shark bait” in the water. Know your limits and you will have the time of your life.
Help Other Surfers
Help other surfers or swimmers if they have a problem or if they are in danger.
Surfing Playa Escondida Costa Rica
