The fundamental rule in surfing tells us that the surfer closest to the peak always gets priority. In other words, if you're paddling for a right-hand wave, and a fellow surfer is on your left shoulder, you must give priority to them.

The general rule is – one man/woman, one wave. In most cases, you can't have two surfers riding the same wave in the same direction.

When you disrespect the right-of-way rule, you're "burning" someone's wave and showing the utmost lack of respect. You are ruining a wave for someone like you, who also enjoys surfing.

Dropping in may result in severe injuries and damaged surfboards, so don't do to others what you wouldn't want to be done to yourself. Relax, take a deep breath, and wait for your turn. There will always be another wave.

When paddling for a wave, always look both ways to see if someone else is on it. The surfer on the shoulder or further down the line should always give way to a surfer already on the wave. It is possible at some beaches to have a split peak where surfers take off at the same time in different directions (one surfer goes left, one surfer goes right). This requires communication to ensure clarity on the other surfer intentions

Snaking is a very common and disrespectful behavior that can be seen, especially in crowded lineups. Paddling around one or more surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority is rude conduct. Select the best position in the line-up, and do not paddle around other surfers, always wanting to catch all waves.

Be patient. There are waves for everyone

Paddle wide, not through the peak, and stay in the water if you get caught inside and a surfer is enjoying his surf line.

Don’t paddle out straight through the center of the rideable waves as this will usually cause frustration for the surfers riding the waves as well as cause a collision. On a classic beach break or sport with multiple peaks, make sure to paddle out in the flatter sections or in between sets whilst there is a lull in the waves. To avoid being hit by another surfer paddle wide or paddle into the white water in the opposite direction to the surfer on the wave.

Although some longboarders may not use this rule wisely (they should leave some waves to shortboarders) in theory, they hold priority.

Sense and sensibility tell us to avoid calling priority in all waves.

If you have ever been out surfing and there are 1-2 guys catching all the waves, or there seems to be the same long border, SUPer or bodyboarder on every wave it can be frustrating and sometimes push people to be aggressive and drop in creating hostility in the water. The best surf days are the ones where everyone takes it in turns and are friendly and respectful, chatting, laughing and encouraging each other by sharing, regardless of ability or skill.

Surfboards are dangerous weapons, not only for yourself but for others around you. Always wear a leash and avoid ditching your board.

If you kick out, fall, or wipe out, try to control your board. Surfboards can actually kill someone if they hit critical regions of the human body.

Holding on to your board is not only a respectful consideration for others but a legitimate skill for a surfer. It is dangerous to others, especially in a crowded lineup if you find you can’t hold on to your board then you should probably go back to smaller waves and work on the basics.

In case two surfers are sitting in the middle of the peak, and the wave opens to both sides in an A-frame wave, they should tell each other whether they're going right or left.

When that happens, both surfers can enjoy their ride down the line without wasting what the wave has to offer.

When beginning your career in surfing everyone knows – it takes time to master the basic movements, not to mention gain knowledge about currents, rips, breaks and wave knowledge. Choose waves and conditions right for your ability. If a beginner is heading out into a busy line up on a 6 foot perfect day probably isn’t the best idea for everyone’s safety. Leave that for the more experienced surfers and use the lesser quality waves (smaller/white-water). As these will be perfect to hone your skill early on.

Never leave garbage in the sand or water, try to give back to Mother Nature all the hours of pleasure and joy you had. Whenever possible, pick up a couple of plastic bags, bottles, or other garbage items after you conclude your surf session.

Interact with other surfers in a civilized way, even if a minority is still learning good manners.

If you're surfing in a place you don't know, respect the locals. And whenever an outsider visits your home break, treat them with respect and share a few waves.