Respect, knowledge of the culture, and picking the right surf spot are key to having a good surf experience. When you grab a board and decide to paddle out, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Isaiah Walker, a History professor at BYU-Hawaii who has been surfing since he was 5, said, “Get to know the culture of the line-up.” Walker, author of the book, “Waves of Resistance,” continued, “The line-up is a word many people have forgotten about in surfing.”
The line-up refers to the order of people’s turns on taking the next wave. Do not paddle around people in the line-up. Be mindful of others, respect others, and wait your turn for the next wave. If you are just learning how to surf, it is important to pick the right spot. For beginners, Malaekahana Beach Park (often referred to as Castles) is a good spot to learn.
Corbin Thomander, director of the BYUH Alumni Office, and a surfer since 15, said, “Always respect the locals. If they’re going for a wave, stay out of their way.” He explained by paying respect to the local people, you are more likely to have a good time and stay out of trouble.
Do not paddle out in a big group. If you cannot avoid being in a big group, then take turns paddling out. If you are just beginning to surf and do not have a lot of experience, go to a less competitive spot where you can avoid getting in the way of people who do have experience. BYUH’s Head Reference Librarian Riley Moffat taught surf lessons at BYUH for 10 years. Moffat said that one of the most important things to remember while surfing is to stay out of people’s way. Always paddle around the break and make safety a priority. Try to keep control of your board even if you fall off. Keep in mind that your board can hurt the people around you, including yourself.