Category: Surfing

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Surfing Etiquette

 While many people are super stoked about learning to surf, are progressing rapidly and are just excited to be catching more waves, it’s worth noting that there ARE global rules for surfing that should be followed, for everyone to have a safer time and to ensure that aggression in the water can be completely avoided.

Surf schools and camps often  just want to make sure that their paying customers are catching waves and having fun, but if you follow these pointers it ensures everyone has the best time:

Surfing Etiquette
It’s important to observe the correct etiquette while surfing, otherwise there is risk for injuries. Most of the do’s and don’ts here are advice and can be used in most occasions. Please try to adhere to these unwritten rules, keep yourself out of trouble, and enjoy your surfing.

Observe Right of Way
Learn who has the right of way on the wave:

Furthest out: the surfer that is furthest out or that has been waiting longest
Furthest inside: the closest 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 dual-peaking
Don’t Drop In
Cutting in front of other surfers who are up and riding is a quick way of getting yourself in trouble or injured with other surfers. Observe the right of way.

Don’t Snake
Repeatedly paddling round someone to get into the inside position on a wave is a no-no.

Don’t Hog the Waves
Share them around. Even if you can paddle furthest outside and catch the waves first every time you reach the lineup, don’t do it often.

Do Apologize
If you drop in on someone, run over someone, or breach the etiquette and rules in any way, just apologize. It’s just good manners. We’ve all done things that we shouldn’t have when out surfing, saying sorry goes a long way to smoothing things over.

Respect the Locals
Keep in mind that the locals surf the spot every day. Give respect while visiting a spot, keep things friendly, earn some respect for yourself. Don’t mob surf spots in large numbers. Don’t rush straight outside, take your time.

Learn the Right Way to Paddle Out
This includes not ditching your board or paddling into the path of other surfers. Take a moment to observe the waves and time your paddle out accordingly with the timing of sets and use your best judgment to avoid other surf users. if at a reef use the channel to paddle back out, don’t paddle over the shoulder in the path of oncoming surfers, and if necessary paddle back into the whitewash and take one on the head instead of ruining a surfers unbroken wave! If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask a lifeguard\other surfers.

Surf Spots that Suit your Ability
Try not to pick a spot that is out of your ability range. You’ll only end up upsetting the other surfers by getting in the way or being a potential hazard for everyone. Always check with lifeguards if you are unsure on where to surf.

Help other Surfers
Always aid another surfer in trouble. Surfing can be dangerous and even fatal, look after each other.

Respect the Beach
Leave only footprints. Don’t litter, graffiti, vandalize, or otherwise impact the beach or surroundings.

Make sure you have proper and functional equipment such as a leash, sunscreen, and wetsuit for cold or warm conditions.

Remember to inquire with local Lifeguards or other surfers for detailed information on safety, rules, and conditions.

  1. Enjoy the waves!
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Bentota

Bentota is a tourist town with a great river, beach and inland attractions, situated on the south west coast of Sri Lanka.
The long sandy Bentota Beach stretches from the south to the north where it becomes a delightful tropical soft sand beach known as Paradise Island, running parallel to Bentota River. Coral-rich with tropical fish dive sites abound by Canoe Rock.
Bentota River has the  centuries-old “Galapota Temple” which has a huge Buddha statue accessible by land and river.
Ideally located midway between the major cities :
  • 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo
  • 56 kilometres (35 mi) north of Galle
The main town of Bentota is situated  to the south of the Bentota River (Bentota Ganga) and enjoys one of the longest beaches on the island.
Bentota peninsular features top hotels and is located between the river and the beach. There is also a tourist airport at the end nearest the sea.
The name of the town is derived from a mythical story which claims  ‘Ben’ ruled the “tota” or river bank in ancient times.

 

Bentota is a famous tourist area with good transport connections

  • Local airport Bentota River Airport
  • Two railway stations connecting the capital to the south coast
  • Coastal road
  • Highway connecting the capital to Matara on the south coast
There are some  world-class hotels offering international standard of guest service and local hotels many of which are western owned / managed and giving relaxing experiences to high standards.
It is a destination for water sports.
windsurfing, para-sailing and jet skiing
Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda.
Bentota is famous for its toddy production, an alcoholic beverage made out of coconut nectar.
It also has a turtle hatchery, located on Induruwa beach.
Thrilling river safaris along the river grant visitors access to cinnamon plantations, nature resorts and temples which are further inland.
An unmissable experience would be a visit to the residencies of two of Sri Lanka’s most famous personalities.
  • Geoffrey Bawa, the internationally renowned Sri Lankan architect built his luxurious country estate Lunuganga in Bentota.
  • Bevis Bawa the equally famous brother. a landscape artist designed Brief Gardens, a 5 acre landscaped garden featuring male beauty discretely incorporated in the landscape of the gardens – a pioneer of gender equality to Sri Lanka .
Both estates are open to the public and a visit to the Bentota would not be complete without a visit to Lunuganga and Brief Gardens.
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Surfing Improvement

Keep trying
You’ll probably slide or fall off the first few times, but don’t be deterred.
Some people can learn in an afternoon, while others take a few weeks to get the hang of things.
Keep trying and you’ll eventually make it.
Avoid getting to your knees and stopping.
If you’re going to commit, commit and stand up.
Going to your knees is like saddling the horse but not riding it.
Enjoy the surf, enjoy the ocean and have great fun meeting great surfers and friends.

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Be prepared to wipe out

white sands surf school bentota sri lanka

If you feel yourself falling, or if the wave dies down, jump away from the board towards the ocean and away from your momentum.

A good idea is to fall to the side or the back of the board, covering your head with your arms as you fall.
Go with the flow, letting the wave carry you.
Swim upwards gently and feel what’s ahead of you to avoid getting hit by the board.
Try to land flat so that you won’t injure yourself in shallow water or on a reef.
Once you have safely surfaced, pull your leash and climb back onto your board to prevent it from scything or flopping through the water, which can cause serious injury to you or others.
Climb aboard, rest on your belly, and regain control.

Most wipe out injuries happen as a result of the board hitting the surfer. Always remember to bail to the ocean side of your board.
You don’t want to be between the beach and your board when a wave has control of the board.
If you are riding for the very first time, it’s great to rent a foam surfboard rather than a fiberglass one, as they are softer and less likely to cause you injury while learning.

Use the channels to get out of the way. After you wipeout or bail, you need to get out of the way so that other people can surf. Don’t paddle up the middle of the break where other surfers will be coming. Instead, paddle off to the side first, to keep the wave zone clear.