There's a code among surfers. Follow these few rules from Pete Devries,
Canada's top-ranked surfer, to avoid a parking lot brawl or having your board broken over your head.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Look out for locals: Remember that some locals feel ownership of the waves that hit their beaches. After you fight your way into a wetsuit, take a few minutes on the beach to suss out the situation.
Respect the right of way: Out past the breakers, surfers sit on their boards scanning the horizon for a big one coming in. There's a right of way when the wave does arrive. The surfer nearest the peak, where the wave begins to fold, owns that wave. The white foam on the peak travels to either the left or the right and the surfers sit on the side it moves toward. If the first surfer gives that wave a pass, the next in line can take it.
Don't drop in: This, the most offensive of infractions, happens when a surfer hops on a wave that some one else is already riding, cutting the first rider off.
Control your board: Just because the board is attached to your ankle by a leash doesn't mean you let it fly willy-nilly around in the surf when you wipe out.
Be honest about your abilities: Before getting your feet wet, take a look at the water and decide where you belong - out in the big water or up front in the kiddie pool.
Share: Even if you're top dog out there, you still have to share the waves. Just because you can catch them all doesn't mean you should.
Say you're sorry: If you break one of the surfing commandments, apologize. It may save your car, or your body, from vandalism.
Heather Reid,
Special to The Globe and Mail