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The "Drop In" Rule
So what’s it all about, why can’t you just catch any wave you want? Like driving a car, flying a plane or sailing the seven seas there are rules. They exist not only so matey boy on his mini-mal can get nice long rides with a few reos for good measure, but primarally for Safety.
When you take off in front of Johnny Boy Bloggs on his needle sharp thruster with fins like meat cleavers you run a high risk of getting minced.
Dropping in on a fellow surfer is also a No-Go! Guys who have been surfing for years have gained respect by pushing the limits and abiding by the rules. Dog eat dog attitude is detrimental to our sport and burning others will only give you and surfing a bad name.
The drop in rule goes like this: Closest to the curl of the wave has right of way. Someimes you may find that although you have right of way someone may already be up and riding further out on the shoulder (long boarders usually being the culprit here). In this case it is oftern better to let them go unless they have seen you set up for the wave and in which case a short, sharp shout is in order. How ever if they are up and riding and dropping into the pocket, and you take off behind them this constitutes snaking.
