Posting up on the peak

There is a take off point for every wave. On good spots it is often in the same place. This is very true for a reef break, a little more random for a beach break. This starting point will vary according to each person : based off his/her commitment, his/her type of board, his/her physical form, what he/she wants to do on the wave … This multitude of points defines an area around the peak. In this zone several rules exist :

The Priority : is the person who is the most inside has the priority etc …

The rule of taking turns : everyone must have a chance to get a good wave, in the order of arrival at the peak.

Courtesy : nothing prevents you from being nice and sharing.

We avoid collisions, bothering others and may talk to each other so as to warn each other of take-offs.

We do not get in front of others. We wait for our turn unless the other person refuses the wave.

We do not ‘snake’ others by confusing them by paddling from non-priority to priority. Whoever starts paddling first is showing his intention to become priority.   So, the peak is a world of its own as does the relation between surfers. But we need to find this peak and be well placed. The current, the wind, the wave that moves, are factors that will dictate what the best placement is. Use reason, be logical. The ocean has its own rhythm; waves are what comes from swell. There is an uncanny randomness with the workings of waves but you can limit this by good observation. If you are well placed and attentive, you will catch the good waves and with just a few strokes.