Originally Posted by
Ottime
It is not all about placement. It really depends on where you are surfing. 10 people should be able to manage to share a peak w/o issue. 10 is a small crowd. If you have been surfing the place for 20 years, you should know some of the faces out there - make that work for you. There are a variety of 'rules' - mix and match.
Deepest Guy Rule - who ever is deepest gets the wave. The problem with this rule is if you have assholes who are all agro to get deepest. Then you need to keep jockeying for position to stay deep. Generally, this rule creates mayhem from my experience.
Local's Rules ** - unless you are a local, you only get left overs. If you are not a local, find another spot. There is usually a wave just nearly as good around the corner.
Gentlemen's Rule - Take turns. You need to make your waves with the Gentlemen's Rule. You digger two waves in a row - find another peak. It does not matter how you ride, you just need to make that drop. When in effect, it is possible for 10-15 gentlemen to share a peak. Talk it out.
Ripper's Rule ** - Take turns. Unless you rip as strong as the crew out there, go some where else. If you drop in like a Barney, and surf like a Kook, you will be dropped in on. Be prepared to watch someone kill it in front of you as you hold on for dear life. You will not get a wave to your self. Even if you are deepest.
Free For All Rule - no real rules are followed. Often this happens at point breaks. Like the "I thought you were not going to make that section" drop ins. Or the "I did not see you" drop ins. Or the "fuck you, it is crowded out here" drop ins.
** I find these to be lame rules, but they do exist in many line ups. The Point/Slot area at Steamers Lane will usually have one of these two rules in effect.