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Driving down California's Pacific Coast Highway, waterman Eric Diamond (aka E.D.) flashes on the fact that SUPing adds a whole new to the shore. On calm days, paddling out to a crowded surf break is a cakewalk. As the world of SUP grows, having the right approach to other watermen and -women will help steer our new culture in the right direction, easing potential animosity toward SUP in the surfing arena. Here, E.D. gives us some pointers for both going out for waves and respecting the lineup.
There are several things I typically do when I get out in a surf break with surfers surrounding me. First I'll call out sets, letting the first good waves go by. When I do get a wave, I generally ride it all the way to the beach, then take my time paddling back out, casually. This eases any uptight situation in the water. Just sitting on my board, chatting with those in the line-up, makes me feel like I do on my 6'4" shortboard. Tension levels go way down.
  When you understand how to surf a lineup with the proper etiquette, you can venture out to new and undiscovered breaks based on tides and swell direction. Trust me - there are many out there in your own backyard. You don't need to always be in the "scene," where the lineup is your stage and you dominate the wave-catching world. Exploring new breaks is respectful; it's also adventure and fun. Those paddle-bys - when you go through a lineup to get to another reef a half-mile out - make curious onlookers think of you as an adventurer … because you are.
So the next time you paddle out to some crowded line-up, tempted to do battle in the crowd like Spartacus in an arena with angry gladiators, calm the crowd like Jesus instead. Walk on water with a humble soul; you'll be surprised at the response and respect. then venture out like an explorer and discover new territories you never knew existed.
1// Becoming one with the crowd to neutralize any tension in the lineup
2// Call out set waves for the surfers and you'll be surprised at the change in attitude
3// Follow these tips and you'll be shown respect and waves
ABOUT E.D.
Eric Diamond is a complete waterman. He also is the creative director of
Honolua Surf Company, combining his personal passions and professional
skills to shape and articulate Honolua's waterman lifestyle.
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