Surf Etiquette

Term from Surfing Instruction industry explained for recruiters

Surf Etiquette refers to the essential rules and behavior guidelines that surfing instructors must know and teach to ensure safety and respect in the water. It's like the "rules of the road" for surfing, covering how surfers should interact with each other, who has the right of way on waves, and how to keep everyone safe in the ocean. This knowledge is crucial for surfing instructors as they're responsible for teaching new surfers how to be respectful and safe members of the surfing community. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates that the candidate understands and can teach these fundamental safety and social aspects of surfing.

Examples in Resumes

Taught Surf Etiquette and water safety to beginners in group lessons of 5-10 students

Created comprehensive course materials covering Surf Etiquette and basic wave mechanics

Led advanced workshops on Surf Etiquette and lineup management for intermediate surfers

Typical job title: "Surf Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Surfing Coach Water Safety Instructor Surf School Instructor Ocean Safety Instructor Watersports Instructor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple students are consistently dropping in on other surfers?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should discuss their approach to managing group dynamics, implementing clear communication systems, and having preventive teaching methods in place. They should also mention their process for addressing safety concerns and maintaining positive relationships with local surfers.

Q: What methods do you use to teach surf etiquette to large groups while maintaining safety?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with creating structured lesson plans, using land-based demonstrations, and implementing practical exercises that reinforce proper etiquette. Should also discuss crowd management techniques and emergency response protocols.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you explain right of way rules to beginner surfers?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain their teaching methodology for basic rules, including simple demonstrations and clear examples. Should mention how they ensure student understanding and compliance.

Q: What strategies do you use to teach wave priority and lineup positioning?

Expected Answer: Should discuss practical teaching methods, use of visual aids, and how they gradually introduce concepts from basic to advanced. Should include how they monitor student progress and ensure safety.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic rules of surf etiquette?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain fundamental rules like right of way, not dropping in, paddling wide to get back out, and calling out directions to other surfers.

Q: How do you ensure student safety while teaching surf etiquette?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic safety protocols, student assessment, and when to keep students in whitewater versus moving them to bigger waves.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic surf etiquette knowledge
  • Teaching fundamental safety rules
  • Basic wave assessment
  • Group management in calm conditions

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Advanced etiquette instruction
  • Crowd management in busy lineups
  • Teaching multiple skill levels
  • Conflict resolution in the water

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program development
  • Instructor training
  • Advanced safety management
  • Local surf community leadership

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Inability to explain basic right of way rules
  • No formal surf instruction certification
  • Poor understanding of ocean safety
  • Lack of experience teaching different skill levels

Related Terms