Respect the locals It doesn't matter how good or how bad they are, they're still guys who regularly surf the spot, know the place inside out, and are used to surfing it with just their mates. Imagine how you'd feel if a bunch of arrogant twonks came down your street acting like they owned it, making a mess of the place and generally being arses. Would you get pissed off with them? Of course you would.
Don't travel in large groups Turning up a break with eight of your mates provides an instant crowd and puts everyone one the defensive straightaway. If you are in a large group, go surfing in shifts.
Do unto others as you would have done to yourself Never drop in. Never snake the peak. Never paddle out and try and take every wave that comes through. Pretty obvious really, but it's amazing how many people forget.
A friendly smile and a 'Hello' goes a long way Think about it - everyone goes surfing to have a good time. When there's a friendly vibe everyone gets more waves.
If travelling abroad, learn a bit of the language You don't have to have a degree in it, but if you make the effort you could make a new friend.
Give a hoot! If you're a good surfer you're probably going to get your fill of waves anyway, so why not give a few nice ones and some encouragement to others? Last year I saw a novice Dutch surfer doddering around at a reef in the Canaries on a big 8-footer. A set came through but it didn't look like he was going to go, so I shouted a few words of encouragement. He turned, dropped in and flew 200 yards down a perfect wall. It turned out to be the best wave of his life. He didn't speak much English but he didn't have to because he couldn't stop smiling for the next six hours.
If you're a beginner, don't go at it like a mad dog Take the time to sit and watch and you'll pick up some tips. Sooner or later someone will get a good wave and if they know you saw it, they'll stop to chat. Throw in a compliment and you could have a friend for life...plus a few tips and guided tour to more waves!
Always carry plenty of wax Most surfers go on the scrounge for wax before they paddle out. If you've got loads in your bag, you're everybody's friend!
When it's your turn to go, go! When the biggest wave of your life rears up in front of you, and you're in the perfect position, gird thy loins, put your head down and charge the mother.
Don't get in the way It's your responsibility to stay out of the riding area. If you can, paddle out well wide of the peak. If you find yourself stuck inside with a surfer hurtling towards you, try to anticipate their next move and paddle in the opposite direction. If all else fails, paddle towards the whitewater and let the surfer have a clear path to continue his ride. - Steve England