Which surfer has the right of way?

Question

Situation:

Surfers A and B are in the water, surfer A is closer to the peak of the wave when it comes by but he's also a bit closer to shore, surfer B is farther from the peak but closer to the wave because he's a bit outside.

A big set wave comes, surfer A is optimally positioned so he does not have to paddle much to take off, he is also closer to the peak than surfer B, surfer B however starts paddling before than surfer A and could potentially get up faster than surfer A, if both surfers are still laying down and paddling for the same wave who has right of way?, basically, A is closer to peak, B has paddled longer and was farther out.

Answer 1

In some cases its no so much whos closer to the peak, its really whos up and riding the wave before the otehr person, being closer to the peak has the advantage due to the fact thats where it begins to break so it has more power.

and just coz B was out further so had to paddle longer doesnt actually mean anything, its his fault for sitting to far out, his actions, his consiquence.

Answer 2

Both go for it. If B makes it A pulls out , otherwise he's dropping in.

Answer 3

surfer A,  but how do you know surfer A is going to make the wave

Answer 4

If you look at it from a contest right of way perspective surfer A should have priority since he is the one closest to the peak.

Answer 5

Assuming both surfers were waiting for the same wave for the same amount of time, surfer B has the right of way because: 1) he is closer to the wave, 2) he is on the outside, 3) he is paddling first, and 4) he could potentially get up faster than surfer A.  

From an courtesy standpoint, both A and B could have the right of way depending who caught the last wave.  For example, if A was waiting for the wave longer than B, and B was getting greedy by paddling outside of A, then A has the right of way.  I've seen longboarders do that to the shortboarders, especially if the longboarder is greedy.  Conversely, if B was waiting for the wave longer, and A was trying to steal the wave from B, the route to take is to paddle inside of B.  Then B has the right of way from a courtesy standpoint.  This usually happens when a surfer without regard for the others surfing, steals waves by paddling to the inside of the surfer on the outside that is trying to catch the same wave.  

Most surfers who know how to surf will not have to resort to either methods to get waves.  Instead their abilities in the water (knowing the lineup, paddling skills, good wave judgement, and extending common courtesy) will enable them to catch their waves.

Answer 6

man like you cant own a wave

chill

Answer 7

if its nice, i just go for it.

idc about the other surfer.

Answer 8

without reading your thing again and mentioning A and B here are some basic rules:

1) the person with the longest ride gets priority...no more, no less thats how it is

2) the person closest to the peak has right of way (generally they have the longest ride)

3) locals have right of way

4) better surfers have right of way

5) the bigger surfer has right of way :P

obviously 3-5 arent so much rules more common sense

with your scenario it sounds like you have made it more difficult than it needs to be. if they are both still laying A has right of way as he has the longer ride, if B gets up first sometimes he will ride until A gets on then comes across the wave to meet B then B gets off.

Answer 9

Unless you are in Waikiki or providing the two surfers are some distance apart, the surfer closest to the peak has the right of way.  I mention Hawaii because in town during crowded conditions, it's often the first person up gets the wave.  Same at California Street or at SanO in California.  There are some subtle instances for calling interference when judging.  You can check the rules on the link below to get more specific information.

Answer 10

B, surfer B has the right of way because of their location.  They went much farther and deserve the wave more.  Surfer A though needs to try and go for the wave still, this way if Surfer B misses it Surfer A can catch it.  I usually am surfer B, I go much farther out rather than staying farther in shore, staying farther out gives you a better chance of not getting toppled by the line up.  Stay with the line up in my opinion, if you are not in a crowded beach with a line up you need to find the perfect position to catch the wave.  Also a quick suggestion, don't be surfer A, everyone hates Surfer A.  When Surfer B catches the wave he does'nt want to have to worry about toppling Surfer A.  Hope this helps

Answer 11

If your talking about a beach called LEO State beach in CA. That is the perfict example.  It has one point and everyone sits there way outside on long boards to snake those inside. I hate that.

My point is we need to share the wave expecially if it only comes once in a blue moon.

I am a bitchen surfer but get sick of HOT SHOTS trying to be hot. YOu too sucked at once in your live give the beginner a try. Maybe then can SUrfing be considered a sport.

Answer 12

surfer A

Answer 13

Surfer A has the right of way.