Sep 17, 2025

Don't Be a Kook! Gaining respect in the lineup

A complete guide for earning respect in the lineup and growing as a surfer.

Surfing has one of the richest cultures of etiquette, unspoken rules, and hard-earned respect. At the same time, it’s a sport where newcomers can unintentionally make mistakes that put others in danger, kill the vibe, or earn the dreaded label of “kook.”

A kook isn’t just someone who’s new—everyone starts as a beginner. A kook is someone who:

Pridefully overestimates their ability.
Ignores or doesn’t care about etiquette.
Disrespects other surfers or the ocean.

This guide will show you how to avoid being “that person” and instead become a surfer who is safe, fun to share waves with, and respected.

1. Understand Surf Etiquette (The Unwritten Rules)

The ocean has no referees, but surfers have long relied on a code of conduct to keep order. Know these basics before paddling out:

The Drop-In Rule

Whoever is deepest on the wave (closest to the peak) has priority.
Dropping in on someone already riding is the #1 kook move.

Don’t Snake

Snaking is paddling around someone to steal priority. It’s sneaky, selfish, and will earn you dirty looks.

Paddle Smart

Don’t paddle straight through the lineup where waves are breaking. Paddle wide, around the impact zone.
Never paddle directly into someone’s line while they’re riding a wave.

Share Waves

Don’t hog every set wave if you’re capable.
Give others their turn—it’s not a contest.

Respect the Local Hierarchy

Show respect to locals. Don’t paddle out at a heavy, local-only spot as a beginner. Start at friendly beaches.

2. Be Honest About Your Skill Level

The ocean is humbling. If you exaggerate your ability, the ocean (and other surfers) will call you out fast.

Choose the right break. If you’re learning, stick to beginner-friendly waves.
Know your limits. If it’s overhead and heavy, don’t paddle out with a foamie thinking you’ll “just figure it out.”
Work up gradually. Master small waves before chasing barrels.

3. Safety First – Yours and Everyone Else’s

Nothing makes you look more like a kook than putting people in danger.

Leash up. Always wear your leash unless you’re highly experienced in mellow, uncrowded conditions. A runaway board can seriously injure someone.
Control your board. Don’t ditch it when a wave comes—learn to turtle roll (longboards) or duck dive (shortboards).
Look before you go. Always check both directions before dropping in.
Don’t surf tired. Fatigue makes you a hazard. Know when to paddle in.

4. Respect the Ocean

A kook disrespects the environment, leaving trash or treating the ocean like a pool. A true surfer respects it deeply.

Pick up your trash. Better yet, pick up some that isn’t yours.
Don’t urinate in the lineup if you’re in a small group or in warm, clear water. (Yes, people notice.)
Understand conditions. Learn how tides, swell, and currents work. Don’t paddle out clueless and expect others to guide you.

5. Gear Awareness

The wrong board or setup at the wrong spot screams kook.

Right board, right conditions. Don’t bring a 5’6” high-performance shortboard to a mushy beginner beach break if you can’t even pop up consistently.
Wax and fins. Apply wax properly, fins facing the right way. (Yes, people notice backward fins.)
No brand-new head-to-toe matching surf gear. Function beats fashion. Nothing wrong with new gear, but flashing a fresh wetsuit, shiny board, and no skills is a dead giveaway.

6. Lineup Awareness

The lineup is like a dance floor—you need rhythm and timing.

Don’t sit on the peak if you can’t catch waves. Sit off to the shoulder until you’re ready.
Rotate fairly. Don’t paddle back to the top every single time.
Encourage others. A hoot when someone gets a good ride goes a long way.

7. Attitude Is Everything

Even if you make mistakes (and you will), attitude determines whether people see you as a learner or a kook.

Be humble. Don’t pretend to be better than you are.
Apologize. If you mess up, say sorry and mean it.
Don’t show off. Let your surfing speak for itself.
Respect the vibe. Surfing is about joy, not ego.

8. Learn the Culture

Surfing is more than riding waves—it’s an entire culture built on respect, storytelling, and community.

Listen more than you talk. Don’t paddle out and dominate conversations.
Learn the history. Understand the roots of surfing and the contributions of Hawaiian culture.
Support your local surf shop. They’re the lifeblood of surf communities. If you are in San Diego, come on by our Degree 33 shop and we'd be honored to talk story with you.

9. Progress the Right Way

The cure to kookiness is growth.

Take lessons. A surf coach or camp can save you months of frustration.
Film yourself. You’ll see what you’re really doing, not what you think you’re doing.
Surf consistently. The more time in the water, the less kooky you’ll be.
Celebrate small wins. A good pop-up, a clean turn—these matter more than instant style.

10. Kook vs. Beginner: Know the Difference

Beginner:

Is learning, makes mistakes, but listens, respects rules, and improves.
Appreciated and encouraged by experienced surfers.

Kook:

Thinks they already know it all.
Ignores etiquette, disrespects others, and endangers the lineup.

You don’t have to be good to avoid being a kook—you just have to be respectful, safe, and aware.

Final Thoughts: The Right Board Makes All the Difference

One of the fastest ways to stay out of kook territory is to ride the right board for your skill level and the conditions. A board that’s too advanced will hold back your progress and frustrate you—and everyone around you. A board that’s too basic will cap your growth when you’re ready to push further.

That’s where Degree 33 Surfboards comes in. With years of experience shaping and refining boards for every level of surfer, we make boards that not only catch waves but also help you grow into the surfer you want to become. From forgiving beginner-friendly foamies to refined midlengths and performance shortboards, every model is built with real surfers in mind.

If you’re serious about learning the right way—or leveling up without looking like a kook—check out our Degree 33 Surfboard lineup. The right board won’t just help you catch more waves. It’ll help you earn respect in the lineup, build confidence, and experience the best of what surfing has to offer.