Over the past week, I've navigated lineups as a paddle foiler alongside motorized devices such as foil drives, eFoils, and jet skis, with tow boogies also prevalent over the summer. These motorized tools offer significant advantages, allowing riders to catch waves before they break and potentially monopolize wave access, altering the dynamics of shared surf spots.
In sports like soccer and golf, even seemingly arbitrary rules promote fairness-no hands in soccer, no motors in competitive cycling or sailing. Surfing also has established norms for safety and fairness. However, the increasing use of motorized devices demands a renewed commitment to adapting and enforcing these core rules:
1) Wave Priority
2) Avoid Crowded Lineups
3) Maintain Distance
4) Limit Usage in Crowded Areas
When using motorized devices like:
* Foil Drives
* Tow Boogies
* Propeller Jet Drive, or Jet Ski Assist etc.
It's crucial to follow proper etiquette to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all surfers, particularly when sharing the lineup with paddlers. These guidelines help prevent dangerous situations and foster harmony in the surf zone.
Respect Wave Priority
--> Always yield to the Surfer Paddling and Closest to the Wave's Peak.
--> Motorized surfers using foil drives or other powered devices must give priority to paddlers to avoid dangerous situations and ensure fair wave distribution.
Avoid Crowded Lineups
Motorized surfers have an advantage in catching waves earlier and with less effort, so using these devices in crowded lineups is discouraged. Competing with paddlers in such conditions is unfair and increases the risk of collisions and conflicts.
Maintain Safe Distance
The motorized device should promptly exit the impact zone and stay at a safe distance from the lineup. This precaution ensures that paddlers can surf without the threat of close-proximity collisions.
Limit Usage in Crowded Areas
Motor assist and Tow-in surf foiling are best practiced at less crowded, advanced surf spots. In popular areas with more paddlers, limit motorized activity or avoid it during peak times to maintain respect and safety within the community.
People have been advocating "self regulation" on various podcasts, mostly presented by the owners of motor-assist products.
But Self regulation amounts to Doing WTF you want. There are Rules for driving cars, surfing, boating . . . that are mutually understood to keep peace and keep people safe.
Select to expand quoteBeasho said..
Over the past week, I've navigated lineups as a paddle foiler alongside motorized devices such as foil drives, eFoils, and jet skis, with tow boogies also prevalent over the summer. These motorized tools offer significant advantages, allowing riders to catch waves before they break and potentially monopolize wave access, altering the dynamics of shared surf spots.
In sports like soccer and golf, even seemingly arbitrary rules promote fairness-no hands in soccer, no motors in competitive cycling or sailing. Surfing also has established norms for safety and fairness. However, the increasing use of motorized devices demands a renewed commitment to adapting and enforcing these core rules:
1) Wave Priority
2) Avoid Crowded Lineups
3) Maintain Distance
4) Limit Usage in Crowded Areas
Meh. I've seen them out kirra and they were a novelty to watch and stole waves off no man. If I was in the lineup and someone on an e foil was on a wave i wanted then I'm catching that wave and they can hop off and get the next one, same as a proner burning me on a sup for a wave they want. If it's a really **** wave having a foiler who doesn't create wake like a surfboard sharing is a massive novelty. Share and share alike. If you can pump and catch 3 waves in a row expect to be burned.
if a e foiler flairs up because I have burned them there will be words but none I have come across have come anywhere near us unless it's a lull and if you know what your doing then I find coming closer is fine. But we all can clearly tell so if your not don't be a dangerous ****. I'm still wanting to share a wave with a foiler cause you can ride so much more on the shoulder and it doesn't create wake.
The foilers on the GC points I see regularly seem to be competing more with the Sups and longboarders. Cant say I'd be too disappointed to seem them get burnt for a change...!
Select to expand quoteMain said..
The foilers on the GC points I see regularly seem to be competing more with the Sups and longboarders. Cant say I'd be too disappointed to seem them get burnt for a change...!
I don't understand why people dont, they exist on a different dimension we cannot access. For them it's like oh, some **** is on my wave, I'll go to the shoulder or pump to the wave behind me and ride that instead. I seriously doubt they would care and for the waves that your sharing with a foiler, it's going to be fat and slow so you have more then enough time to get out of each others way without missing out on an end section to smash.
the majority of foilers I've come across, I'd say all of them except a two or three young blokes at Wategoes, literally couldn't give a **** and want you to enjoy the ocean.
id much rather be sharing a line up with foilers than any other craft cause they want such different things from us. And then they are the most relaxed and friendliest and dare I say happiest out of all the surf craft cause their resources are endless. Proners are the worst because of the scarcity of waves decent for a prone board. The scarcity of wages grew to harder to find when your one of the 80% of riders riding a board too small. If you're just going across the wave pumping, not getting barrelled, and doing the odd turn not in the lip do you really need a rockered low volume board?
Select to expand quotedearjohn said..Main said..
The foilers on the GC points I see regularly seem to be competing more with the Sups and longboarders. Cant say I'd be too disappointed to seem them get burnt for a change...!
I don't understand why people dont, they exist on a different dimension we cannot access. For them it's like oh, some **** is on my wave, I'll go to the shoulder or pump to the wave behind me and ride that instead. I seriously doubt they would care and for the waves that your sharing with a foiler, it's going to be fat and slow so you have more then enough time to get out of each others way without missing out on an end section to smash.
the majority of foilers I've come across, I'd say all of them except a two or three young blokes at Wategoes, literally couldn't give a **** and want you to enjoy the ocean.
id much rather be sharing a line up with foilers than any other craft cause they want such different things from us. And then they are the most relaxed and friendliest and dare I say happiest out of all the surf craft cause their resources are endless. Proners are the worst because of the scarcity of waves decent for a prone board. The scarcity of wages grew to harder to find when your one of the 80% of riders riding a board too small. If you're just going across the wave pumping, not getting barrelled, and doing the odd turn not in the lip do you really need a rockered low volume board?
The trick is to call the other crafts onto the wave even when you have priority. Show them you can share. When they eventually slog to a stand still then scream past them and say "sick riding man". Then when they eventually paddle back out (cause you've linked a couple then settled back down into the lineup they smile and know you can share any waves with a foiler 
as far as motorised stuff . man that's a hard one hey ?
Select to expand quoteeppo said..dearjohn said..Main said..
The foilers on the GC points I see regularly seem to be competing more with the Sups and longboarders. Cant say I'd be too disappointed to seem them get burnt for a change...!
I don't understand why people dont, they exist on a different dimension we cannot access. For them it's like oh, some **** is on my wave, I'll go to the shoulder or pump to the wave behind me and ride that instead. I seriously doubt they would care and for the waves that your sharing with a foiler, it's going to be fat and slow so you have more then enough time to get out of each others way without missing out on an end section to smash.
the majority of foilers I've come across, I'd say all of them except a two or three young blokes at Wategoes, literally couldn't give a **** and want you to enjoy the ocean.
id much rather be sharing a line up with foilers than any other craft cause they want such different things from us. And then they are the most relaxed and friendliest and dare I say happiest out of all the surf craft cause their resources are endless. Proners are the worst because of the scarcity of waves decent for a prone board. The scarcity of wages grew to harder to find when your one of the 80% of riders riding a board too small. If you're just going across the wave pumping, not getting barrelled, and doing the odd turn not in the lip do you really need a rockered low volume board?
The trick is to call the other crafts onto the wave even when you have priority. Show them you can share. When they eventually slog to a stand still then scream past them and say "sick riding man". Then when they eventually paddle back out (cause you've linked a couple then settled back down into the lineup they smile and know you can share any waves with a foiler as far as motorised stuff . man that's a hard one hey ?
You only call them onto the next wave when you want the one behind it though right?
I see the biggest issue will be between motorised foilers and guys like myself.
I am over 60yo and gave up trying to surf short boards within a pack of grommets fighting for priority years ago, so I welcomed the foils and was an early adopter, mainly on a SUP foil, enjoying getting fat wide waves no-one else (even prone foilers) wanted.
I have no interest in foil drive or any motorised foil and am happier using my own power and just using a paddle.
I now mainly downwind on long skinny sups (currently 8' x 20" but a longer narrower one on the way) but of course if no wind enjoy a surf, catching waves that no-one else wanted or could catch at least.
However along came the foil drives and now sometimes after waiting for ages pretty much by myself, I see a set right out wide and start paddling only to hear the sound of a foil drive come up behind and go around me and turn onto the wave first.
As we are both foiling we can usually share but sometimes said foil driver believes it is his wave.
I will say 90+% of foil drivers are cool and either let me have waves or are happy to share and give me priority.
It's always the minority that cause issues.
Select to expand quotetightlines said..
I see the biggest issue will be between motorised foilers and guys like myself.
I am over 60yo and gave up trying to surf short boards within a pack of grommets fighting for priority years ago, so I welcomed the foils and was an early adopter, mainly on a SUP foil, enjoying getting fat wide waves no-one else (even prone foilers) wanted.
I have no interest in foil drive or any motorised foil and am happier using my own power and just using a paddle.
I now mainly downwind on long skinny sups (currently 8' x 20" but a longer narrower one on the way) but of course if no wind enjoy a surf, catching waves that no-one else wanted or could catch at least.
However along came the foil drives and now sometimes after waiting for ages pretty much by myself, I see a set right out wide and start paddling only to hear the sound of a foil drive come up behind and go around me and turn onto the wave first.
As we are both foiling we can usually share but sometimes said foil driver believes it is his wave.
I will say 90+% of foil drivers are cool and either let me have waves or are happy to share and give me priority.
It's always the minority that cause issues.
Sounds like those three blokes at Wategoes bought a foil drive. Just burn them. Dont give them an inch if they're being ****witts. They will push until you push back.
Select to expand quotedearjohn said..tightlines said..
I see the biggest issue will be between motorised foilers and guys like myself.
I am over 60yo and gave up trying to surf short boards within a pack of grommets fighting for priority years ago, so I welcomed the foils and was an early adopter, mainly on a SUP foil, enjoying getting fat wide waves no-one else (even prone foilers) wanted.
I have no interest in foil drive or any motorised foil and am happier using my own power and just using a paddle.
I now mainly downwind on long skinny sups (currently 8' x 20" but a longer narrower one on the way) but of course if no wind enjoy a surf, catching waves that no-one else wanted or could catch at least.
However along came the foil drives and now sometimes after waiting for ages pretty much by myself, I see a set right out wide and start paddling only to hear the sound of a foil drive come up behind and go around me and turn onto the wave first.
As we are both foiling we can usually share but sometimes said foil driver believes it is his wave.
I will say 90+% of foil drivers are cool and either let me have waves or are happy to share and give me priority.
It's always the minority that cause issues.
Sounds like those three blokes at Wategoes bought a foil drive. Just burn them. Dont give them an inch if they're being ****witts. They will push until you push back.
Agreed - i give no right of way to an efoiling foil drive. But if someone is just standing in the lineup using a little squirt to get going . i can be a little more accomodating.
Select to expand quotedearjohn said..eppo said..dearjohn said..Main said..
The foilers on the GC points I see regularly seem to be competing more with the Sups and longboarders. Cant say I'd be too disappointed to seem them get burnt for a change...!
I don't understand why people dont, they exist on a different dimension we cannot access. For them it's like oh, some **** is on my wave, I'll go to the shoulder or pump to the wave behind me and ride that instead. I seriously doubt they would care and for the waves that your sharing with a foiler, it's going to be fat and slow so you have more then enough time to get out of each others way without missing out on an end section to smash.
the majority of foilers I've come across, I'd say all of them except a two or three young blokes at Wategoes, literally couldn't give a **** and want you to enjoy the ocean.
id much rather be sharing a line up with foilers than any other craft cause they want such different things from us. And then they are the most relaxed and friendliest and dare I say happiest out of all the surf craft cause their resources are endless. Proners are the worst because of the scarcity of waves decent for a prone board. The scarcity of wages grew to harder to find when your one of the 80% of riders riding a board too small. If you're just going across the wave pumping, not getting barrelled, and doing the odd turn not in the lip do you really need a rockered low volume board?
The trick is to call the other crafts onto the wave even when you have priority. Show them you can share. When they eventually slog to a stand still then scream past them and say "sick riding man". Then when they eventually paddle back out (cause you've linked a couple then settled back down into the lineup they smile and know you can share any waves with a foiler as far as motorised stuff . man that's a hard one hey ?
You only call them onto the next wave when you want the one behind it though right?
nah i will call them onto my wave!! We can burn off these slow slog numpty sups and long boards Show them you can share - cause most aren't doing a great deal on them anyway. Unless of course it's a gun waterman next to you - they need the full wave. But most are just plodders wasting wave energy mostly lol.
Select to expand quoteeppo said..dearjohn said..eppo said..dearjohn said..Main said..
The foilers on the GC points I see regularly seem to be competing more with the Sups and longboarders. Cant say I'd be too disappointed to seem them get burnt for a change...!
I don't understand why people dont, they exist on a different dimension we cannot access. For them it's like oh, some **** is on my wave, I'll go to the shoulder or pump to the wave behind me and ride that instead. I seriously doubt they would care and for the waves that your sharing with a foiler, it's going to be fat and slow so you have more then enough time to get out of each others way without missing out on an end section to smash.
the majority of foilers I've come across, I'd say all of them except a two or three young blokes at Wategoes, literally couldn't give a **** and want you to enjoy the ocean.
id much rather be sharing a line up with foilers than any other craft cause they want such different things from us. And then they are the most relaxed and friendliest and dare I say happiest out of all the surf craft cause their resources are endless. Proners are the worst because of the scarcity of waves decent for a prone board. The scarcity of wages grew to harder to find when your one of the 80% of riders riding a board too small. If you're just going across the wave pumping, not getting barrelled, and doing the odd turn not in the lip do you really need a rockered low volume board?
The trick is to call the other crafts onto the wave even when you have priority. Show them you can share. When they eventually slog to a stand still then scream past them and say "sick riding man". Then when they eventually paddle back out (cause you've linked a couple then settled back down into the lineup they smile and know you can share any waves with a foiler as far as motorised stuff . man that's a hard one hey ?
You only call them onto the next wave when you want the one behind it though right?
nah i will call them onto my wave!! We can burn off these slow slog numpty sups and long boards Show them you can share - cause most aren't doing a great deal on them anyway. Unless of course it's a gun waterman next to you - they need the full wave. But most are just plodders wasting wave energy mostly lol.
Mate at the risk of sounding quite ignorant here, I have no idea what your last comment was all about.
