Da Nang’s top surf season is in full swing at My Khe Beach in late February. The beach is bustling with numerous surfers today. Recently, there has been a light onshore breeze blowing from the morning, but until around 10 AM, the surface of the sea remains beautifully organized. The beach is blessed with reasonably good formations, and the wave size is around knee to waist-high, with some good waves allowing for lateral rides.
Now, on this day, more than 20 surfers gathered at the main surf point in front of My Khe Beach, marking the highest number of surfers this season. Whether it is due to an increased number of surfers in Da Nang or the peak surf season of autumn and spring, or perhaps a combination of both, it remains to be seen. However, it was observed that many surfers disregarded the rules and etiquette of surfing on this day, leading to numerous dangerous situations.
Drop-in, Snaking, Paddle Interference, Blocking the Path
Surfing may appear to be a highly free-spirited sport, but there are rules and etiquette in place in different regions to ensure safety. However, it seems that Da Nang, Vietnam, does not have such established rules and etiquette yet. While the specifics may vary from one location to another, let’s focus on the internationally recognised rules and etiquette that can be applied to the current situation in Da Nang. Now, let’s analyze the images from this particular day to get a better understanding. Although only a selection of images is presented, they represent only a fraction of what occurred during a period of approximately 90 minutes.
There are two surfers on a regular wave. The surfer on the far left is guilty of dropping in, taking off in front of the other surfer.On a goofy wave, there are two surfers as well. The surfer on the right is committing a drop-in by taking off in front of the other surfer. The surfer in the middle seems to be obstructing the path and may cause interference.On the regular side wave, there are two surfers. It appears to be a “one-man, one-wave” situation, but there is a possibility of someone taking off later (backdoor takeoff).If the surfer on the left takes off from the peak of the wave, the surfer on the right is also not allowed to paddle for it. However, this situation might involve a conflict between longboarders and shortboarders, where each prefers a different part of the wave. Ideally, surfers should share the wave by dividing it between the left and right.There are instances of dropping in and obstructing paddling paths, indicating a lack of willingness to share the wave.The image depicts a scenario where two pairs of surfers on the left and right seem to be on the verge of a double drop-in simultaneously.This is likely a right-hand (regular) wave, but it also appears to have characteristics of a wide beach break. In such cases, it is best for surfers to show consideration and yield to each other.Although there is no instance of dropping in, obstructing someone’s paddling path can be considered an unpleasant breach of etiquette.It’s a challenging judgment call on a wider wave. It seems that practicing mutual respect and yielding would be the most appropriate approach.This is a blatant case of dropping in. In this situation, priority should be given to the bodyboarder.There is a longboarder riding from the shoulder and a shortboarder riding from the inside peak. It’s advisable for the longboarder to catch the wave from the peak whenever possible.This is the most egregious instance of dropping in on this day. Two longboarders have dropped in on the longboarder who caught the set wave from the peak.If a surfer is riding a wave from the outside, it’s best to refrain from paddling for it.Surfers who can only go straight should shift to the left or right on crowded days with good waves like this, and ride the waves in less crowded areas.There is a surfer on the left (goofy) side paddling to catch the wave.Two out of five surfers are violating rules: the left surfer is “dropping in,” and the right surfer is causing “paddle interference.”
And that’s how it was at Da Nang’s My Khe Beach today. Improvements are necessary for safety. Finally, there may be some parts that are difficult to understand with just images, so please also refer to the footage of this day. It includes my opinions and explanations.
Da Nang: Surf Session Video of the Day (with commentary)
Japanese and English subtitles available.
Surfing also has rules and etiquette. These are the guides that many surfers and ocean enthusiasts have carefully thought about. Furthermore, surfing has become an Olympic sport, and its athletic aspect will be increasingly emphasized. I hope it continues to evolve in that direction.
