The lineup has unwritten rules that hold at any peak in the world — Coxos, Pipeline, Mundaka. Follow them and you're welcome. Ignore them and you become "that guy who drops in" — a reputation that sticks like wet wax.
1. Priority belongs to whoever's closest to the peak
The peak is where the wave starts breaking. Whoever waits there has priority over anyone further inside (closer to shore). On longer waves the surfer further upstream (closer to the peak) "owns" the wave.
2. No drop-ins
Drop-in = catching a wave someone is already riding. Even if you paddled first, if another surfer is already on the face, you bail. No drama, no explanation. The cardinal rule.
3. No snaking
Snake = paddling around someone to steal their priority. If someone is in position waiting for their wave, don't paddle behind them then in front to grab the peak. Wait your turn.
4. Whoever's paddling out gives way to whoever's riding
You're paddling out and someone's coming down a wave? Move into the whitewater, duck-dive, let them pass. Never cross the line of their wave — they can't avoid you.
5. Wait your turn
Crowded spot, locals first. Even if you've been there 30 minutes, whoever consistently sits at the peak sets the pace. Catch one or two and rotate — don't camp on the peak if 8 people are waiting.
6. Never let go of your board
When a wave catches you out of position, hold your board. Ditching it in front of others is dangerous — a loose board can injure whoever is behind you — and frowned upon. Learn to duck-dive and turtle-roll.
7. Communicate
Two surfers paddling for the same wave? Shout "going" or "mine". Clear calls avoid collisions. In PT, "minha!" or "sai!" work universally.
Bonus — respect the locals
At spots with strong local community (Coxos, Pedra Branca, São Lourenço, Supertubos, Praia do Norte in Nazaré) the locals set the pace. It doesn't mean you can't surf — it means you wait, observe, and catch your wave when there's clear space. Humble attitude gets you more waves than entitlement.
What happens when someone slips
Everyone slips occasionally. The response: look at the person, say "sorry", wait longer next time. Repeating the same mistake in one session is the fastest way to get iced out.
Where to learn this in practice
In a surf lesson with a certified instructor — spend the first hour practising peak positioning, observation, and priority reading before paddling for the wave. See schools at every beach →