Like driving, waiting in line, and appearing in any public arena, surfing has it’s rules, etiquette, and norms to follow and obey. Maybe starting with a question to you is a good measure. Will catching more and better waves then the next guy bring me more happiness? Safe to say most of us will say yes, but we can go about it a little differently then the one who is hassling, paddling around, and dropping in. We have all done it, whether by accident or blatantly, and we know what it is like to have it done to us. Not cool. Most of all it is dangerous and unnecessary. Have you ever been hit by a board or your own? It hurts a bit and can cause even major injury. Most of us are just not good enough to ride a wave with another person on it, and in today’s world of lawsuits and medical bills it is probably a good idea to be safe and calculated to some degree. Try to make it a golden rule not to drop in on anyone. This means also to give them the benefit of the doubt when racing a section, or attempting a maneuver. Snaking can be defined many ways, and not just by dropping in. Paddling around, taking off behind in the whitewater, and pushing the wave down can also be interferences in any rulebook, competition or not. Wait your turn, position yourself accordingly, and be wise with how you space yourself in the line-up. With this vision you will never need to be fading anyone into the pit. You can hold your head high and feel good that you are upholding an age-old tradition of etiquette and grace.