What counts as paddling interference, snaking or a collision?

Q: What counts as paddling interference, snaking or a collision?

Under the SSA Rulebook 2025 (Section 4): Paddling interference: a surfer paddling for the same wave mustn't excessively hinder the surfer with inside position. Penalty 1 may be called if the violating surfer: makes contact with the inside surfer, forcing them to change line while paddling and possibly losing scoring potential; or obviously causes a section to break down in front of the inside surfer that wouldn't normally have broken. Snaking: the surfer furthest inside at take-off who has established right of way keeps the wave for the whole ride, even if someone takes off behind them. If the second surfer causes them to pull out or lose the wave, interference may be called on the second surfer (Penalty 1). If the second surfer doesn't hinder them, both rides may be scored. Paddling out v riding (only if it affects the heat result): Paddler with no way to get out of the way: no penalty. Accidental collision or near miss: judges decide, considering safety and effort to avoid it (Penalty 1 if called). Paddler deliberately causes it: Penalty 2 on the paddler. Rider deliberately hits a paddler: Penalty 2 on the rider, plus possible further sanctions. Hassling (at events with a Priority Judge): excessive hassling or blocking in the line-up drops you to lowest priority, and aggressive or unsporting behaviour can add Penalty 1 (or Penalty 2 if you hassle the surfer with priority).

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the SSA Rulebook 2025 (Section 4):

Paddling interference: a surfer paddling for the same wave mustn't excessively hinder the surfer with inside position. Penalty 1 may be called if the violating surfer:

makes contact with the inside surfer, forcing them to change line while paddling and possibly losing scoring potential; or
obviously causes a section to break down in front of the inside surfer that wouldn't normally have broken.

Snaking: the surfer furthest inside at take-off who has established right of way keeps the wave for the whole ride, even if someone takes off behind them. If the second surfer causes them to pull out or lose the wave, interference may be called on the second surfer (Penalty 1). If the second surfer doesn't hinder them, both rides may be scored.

Paddling out v riding (only if it affects the heat result):

Paddler with no way to get out of the way: no penalty.
Accidental collision or near miss: judges decide, considering safety and effort to avoid it (Penalty 1 if called).
Paddler deliberately causes it: Penalty 2 on the paddler.
Rider deliberately hits a paddler: Penalty 2 on the rider, plus possible further sanctions.

Hassling (at events with a Priority Judge): excessive hassling or blocking in the line-up drops you to lowest priority, and aggressive or unsporting behaviour can add Penalty 1 (or Penalty 2 if you hassle the surfer with priority).