Who has right of way when priority isn't in use?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the SSA Rulebook 2025 (Section 4), in non-priority situations (including before priority is established), the surfer with the inside position has unconditional right of way for the whole ride. Judges decide who's inside based on whether the wave is a superior right or left, never on who stands up first (except at multiple peaks, below).

Situation	Who has right of way
Point break (one direction only)	The surfer on the inside, for the whole wave
One peak, left and right equally good	The first surfer to make a definite turn in their chosen direction. A second surfer may go the other way without penalty, as long as they don't cross the first surfer's path and hinder them
Two separate peaks on one swell that meet	The surfer first to their feet; the other must cut back or kick out
Both stand at the same time on two peaks	No penalty if both give way. If they collide or hinder each other, a surfer showing aggression is penalised; if neither gives way and both share responsibility, both get Penalty 1

Hindering the right-of-way surfer's scoring potential, for example by excessive hassling or leash pulling, is interference (Penalty 1).