This column is for those of you who are new to surfing, and want to give it a go this Christmas.

To exist harmoniously with your fellow surfers, there are a couple of basic things you need to keep in mind.

Stay on your board

A monster set comes from nowhere.

Suddenly you, and everyone else in the line-up is paddling towards a bomb that’s breaking 10 metres further out than anything you’ve seen that day.

As the white wash approaches, your every instinct will be saying, just ditch your board and dive under.

This is probably the most dangerous thing you could do.

No matter how big the wave is, don’t abandon your board.

The sheer force of your board and the wave has the power to knock out whoever it hits.

If it doesn’t knock them out, you’ll get a filthy look from the person you nearly missed.

Your leg rope is also more likely to break if you abandon your board, and you’ll be swimming in.

Surf within your means

You know, in your heart, when the surf is probably a little bit too rough for your capabilities.

No point sitting out at a reef break, too scared to even paddle for a wave.

If it’s too big, stay on dry land.

Don’t surf between the flags

Or anywhere near them for that matter.

There’s plenty of beach for everyone.

The flags are there to keep the swimmers safe.

Even if the waves are best between the flags, stay away from them, show some respect for the swimmers and lifeguards.

Who has priority?

The surfer closest to the peak of the wave, where it is breaking, has priority.

If they are not paddling for the wave, and you’re next in line, go for it.

If a surfer has already paddled onto it, because they are waiting further out, they have priority.

Paddling out

Chances are if you catch a wave and are paddling towards the break again, you will come across surfers who are on waves, coming towards you.

To avoid a collision, continue paddling, don’t make any sudden moves.

If you are heading directly for the surfer, direct your board towards the broken part of the wave, leave the unbroken wave for the person enjoying it.

Don't be paddling around locals to snake a spot at the front of the line-up. Wait until they catch a wave, then it will be your turn.

While surfing

Enjoy it, but be conscious that over Christmas, the break is going to be a bit more crowded than usual.

It’s your job to avoid people who are paddling out, and surf around them.

If you’re not particularly confident, never surf alone

You could wind up in a life-threatening situation.

Enjoy the solitude

Surfing is the ultimate chance to escape the noise and pressure of the daily grind. If surfers aren’t as friendly as they seem in the movies, don’t take it personally. We’re just enjoying the peace of the ocean.