Last Updated on November 22, 2023 by Matt Hapgood

Kook: ‘A mad or eccentric person’ probably originating from the word ‘cuckoo’ 

If you’ve ever wondered what the word kook means, we’ve written this comprehensive article on what is a kook in surfing. We cover everything you need to know, and most importantly how to avoid being a kook in the ocean, and on land!

Read on! Stay stoked!

What is a Kook in Surfing? My Guide to Surf Etiquette and Surf Slang

Ok, so you’ve heard the phrase kook banded about but aren’t really sure what it means. 

Essentially, a kook in surfing is

‘A surfer who thinks their ability is vastly superior to their actual ability.’

Often kooks will be dangerous, beyond their level of understanding which in turn leads them to be even more ‘kooky’. In this guide, we will look at how to avoid being a kook, staying safe in the lineup, and most importantly we take a dive into the importance of surf etiquette.

Don’t Be a Kook: My Guide to Surf Etiquette

Surfing is becoming more and more popular these days, and you often hear the crusty old sea dogs moaning at how these youngsters show no respect and have no idea – and guess what? I find myself uttering similar things these days! Maybe I’m getting old?! 

A few basics on how to improve your surf etiquette. 

Your Surfboard is a Dangerous Weapon

Combine an 8ft fiberglass surfboard with the power of a 4ft wave and you potentially have a recipe for disaster. And I think this is why surf etiquette is so important with more experienced surfers – Safety

I experienced this first hand when on a surf trip to France many moons ago. 

A kook, as he blatantly was, bailed his board (more than once I might add)  without ever looking behind when a big wave broke in front of him. I was hit on the head, thankfully not too badly because I was anticipating it, by his thick red mini-mal. An argument ensued, and one of my friends who also saw the incident, shouted him out of the water and told him to go to the beach – which thankfully he did. 

So, step 1 to avoid being a kook, is to treat your board as a dangerous weapon. 

Know Your Skill Level

Following on from point 1 is to know your level. If you have only surfed a couple of times, just focus on catching more waves and perfecting your pop-up. If you want to improve, just know that there is always someone above you in the pecking order that you need to give way to. This is really evident at a top-class surf spot – the best surfers are (almost) always on the best waves, and the regular Joes have to fight over the scraps. 

So, step 2, take a look around, and find your place in the lineup to reduce your kookiness!

Take Turns

If you are getting out the back and riding green waves, then you now need to learn about taking turns when the waves show up. This is especially evident if you are surfing a spot where the take-off spot is small and/or you are riding a mid-length or longboard. 

You might be a kook if you decide to catch every wave that comes through – learn to take turns and give a few waves away. In surf culture, this will make you look good, and mother nature will reward your selflessness (hopefully by sending you some waves!) 

Don’t Be A Poser

A classic definition of a kook – someone who would like to be called a surfer, rather than someone who actually surfs. All the gear and no idea spring to mind? 

So, if you’re not being a poser, chances are, your level of kook will be reduced. Hurrah!

Be Mindful Of Where You Paddle

Another one which I have an anecdote about, and if you’re a beginner, you’re inevitably going to make this mistake too. 

When I was a grom, probably 16 years of age, one of the local rippers was riding a wave toward me as I paddled out to the lineup. I paddled like a mad man to get to the shoulder of the wave and get out of his way. 

But, he shouted at me and then gave me a stern lecture about paddling the other way – towards the broken part of the wave so he could go in front of me and not have his wave spoiled. 

To this day I remember the lecture and the lesson was an important one – I still tell people about this if they commit the same crime (although without the anger of what I experienced). 

Reduce your kookery by paddling the correct way! 

Don’t interfere with another surfer (or surfers) 

So we’ve established that kooks will get in other surfers’ way when they are paddling out to the lineup, but what about when you are already out back waiting for a wave? 

Well, there are all different types of kooks – some will feel entitled that they can take any wave they like. NOT TRUE! 

There is a rule every wannabe kook should learn called the drop-in rule which basically decides who has the right of way when a wave approaches the lineup. Whoever is closest to the breaking part of the wave essentially has priority, and can decide to take the wave or not.

Long story short – avoid kooky behavior by letting waves go if there is already someone riding the wave. 

What is Kook slang for?

As I mentioned above, a kook is a surfer who thinks their ability is a lot better than it is in reality – and not to stereotype too much, but they will often be male and a beginner surfer who thinks surfing will be easy.  They might have either just bought a board, or rented a board without taking on any additional advice or training.

Total kook behavior! Try not to be an expert if you are new to surfing, and listen to the advice anyone is willing to offer you. 

Are Surfers Irritated at Kooks?

Well, it depends. 

If a kook is pretending to be an intermediate surfer and getting in the way of others, then yes, surfers will get irritated by this kook. Similarly, if you are a beginner who surfs an expert spot, then yes, you will piss off other surfers. 

But, it is possible to be a beginner and not be a kook – you just need to know that you are still learning (aren’t we all) and you will make a few mistakes. 

Do All Surfers Start Out As Kooks?

I think MOST surfers start out as being kooks. But not all. 

Let me explain. I think people who learn to surf as adults are far more likely to be kooks than kids who learn to surf when they are under the age of say 16 or so. I think the level of respect for adults is still there with youngsters. 

I’ve tried to explain to adult learners a few tips on etiquette only to have the advice thrown back in my face. Generally speaking, kids take advice to heart much better than adults and I think that’s a lesson for us all! 

Try to be humble, willing to learn, and willing to make mistakes and you will be less of a ‘kook’.

How To Stop Being a Kook?

So, if you’ve read this far, you have a pretty good idea of what defines a kook. 

Above all, I think the way to avoid being a kook is to be humble, generous in the surf, and willing to learn by failing. Remember to look out for others around you and try to have fun – because that’s why most people get into the sport of surfing in the first place. 

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this article and you now know how to not be a kook – show respect and empathy to others, respect the ocean and try to be a humble human being. If you can manage all that, your level of kook will be so low, no one will notice!