# Right of way

> The rule that the surfer closest to the peak has priority on a wave.

**What "right of way" means in surfing:** The rule that the surfer closest to the peak has priority on a wave.

**Example:** "Know your right of way before you paddle."

**Also said:** Priority

**Category:** Lineup

## Related words

- [Drop in](https://surfslang.com/drop-in): Catching a wave that another surfer, closer to the peak, is already riding.
- [Snake](https://surfslang.com/snake): Paddling around another surfer to get into a better position for the next wave, stealing their priority.
- [Peak](https://surfslang.com/peak): The highest point of a wave, where it starts to break.

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Source: [Right of way](https://surfslang.com/right-of-way) on Surfslang.com, the surf slang glossary. Full glossary: https://surfslang.com/llms.txt