How To: Crowd Surfing Do’s and Don’ts

How safe is crowd surfing?

Disclaimer: Crowdsurfing is a staple of the emo and pop-punk scene and whether you’re screaming along to My Chemical Romance or catching Blink-182 live, crowd surfing can be exhilarating—but it comes with risks. While I don’t officially encourage or endorse it (it can be super dangerous and lead to life-long injuries), if you’re going to do it, these tips will help keep you and everyone else safe.
I have been a part of this tradition for over 20 years and if you want to decrease the likelihood you will be dropped and/or hurt keep on reading

What happens when you crowd surf at a concert?

The long and short of it, if you do it right, you’ll end right back where you started. You surf, get caught, are ushered to the side of the stage, and you then shuffle back to your old spot. But there is a method to the madness, so keep reading.

Crowd Surfing Do’s

1. Secure Your Phone
   The urge to film yourself will be high, but for the love of all, put your phone in a pocket or secure it with a lanyard. Your hands need to be free to brace yourself if you get dropped. Consider keeping your essentials in a fanny pack if you have girl pockets
   Pro Tips to avoid Main Character Syndrome:

   • Again, PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY, and have a friend film you or strap a GoPro to yourself.

   • Check Instagram tags of the band the next morning. More than likely someone filmed you and you can lift the pictures there. Here are some examples of shots that others grabbed of me that I got from Instagram.

2. Be Mindful of Your Weight
   Aim to be under 200 lbs and proportionate for your height. Crowd surfing is about the community holding you up, but excessive weight can cause injury to others. Tall and heavy is easer to distribute your weight if you are short and heavy.
   Not fat shaming here, this is just physics.

3. Choose the Right Crowd
   Ensure the crowd is dense enough to support you. This isn’t the time to test the waters at emo concerts like Emo Night Brooklyn or Emo Nite, where crowd surfing isn’t the norm. Events like Warped Tour or When We Were Young Fest, and at pop-punk concerts are more surfer-friendly.

4. Location
   Best to be toward the front, closer to the stage. If there is a mosh pit happening, be on the correct side so you don’t surf into the mosh.

5. Time It Right
   Look ahead and behind to ensure you won’t collide with other surfers. If the crowd is already holding someone up, they’re more likely to drop you. Also, make sure you’ll clear the barricade before the song ends.

6. Ask for a Lift: Pick Me Up
   Politely ask someone to help you up. Don’t climb or jump on unsuspecting people, and don’t ask the same person repeatedly—they want to enjoy the show too. You could also point to your shirt if you have this one.
   Main character alert: Surf sparingly to avoid annoying the crowd.

7. Starfish & Stiff as a Board = Light as a Feather
   Once you’re up spread out! Distribute your weight evenly by spreading your arms and legs. Stay stiff, not floppy, and let the crowd move you naturally.

8. Feet Up, No Kicking
   Keep your feet elevated to avoid kicking people in the head. Big boots are a no-go—consider lightweight shoes like these concert-ready kicks to stay comfortable and considerate.

9. Expert Mode: Alert the Crowd
   If you can, tap people’s heads gently as you pass to let them know you’re coming. More hands mean a smoother ride.

10. Thank the Staff
    Always thank the bouncer or security staff who helps you down. They’re there to keep you safe and you only have 5 seconds to tell them.

11. Heading Back
    At this point you will be directed to the sides of stage where you can re join the crowd. Shuffel back to your old spot.

Crowd Surfing Don’ts

1. Did I mention putting your phone away?

2. Don’t Crawl or Kick
   Surfing is about being passed along by the crowd, not forcing your way forward. Let the crowd carry you like a wave.

3. Don’t Ignore Safety
   If the crowd isn’t dense enough or doesn’t seem receptive, don’t surf. Safety always comes first.

4. Don’t Disrupt Others
   Avoid climbing on unwilling participants or launching someone who doesn’t want to surf. Keep it fun, not forceful.

Not Surfing? Wanna Help?

1. Support Others
   Trust me, it’s better to try and support a surfer than have them kick you as they fall to the ground.

2. Help When Bodies Hit The Floor
   It happens; if someone is dropped, check if they’re okay before helping them up. Moving too quickly can cause injury.

3. Alert Others
   If you see a surfer coming, let those around you know so they can prepare.

4. Be Thoughtful When Lifting
   Don’t pick up anyone without their consent or as a joke. Always lift responsibly and let the crowd pass them forward naturally.

5. Say “No” When Needed
   If the crowd isn’t dense, the person seems too heavy, or they’re holding a phone, it’s okay to say “no”. Your judgment helps keep everyone safe and “No“ is a complete sentence.

Emo Never Died—And Neither Did the Scene

Crowd surfing is just one way to connect with the energy of emo and pop-punk culture. Whether you’re reliving Warped Tour glory days, belting out every lyric to Green Day, or diving into the nostalgia of When We Were Young Fest, the scene is alive and well.

Want to rep the culture while staying prepared? Check out our “Emo Never Died” and “Concert Beat” collections. From our Pick Me Up T-shirt to gear that captures the heartbeat of the scene, we’ve got everything you need for your next show. Thinking of recording your crowd-surfing adventure? A GoPro with a secure strap might just be your best, kept that phone out of your hand.

Stay safe, have fun, and keep the music alive.