Here is the scenario I have ran into a few times. You can count on one hand the number of times I've surfed. I just need to get solid on standing up so I usually just ride the beach break and I always find a point where no one in on the outside of me. I'm not too picky on the waves at this point but a few time the people on the outside move behind me because it seem to pick up there (I pick a landmark on the beach so I know I'm not moving in front of them just to be clear). They are not even getting close to me because the waves are no longer big enough unless they ride all the way in. I just wondered if it was bad etiquette to ride in front even if I was there first and for the most part wasn't in the way anyway.
I know I'm a kook but I love being in the water and just want to be polite, but at the same time get better.