The person who has the control of the power point on the wave has the wave. what you said "but am some way from the peak. I am riding the wave but a board surfer now catches the wave close to the peak" means you are no longer in control of that peak. But if you had a friendly break the surfers shouldnt be snaking you out but that there are very few places like that. Sart learning to cut back to the pocket this will keep most ppl from dropping in that gap, and will keep you closer to the pocket.

Charles