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Surfing Do's And
Dont's
- Alcohol.
Surfing under the influence is not a good idea. Save the drinking for the
after surf bragging session at your local, telling everyone just how many
barrels you got earlier.
- Be Aware.
Be aware of other surfers and water users, of the surf conditions, and of
where you are surfing (see Patrolled Beaches).
- Comfort Zone.
You should surf in waves that you are comfortable in, don't get in over
your head.
- Fitness.
Make sure you are physically fit when surfing. You need to be able to swim
back to shore if you lose your board at the end of an exhausting session -
no mean feat in a 3 metre swell.
- Food.
As with swimming, do not go surfing for at least 45 mins after a meal.
- Fun.
Surfing is all about having fun, keep it in mind when you are out in the
waves.
- Hold or Throw.
Know when to hold onto your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you
are paddling out then keep hold of your board, you'll get out back to the
line up more quickly and you will not put anyone paddling out behind you
at risk. If you are about to wipe-out then get rid of your board. You are
far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board are getting
washed around together.
- Patrolled Beaches.
If you are surfing on a patrolled beach make sure that you keep within the
designated surfing area. Take note of where you should be surfing before
you go out, and make sure you stick to it when you are out.
- Priority.
Always make sure that you are not taking anyone else's wave. Remember, the
surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has priority. If you see
someone already on a wave then the wave is taken and you'll have to wait
for the next one.
- Practice.
If you want to improve then you need to be in the water surfing as
regularly as possible. No-one got any better at anything by staying home
and watching TV.
- Respect.
Respect the locals if you are visiting
a beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared.
- Rips.
If you are caught in a rip remember that it's called R.I.P. for a reason
and you will probably not make it back to dry land ever again. Although
hopefully you already know that a rip is a strong current that (normally)
goes straight out to sea and if caught in one that you should not panic
and paddle across the rip (not against it) until you have escaped.
- Sun Block.
Always wear a good waterproof sunblock. You'll know about it if you have
been out for a few hours surfing in the sun without it. Also if you are
not wearing a Wetsuit it is a good idea to wear a UV proof rash vest for
body protection.
- Surf Buddy.
Always surf with at least one other person. Not only will you have more
fun if you are sharing your waves but you will always have someone to help
you out if you need it.
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Surf Conditions.
Make sure that the surf is safe before you go in. If you are going surfing
at a spot you are unfamiliar with it is a good idea to get some advice
from a local. Check out the surf spot while warming up.
- Warm-up.
Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This
will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp whilst you are surfing. It
also gives you time to check for any rips or where the best spot to catch
waves is.
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