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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.
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Be Aware.
Be aware of other surfers and water
users, of the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing (see Patrolled
Beaches).
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Comfort Zone.
You should surf in waves that you
are comfortable in, don't get in over your head.
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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.
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Food.
As with swimming, do not go surfing
for at least 45 mins after a meal.
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Fun.
Surfing is all about having fun,
keep it in mind when you are out in the waves.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Respect.
Respect the locals if you are visiting a
beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
