How to Surf Safely

Whether you’ve just mastered the “pop up” while still on the beach, or spend all your time in barrels, there are a number of surfing basics you’ve probably heard before and forgotten, but that you should always keep in mind when you hang ten so your session in the water is enjoyable, safe and copasetic.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surfboard
• Wetsuit
• Waves
• Sunblock
• Your Wits About You

Introduction

1. Go surfing with friends--never alone. The sea is unpredictable and, no matter how confident you feel about your abilities, it’s best to have friends on hand should something go wrong and you need to be bailed out of trouble.

2. Surf only when you feel comfortable with the waves and conditions. It doesn’t matter if everyone else farther out looks like they’re having a better time than you, don’t get in over your head.

3. If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider getting better before you get in too deep. Even when you’ve had some experience, know your limits: you should never be out farther than where you can fairly easily swim to shore.

4. Be fit to surf. It may not look it when you’re watching, but there’s a lot of physical work involved in paddling around and getting up on a board. You need to have the shoulder strength that will enable you to swim to shore if you lose your board – even if you’ve been in the water all day.

5. Just as with swimming, wait at least 45 minutes after eating a meal before you go surfing.

6. Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before getting into the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp while you’re in the water. Focus on your neck, shoulders, triceps, back and legs. Swing your arms to get your pulse moving.

7. Make sure the surf is safe before you go in. If you’re unfamiliar with a surf spot, check with lifeguards if they’re supervising the beach, or ask a local for advice about the area’s idiosyncrasies.

8. If the beach you’re surfing at has a beach patrol or lifeguards, listen to what they have to say and take direction from them if they give any orders. If they set a designated surf area, you should be aware of it before you go out and stick to it when you’re in the water.

9. Be considerate to other beach users. You don’t want to break a swimmer’s jaw with your board.

10. When you’re in the water, pay attention to surfing etiquette. Don’t take someone else’s wave or “drop in” in front of a surfer who’s already taken it. The basic rules are that the surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has priority and if you see someone already on a wave, the wave is taken so you wait for the next one. Apologize if you make a mistake and, if you’re involved in a collision, or even a dangerous near miss, stop what you’re doing and make sure everyone is OK.

11. Know how to get out of danger when you surf so you won’t panic if you find yourself in a situation you can’t control. If you’re caught in a strong rip current, for instance, remember that it’s going out to sea and that you need to paddle across it--not against it--until you’re out of its grip.

12. Learn basic surfing know-how until it’s instinctive. For instance, if you’re about to wipe out be prepared to get rid of your board quickly as you’re far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board get pounded around in a wave together.

Tips & Warnings

• The best thing to do if you are an absolute beginner is borrow gear to see if the sport is for you.
• Get advice on buying your first surfboard.
• Get the best wetsuit you can afford. A good wetsuit will allow you to stay in the water as long as the waves are good.
• Always wear a good waterproof sunblock. You'll make a painful discovery about why it's important if you don't.
• Surfing drunk or drugged is a bad idea. You’ll have plenty of time to get blitzed when you get out of the water.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[BENTON]

on 6/18/2007 As to the wetsuit point; you don't actually need the most expensive suit available. If you get anything over $200 it should be about as good as you'll need; just make sure the seams are covered and you'll be warm.