Safe Surfing Tip #6: Get Surf Fit

Not just fit, but surf fit. Being able to bench press obscene amounts or run a marathon at world record pace will be of limited use in the surf. Your paddling muscles are by far your most important ones; the faster and further you can paddle, the further you’ll be from danger.

And don’t think that just because you’ve got a buoyancy device in the form of a surfboard that being able to swim is no longer important; neither your leash nor your surfboard is indestructible, and if one or other of them snaps you’ll be on your own. Weak swimmers should consider investing some time at the local swimming pool; strong swimmers shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security — always remember that the ocean is a far more dangerous and unpredictable environment than a swimming pool. Surf Lifesaving Clubs are great places to build up your strength and confidence in the surf.

Safe Surfing Tip #7: Avoid Obstacles

Not as in “don’t surf into them,” but as in “don’t go surfing near them in the first place”. Piers, exposed rocks, groynes, cliffs, boats — when good waves are breaking in close vicinity to such obstacles, you should probably think about finding somewhere else to surf. Around permanent structures, be they natural or manmade, currents are often much stronger, which further complicates matters; pay particular attention to longshore currents, which can rapidly transport you away from where you first paddle out and towards danger.

Safe Surfing Tip #9: Know Your Limits

Yes, pushing your limits can be fun, and is arguably essential to the whole surfing experience, but surfing in waves way beyond your ability level is simply idiotic — dangerous not only for yourself but also for other surfers, who will have to avoid you when you inevitably get in their way. Broadly speaking, beginners should stay in the white water to begin with, and avoid reef breaks and point breaks; beach breaks are generally easier-going and safer.

Safe Surfing Tip #10: Don’t Surf For Too Long

Don’t keep surfing to the point of exhaustion, or until it gets too dark to see properly, or both, but get out while you still have the strength and vision to do so safely.

Safe Surfing Tip #11: Come Prepared

If surfing in cold water, ensure you are wearing a wetsuit thick enough for the water temperature, and if necessary wetsuit boots, wetsuit gloves and a wetsuit hood too; earplugs are also highly recommended in cold water, to prevent the onset of the dreaded surfer’s ear. When surfing at crowded beaches or at reef breaks, consider wearing other surf safety gear too, such as a surf helmet or reef boots.

Safe Surfing Tip #12: Ride A Safe Surfboard

There are several ways in which your surfboard can be unsafe, or unnecessarily hazardous; these include being too big, too sharply pointed, or — if you’ve only just started learning to surf — too hard. Make your surfboard and its various appendages, such as its fins, safer both for yourself and others by following these simple steps.

Safe Surfing Tip #13: Wear Suncream, Stay Hydrated

Obvious, yes, but we’ll say it anyway: if it’s a scorcher of a day, wear shitloads of suncream and drink shitloads of water to avoid hideous sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, etc.