Safety advice is the focus of this installment of our guide to how to surf.
You can ensure your own safety as you learn how to surf if you follow some simple guidelines : stay alert, stay fit, and respect the weather and ocean.
It is important to realize that no matter how strong you think you are, you are no match for the ocean or the force of an average swell. The water patterns cycle and change allowing rip currents to form pulling anyone further out to sea, as well as undertows that can drag you under the waters surface, and they can happen at any time out of nowhere.
Keep a close eye on the weather, check the local forecast first thing in the morning before heading out to the beach and continue to pay attention throughout the day as well while surfing. Heavy rain will limit your ability to see and stay on the board while strong winds will create bigger waves and weird water movements.
Be sure to notice any obstacles or markers in the ocean, these include rocky outcroppings and piers. Even if you do not see any of these objects when you first enter the water, it does not mean a current will not pull you closer to one along the way. Also be mindful that some won't be visible from the waters surface.
Keeping in good physical condition and regularly going swimming will help you in getting out of any troublesome situations that arise. Any and all exercise that maintains and builds stamina and strength is advised.
Even if you're fit and know what you should be doing it's easy to caught up in the excitement and fail to exercise common sense and good judgment. Collisions and crossed paths can be avoided in shared spaces if you employ good communication. Go with a more experienced surfer for the first few times so they can ensure that your not doing anything that risks your or other surfers safety.
You can ensure your own safety as you learn how to surf if you follow some simple guidelines : stay alert, stay fit, and respect the weather and ocean.
It is important to realize that no matter how strong you think you are, you are no match for the ocean or the force of an average swell. The water patterns cycle and change allowing rip currents to form pulling anyone further out to sea, as well as undertows that can drag you under the waters surface, and they can happen at any time out of nowhere.
Keep a close eye on the weather, check the local forecast first thing in the morning before heading out to the beach and continue to pay attention throughout the day as well while surfing. Heavy rain will limit your ability to see and stay on the board while strong winds will create bigger waves and weird water movements.
Be sure to notice any obstacles or markers in the ocean, these include rocky outcroppings and piers. Even if you do not see any of these objects when you first enter the water, it does not mean a current will not pull you closer to one along the way. Also be mindful that some won't be visible from the waters surface.
Keeping in good physical condition and regularly going swimming will help you in getting out of any troublesome situations that arise. Any and all exercise that maintains and builds stamina and strength is advised.
Even if you're fit and know what you should be doing it's easy to caught up in the excitement and fail to exercise common sense and good judgment. Collisions and crossed paths can be avoided in shared spaces if you employ good communication. Go with a more experienced surfer for the first few times so they can ensure that your not doing anything that risks your or other surfers safety.
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