The wonderful world of surfing. The sport of choice of many water enthusiasts is a beautiful way to feel one with nature and the ocean. But it comes with all the risk and variables of the ocean and needs to be approached with caution and safety in mind.
Before we continue with our tips, let’s just get the disclaimer out of the way
DISCLAIMER
Use the information in this article at your own risk. The author or anyone else connected with herowaterwear.com cannot be held responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked from these web pages. Do not go surfing without supervision if you are a weak swimmer, you can’t swim or you are uncomfortable in the ocean.
Let’s go through some surfing tips for starters:
Wipeouts
If you wipe out, jump far from your board, feet first. The best way to not come in contact with your surfboard is to jump as far from your board feet first. Do not dive in. Diving in protects your head in case you are in shallow water or there is some other type of obstruction. And that leads us too.
Surf with a friend
Especially in a big swell. Other surfers can look out for each other.
Protect your Head When you Fall
If and when you fall or your board or wipe out, your first move should be to protect your head with your hands. This protects you from your surfboard, the seafloor and other surfers.
Also when coming to the surface, slide your hands out of the water before your head to also protect you from anything above you, like your surfboard.
Learn about Rip Currents
If you get caught in a rip current don’t panic, paddle perpendicularly away from it and not against it. We have a whole article on rip current you can learn about here.
Avoid Obstacles
Don’t surf near them, seriously, just surf somewhere else. It’s not worth the risk to surf near exposed rocks, piers, boats, etc.
Be mindful of other surfers
Whether you are a new or pro surfer it is important to be mindful of other surfers around you and learn surf etiquette. It's always best to not surf at intensely crowded beaches to avoid collisions with other surfers. Not being mindful or surfers around you is very dangerous.
Always Hold onto your Board
This helps yourself and other surfers. By ensuring you are holding onto your board you will keep other surfers safe from being hit by it.
And finally, do you need a life jacket or PFD (personal flotation device) when surfing?
Our answer is yes. By law there is no requirement to wear a life jacket or PFD while surfing, but the ocean comes with many inherent dangers and why not have a an extra layer of protection? Especially one that fits the same as a Rash Guard and does not get in the way of your enjoyment of the sport? For us the answer is a no brainer!
A LIFE JACKET OR PFD IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR SELF SUFFICIENCY AND SAFETY IN THE OCEAN. SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU HAVE THIS LAYER OF PROTECTION DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD PUT YOURSELF IN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS, WHERE YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SAVE YOURSELF.
THESE ARE A GREAT WAY TO HELP IN UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
Beginner surfers should focus on learning about ocean safety and developing competent swimming skills before embarking.
When choosing a life vest, ensure it fits snuggly.
Wear it over your wetsuit if you are wearing one.