Basic Rules to Surfing

Here are the basic rules to surfing. If you read them, you should be safe in the surf. (And so should everyone else.) They are in no order of importance, but all are relevant. Remember - surf safely and respect your fellow water babes.

Surfing Dos And Don'ts

• Alcohol: Surfing under the influence is not a good idea. Save the drinking for the after-surf bragging session at your local where you can tell everyone just how many barrels you got earlier.
• Be Aware: Be aware of other surfers and water users, of the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing. (See below under "Patrolled Beaches".)
• Comfort Zone: You should surf in waves that you are comfortable with. Don't get in over your head.
• 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.
• Food: As with swimming, do not go surfing for at least 45 minutes after a meal.
• Fun: Surfing is all about having fun; keep it in mind when you are out in the waves.
• Hold or Throw: Know when to hold on to your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you are paddling out, then keep hold of your board. You'll get back to the line up more quickly, and you'll not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe out, get rid of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board are getting washed around together.
• 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.
• Priority: Always make sure that you are not taking anyone else's wave. Remember that the surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has priority. If you see someone already on a wave, then the wave is considered to be taken, and you'll have to wait for the next one.
• Practice: If you want to improve then you need to be in the water surfing as regularly as possible. No one gets better at anything by staying home and watching T.V.
• Respect: Respect the locals if you are visiting a beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared.
• Rips: If you are caught in a rip, remember that it's called R.I.P. for a reason. You may not make it back to dry land ever again if you get caught in one. Hopefully you already know that a rip is a strong current that (normally) goes straight out to sea and, if caught in one, you should not panic but instead paddle across the rip (not against it) until you have escaped.
• Sun Block: Always wear a good waterproof sunblock. You'll know how important it is 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 long sleeve rash vest for body protection.
• 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'll always have someone to help you out if you need it.
• 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.
• Warm-up: Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp while you're surfing. It also gives you time to check for any rips or where the best spot to catch waves is.

Oh yeah, don't surf too close to the shore!

Surfing Safely

If you keep this list in mind when you surf, you'll surely enjoy yourself, prevent trouble, and avoid fighting with the locals.