Basic Rules To Surfing

Surfing Do's And Dont's

Alcohol. Surfing under the influence is not a good idea. Save the drinking for the after surf bragging session at your local, telling 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 Patrolled Beaches).
Comfort Zone. You should surf in waves that you are comfortable in, 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 mins 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 onto your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you are paddling out then keep hold of your board, you'll get out back to the line up more quickly and you will not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe-out then 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 are. 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, the surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has priority. If you see someone already on a wave then the wave is 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 got any better at anything by staying home and watching TV.
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 and you will probably not make it back to dry land ever again. Although hopefully you already know that a rip is a strong current that (normally) goes straight out to sea and if caught in one that you should not panic and paddle across the rip (not against it) until you have escaped.
Sun Block. Always wear a good waterproof sunblock. You'll know about it 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 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 will 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 whilst you are surfing. It also gives you time to check for any rips or where the best spot to catch waves is.

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

Surfing Safely

Keep this list in mind when you are surfing and you are sure to stay out of trouble and enjoy yourself, not end up fighting with the locals