5 Basic Surf Safety Tips

My favorite saying is “surf today so you can surf tomorrow,” meaning surf safely so you can make it back out tomorrow.

Here are 5 basic surf safety tips that both beginners and advance surfers should follow.

1. Cover your head when you fall

Due to wind and waves, when we wipeout we have no clue where that board will be when we get to the surface. When you fall off your surfboard, the first thing you should do is covering your head and keep it covered until you have an exact location of the board.  No one likes a board to the head and it will definitely shorten your surf session.

5 Basic Surf Safety Tips

2. ALWAYS keep hold of your surfboard

This is the biggest unspoken rule of surfing. Your board is about 6-9 feet and same is your leash so you have about a 12-20 feet radius you need to be aware of.  No matter how big the wave or whitewater looks always hold onto that board. No only is this for your safety but other surfers around you.

3. Be informed about the beach you are surfing at.

It’s never an easy paddle out to the line up. You will most likely have to deal with other surfers in the water, water, rocks, and currents.  If you decide to surf a new place, always ask a lifeguard or fellow surfer where the best place to enter/exit the water and if there are spots you should stay away from (rocks, rip current, intense locals). Its better to ask then find out for yourself why people don’t surf to the left or right!

5 Basic Surf Safety Tips

4. Know your limits

Pushing out of your comfort zone is fun but surfing way beyond your surfing ability is idiotic and dangerous. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t go out or stay in the white water.

5. Wear sunscreen and drink water!

If it is hot and sunny, wear sunscreen or put a rash guard on. Make sure you stay hydrated because you still sweat in the water. If you feel like you are getting sunburnt or thirsty, don’t wait until the last minute. There is nothing worse then having to sit out for a few days since you got sunburnt or dehydrated.