Surfing And Bodyboarding Safely

Surfing and bodyboarding can be hugely enjoyable, but if you want to be able to enjoy them in safety then it is vital that you are a strong swimmer with experience in sea swimming. Swimming in the sea is a lot more demanding than swimming in a pool, due to the effects of the waves and currents.

Whether you are windsurfing, bodyboarding, or surf boarding, the safety rules are always the same:

Don't ignore lifeguard instructions, or it might cost you your life.

Wear your strap at all times, as it could save your life.

Never surf solo. Always bring a surf buddy, even if they are just going to sit on the beach and look out for you.

Don't use a damaged board, and always check it before you use it.

Whatever you do, hang on to your board when you're in the water, as it will at least keep you afloat if you hang on to it.

Stay within the zone demarcated by the flags. For surfboarders and windsurfers, these are black and white, and for bodyboarders, these are red and yellow.

Rips

Sometimes, there can be a current, invisible to the outside observer, that is so strong that it drags swimmers out from the shallow water to the deeper water farther out before they know it. These currents are known as rips. It's best to avoid these for obvious reasons, and the coast guard should be able to show you where they are and how best to avoid them. If you do get caught in a rip:

If you have a board or an inflatable, hang onto it as it can help you to float.

Don't try to swim directly into the current or you'll tire yourself out.

Stay calm, and breathe deeply and slowly to avoid hyperventilating.

If you can, wade across the ocean floor rather than swim, as this will at least give you some purchase.

Instead, cut across the direction of the current until it is no longer pushing you further out then head for shore. If you see another person getting carried away by a rip tide, alert the lifeguard, or call emergency services and ask for the Coast Guard.

If you are thinking about buying surf equipment, make sure that it is suitable for a surfer of your level of ability and experience, and be realistic about this, as it is your own safety that is at stake.

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