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| 1.
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When
in doubt, don’t go out. |
- If you’re
not familiar with a surf spot and you’re alone,
you should definitely not go out.
- If the waves are
bigger than you’re used to, and you’re
feeling more fear than butterflies, don’t go
out.
- If your not feeling
well, not 100%, don’t go out.
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| 2.
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Never
turn your back on the ocean. |
- Waves can sneak up
on you, so always keep an eye out, especially when
you are getting in and out of the water.
- The ocean is a continually
changing, dynamic environment; playful waist high
surf can turn life threatening rapidly. In the end
it is up to you to be aware of your surrounding's.
- When in the ocean
always keep an eye open for the unexpected; marine
life, boat traffic, rip currents, other surfers and
water goers, etc.
|
| 3.
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Never overestimate
your ability or underestimate the power of the ocean. |
- The ocean can put
you in your place even if you are in great shape.
So if you haven’t been surfing in a long time
and are kind of out of shape, pick a spot that has
small waves and no current.
- The ocean is more
powerful than any of us; it is up to us to use caution
when we are in and around the water.
|
| 4. |
If you get caught in a current it is best to go with it
and swim at a 45-degree angle to get out of it. |
- Even the strongest
swimmer can tire trying to fight a current. Learning
about the different kinds of currents will make you
a much safer ocean user.
- Help others to recognize
currents.” Surf aloha, live aloha.”
|
| 5.
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Learn
about the place you are going to surf by sitting on the
beach and watching for at least 15 to 20 minutes. |
- There is a lot to
learn by sitting on the beach before you go out surfing
and it’s FREE! Since waves come in sets, you
can learn how big the sets are. You can also learn
the period of time between sets and that can make
your paddle out a lot easier.
- Take time to observe
where and how the waves are breaking.
- You can also watch
the surfers and all their different styles of riding
waves.
- If someone loses
their board, you can observe where the waves and currents
will take it. That information can make a big difference
if you lose your board.
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| 6.
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Always
be aware of others in the water. You may need to help
someone out. |
- Part of being a
good surfer and water person is being ready to help
others. The ocean is for every one and by helping
out others, you are truly living Aloha.
- Take a water safety
course and carry a floatation device with you.
- There are many ways
to help a person in distress in the ocean. Sometimes
it is best to call 9ll so that professionals can help
out. Use your cell phone to make the call and stay
to keep an eye on the person in distress and direct
the rescuers.
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| 7.
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Even
if you surf with a leash you should learn how to hold
on to your board so it doesn’t hit other people. |
- Today many people
learn to surf with a leash connecting them to their
boards. This can speed up the learning curve, but
comes with drawbacks. Even with a leash, you must
be a competant swimmer. You never know when your leash
might break.
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| 8.
|
Have
a first aid kit with you; you never know when it may be
needed. |
- Many surf spots aren’t
near help and if you have a first aid kit it can mean
a lot to someone in need.
|
| 9.
|
Become
a strong swimmer and practice holding your breath both
in and out of the water. |
- I can’t
stress this one enough; you can’t be a good
surfer if you don’t know how to swim well.
- Practice holding
your breath in a controlled environment. This will
help your body become more accustomed to it when you
are in the very uncontrolled environment of the ocean.
|
| 10.
|
Take ocean safety
courses and learn from the professionals. |
- There are different
types of water safety courses that you can take. Find
one that suits your needs and comfort level.
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Surfskills - All Rights Reserved |
