Ocean animals are among the widely spread fear for surfers. The very real danger of sharks, jellyfish, and other creatures living in your sports field is an unpredictable factor yet can be avoided if you know how to respect their habitat. But urchins and stingrays aside, there are more factors to consider when you are a starter surfer.
Surfing as an art has been first described in the year 1769. Evolving from ratchet boards to Walden surfboards made by the Steve Walden who is known for the longest nose dive, surfing became a mainstream hobby for the adrenaline rushers. Because of the risks of the sport, it has caused many casualties over the years. Here are some elements you have to be smart with in order to live another day of surfing.
Reading the weather is the first step in ocean safety. For beginners, you should be able to understand how the ocean behaves and why, and how the weather would affect it. More often than not, the ocean is unpredictable, so do not go in when you are doubtful. There is always another day and another wave.
Listen to the locals when they are discussing weather conditions and if the water is ridable. Hurricanes are the biggest wave producers, so it is never a good idea to surf during a hurricane swell. Make use of your best judgment when you see the ocean getting all messed up because of the weather.
Check the features of the landscape. Keep your distance when you see jetties. Cliffs and piers are for very experienced surfers only, so steer clear from them if you are just starting to learn how to ride the waves. Look out for rocks and other geological obstacle that may impair or disfigure you.
The waves can be the best friend or the worst enemy of a surfer. The bigger the wave, the more dangerous it is, so it is important to take note of what size you can handle at your current experience level. Keep in mind that one cubic foot of water is equivalent to 62 pounds. Hollow waves are also as dangerous as waves that crumble.
The same principle should also be applied with currents. Rip currents are often dreaded, but are also the joy of the seasoned surfer, depending on the situation. Longshore currents, on the other hand, are those that run parallel to the shore and have the tendency to drag you down.
Respect your fellow surfers. When the water is crowded, it is as dangerous as a mosh pit, where you can seriously get hurt. Boards will fly in all directions and colliding with other riders is as harmful as car collisions. Never let go of your board unless you are sure that there is no one near you.
Know how to swim. The ocean is not the same as your good old swimming pool. Swimming pools do not have currents that can drag you and make swimming difficult. You should also note that your surfboard is not a flotation device, it is a sports equipment. Chances are, your surfboard will be flying out of reach when you wipe out, so do not rely on your surfboard for your safety, rely on your swimming skills.
Read more about How To Ride Upon The Waves Safely With Walden Surfboards.