Perhaps the most famous fear for surfers are sharks. The danger is authentic, along with stingrays and poisonous jellyfish migrations and fire corals, but there are many other things a surfer has to worry about besides Cthulhu. For the newbie wave rider, ocean animals are the least of his worries if he fails to consider the basic elements of surfing safety.
The art of riding the waves has been defined in 1769. From ratchet boards to Walden surfboards created by the father of the modern longboard, surfing has been enjoyed for centuries for the naturally adventurous. It has also caused many accidents and deaths just like any high risk sport, but by knowing your limits and considering the factors, you will live to surf for many years to come.
Understanding the weather is a very important tool for wave riders. Because the sea is a dicey place to be, knowing how the weather affects it and why the sea behaves in such a way is your first task as a newbie. This is where you can evaluate whether you can handle the ocean today or not.
You can observe where the waves are consistently breaking and ask another surfer who just got in the water if the conditions are alright. Watch how the surfers on the water are drifting and how much effort they spend for paddling. If you are alone and you feel that the waves are too big or the ocean is simply too messy, be smarter and surf another day.
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.
Waves are two faced. They can either be your source of pure ecstasy or terrible fear. The size of the waves represent how hazardous they are, so stick to smaller ones if you are still a noob. Keep in mind that a cubic yard of water weighs almost a ton, so be careful even if you think the wave seems to be very cute. Again, let the veterans handle the crumbling and hollow waves.
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.
Comply with the honor code. Bad etiquette during surfing is the top hazard surfers face, the same way a mosh pit has its dangers. Flying surfboards and collisions are very much likely when the water is crowded and someone is reckless. Respect others for your own safety.
Finally, get your swimming skills ready. Some surfers make the mistake of depending too much on their surfboards for buoyancy. But they can be separated from you, so you should rely on your ability to swim against the current. Practice treading water to avoid cramps. Stay fit so you will have the energy and stamina to endure the tides.
The art of riding the waves has been defined in 1769. From ratchet boards to Walden surfboards created by the father of the modern longboard, surfing has been enjoyed for centuries for the naturally adventurous. It has also caused many accidents and deaths just like any high risk sport, but by knowing your limits and considering the factors, you will live to surf for many years to come.
Understanding the weather is a very important tool for wave riders. Because the sea is a dicey place to be, knowing how the weather affects it and why the sea behaves in such a way is your first task as a newbie. This is where you can evaluate whether you can handle the ocean today or not.
You can observe where the waves are consistently breaking and ask another surfer who just got in the water if the conditions are alright. Watch how the surfers on the water are drifting and how much effort they spend for paddling. If you are alone and you feel that the waves are too big or the ocean is simply too messy, be smarter and surf another day.
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.
Waves are two faced. They can either be your source of pure ecstasy or terrible fear. The size of the waves represent how hazardous they are, so stick to smaller ones if you are still a noob. Keep in mind that a cubic yard of water weighs almost a ton, so be careful even if you think the wave seems to be very cute. Again, let the veterans handle the crumbling and hollow waves.
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.
Comply with the honor code. Bad etiquette during surfing is the top hazard surfers face, the same way a mosh pit has its dangers. Flying surfboards and collisions are very much likely when the water is crowded and someone is reckless. Respect others for your own safety.
Finally, get your swimming skills ready. Some surfers make the mistake of depending too much on their surfboards for buoyancy. But they can be separated from you, so you should rely on your ability to swim against the current. Practice treading water to avoid cramps. Stay fit so you will have the energy and stamina to endure the tides.
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