Surfing can be a very exciting outdoor sport. It is important to keep in mind that just like almost any other type of sport, surfing can also be incredibly dangerous. If you’re just a beginner, then you may not be all that familiar with safety for surfing. Here are some safety tips for first time surfers.
Know Your Limits
As a beginner surfer and even as an advanced surfer, it is important to know your limits. If the waves appear too rough, it’s probably because they are. You may want to show off to all of your friends, but it is important to keep in mind that surfing is just like playing with a loaded gun. If a wave is really too rough for you to handle, it can be a threat to your life.
Surf With a Buddy
The one thing that you should never do as a surfer is try to ride the waves alone. Surfing with a friend will help ensure that someone knows where you are at all times. Although the buddy system may not be one hundred percent effective at keeping you safe from harm, it will really help. If something should happen, you will want there to be someone near you who can get a lifeguard for help. At the same time, keep in mind that surfers should try to stay between five to ten feet apart from one another or the closeness could be dangerous.
Lookout For Lifeguards
Any time that you do not see a lifeguard on duty, you will want to swim into shore. This is one of the main reasons that it is so important to avoid surfing at night, as most beaches do not have a lifeguard staff at this time. Keep in mind that it is not only important to look for lifeguards on duty, but it is also important to pay attention to their warnings. Don’t swim unless there is a green flag out, since the water may be too rough for you to handle.
Be Careful of Sea Creatures
There are a number of different types of sea creatures in the ocean which can be very dangerous. Jellyfish, sting rays, and sharks are just a few of the different types of sea creatures that you will want to watch out for. Of course, some beaches may have higher concentrations of these dangerous sea creatures than others. Know what’s out there and try to do your best to avoid it. If you do get stung by a jellyfish or stingray, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Any time that you notice a shark (even if you are not sure if it is the type that commonly attacks people), swim into shore. Also keep the human sea creatures in mind. (Boaters, skiers, jet-skis, fishermen, etc)
These are just a few of the different things that you should know about surf safety. While there is no doubt that you are going to want to have a lot of fun while out riding the waves, it is important to remember that it is not all fun and games. Surfing can be very dangerous. Following the above safety tips can ultimately help save your life.
