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.
Forecasting the weather is the first thing you should know if you are new to the sport. The ocean can get iffy in a jiffy even at the slightest change of humidity, temperature, or air pressure, so know your meteorology. The decision whether to ride today or not depends very largely on this factor.
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 rule applies with currents. Rips are very strong currents formed by retreating waves and can be recognizable because it flows back. Avoid them lest you are a pro or a very experienced surfer. Never surf back against a rip current if you are ever caught in one. Those that paddle parallel to shore are called longshore currents. They are also dangerous as they can drag you, so be knowledgeable about them and learn how to overcome them. Never panic when you are caught in a strong current.
Follow etiquette. The biggest hazard of all is not the landscape or the waterscape which you can just avoid, but other surfers. Be careful with crowded breaks and expect surfboards to be flying all around you. So do not be a kook and follow the honor system and respect other surfers.
Lastly, maintain a fitness regimen and be prepare your swimming skills. Swimming in the pool is very different when doing it in the brutal ocean. Know how to float in case of emergency, and to tread the water. Do not depend on your surfboard for your life, depend on your ability to outswim the current.
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.
Forecasting the weather is the first thing you should know if you are new to the sport. The ocean can get iffy in a jiffy even at the slightest change of humidity, temperature, or air pressure, so know your meteorology. The decision whether to ride today or not depends very largely on this factor.
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 rule applies with currents. Rips are very strong currents formed by retreating waves and can be recognizable because it flows back. Avoid them lest you are a pro or a very experienced surfer. Never surf back against a rip current if you are ever caught in one. Those that paddle parallel to shore are called longshore currents. They are also dangerous as they can drag you, so be knowledgeable about them and learn how to overcome them. Never panic when you are caught in a strong current.
Follow etiquette. The biggest hazard of all is not the landscape or the waterscape which you can just avoid, but other surfers. Be careful with crowded breaks and expect surfboards to be flying all around you. So do not be a kook and follow the honor system and respect other surfers.
Lastly, maintain a fitness regimen and be prepare your swimming skills. Swimming in the pool is very different when doing it in the brutal ocean. Know how to float in case of emergency, and to tread the water. Do not depend on your surfboard for your life, depend on your ability to outswim the current.
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