5 Safety Tips Before Surf Boarding

There is always something new and exciting to try when it comes to having fun in the sun. From taking up a new hobby such as gardening to trying out a new sport such as skateboarding or surfboarding, we have many opportunities to find ways to enjoy the outdoors more. If you have been thinking about trying out your local surfboard park but are nervous about it, here are some safety tips before hitting the water and getting on that board.

1. Assess the Tides and Weather Forecast

Check the tide times and weather forecast before you leave your home to go surfing. Always ensure you know the weather forecast for the day you want to surfboard. If the condition is rough, you may want to abandon your plans and surfboard another day.

Always know the ideal conditions for surfing. If there will be extra strong winds or heavy storms, cancel the plan since it could be dangerous. A surfing day would be perfect if the water temperature is at about 27º-29º C (81º-86º F) and there are light winds. Check the tides before hitting the water and determine the right tide to surf. Also, remember that the sea or ocean can change very quickly. Be on the lookout every minute.

2. Know Your Limits

Do not go too hard if you are not an experienced surfer. You will do more harm to yourself if you do not know how to surfboard fly or negotiate your way around the wave. Remember that surfing is not an extreme sport; it requires practice, coordination, and control.

Check the wave, be at a safe distance, keep balance still during your ride, and know that riding rough waves come with a price. You will be pushed off or flung around repeatedly by unpredictable waves. You need the experience to take on the huge and rough waves.

3. Have an Appropriate Surf Board and Wetsuit

Any surfer knows the right surfboard can make all the difference. A proper fit and speed control take the ride to the next level. Proper foot slides are really important as well. You can find good surf kind boards from Amazon and other sites. However, you do not have to purchase your surfboard. There are various surfboard rental companies where you can rent a surfboard.

The best part about these firms is that they have many boards you can choose from. Such companies will also rent out wetsuits to individuals that want to surfboard. These companies will also offer first-timers lessons since they have surfing experts. The bottom line is always to ensure you have the right gear in good shape.

4. Surf With a Friend or Tell Someone Where You are Going

Most experienced surfers usually surfboard alone. There are certain ocean points where you can surf with a friend or a larger group of surfers. That is often great if you want to sight-see. Surfing with someone else will make it easier to self-assess your skills. It can also make traveling to places easier after a wave has passed.

However, the other advantage of surfing in a group of people or with a friend is that you can look out for each other. In an emergency, there will be someone to save the other partner. They could also rush to call for help if they are not in a position to help. If you are not going to surfboard with a friend, at least let someone else know you went surfing. In case anything happens, they will start looking for you immediately.

5. Swimming Ability

Your ability to swim in the ocean should also play a key role. Before you go out to surf, make sure you are a good swimmer. The thing is, surfboards are not as secure since there are times you will be knocked off. During such instances, if you are not a good swimmer, you could end up drowning.

Remember swimming in the sea or ocean is quite different from a swimming pool. You can hold on to the edges of a pool, which is quite calm. In an ocean, the situation is quite different. The water is rough because of the waves, and there is no shallow end. Perfect on your swimming skills in harsh conditions before you go out to rent a wetsuit and surfboard.

Take Away

Surf boarding is a great sport for water-sports lovers. However, it can be dangerous if you do not take the necessary precautions. Take these precautions to enjoy the best experience on the ocean.