DOs/DON'Ts

The surfers DOs and DON'Ts

DON'Ts

• Alcohol: surfing under the influence of alcohol is a very bad idea. Save the drinking for the after-surf session with your buddies ! :)

• Food: do not go surfing for at least 45 minutes after a meal.

DOs

• Surfing lesson: you might consider a surfing lesson with a teacher if it is the first time you try. This person could give you useful tips. This is also a way to know whether surfing is for you

• Patrolled Beaches: surfing on a patrolled beach enables you to be in a more secure environment. You then have to make sure that you keep within the designated surfing area.

• Comfort Zone: you should surf in waves that you suits you ability and that you are sure you can manage.

• Be fit and have swimming skills: make sure you are physically fit when surfing as it is a sport that demands a lot of efforts. You need to be able to swim back to shore if you lose your board at the end of an exhausting session.

• Hold or Throw: Know when to hold on to your surfboard and when to get rid of it. If you are about to wipe out, get rid of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board are getting washed around together.

• Practice: If you want to improve you need to practice in the water regularly.

• Rips: If you are caught in a rip, remember that it's called R.I.P. for a reason. You may not make it back to dry land ever again if you get caught in one. A rip is a strong current that (normally) goes straight out to sea. If caught in one, you should not panic but instead paddle across the rip (not against it) until you have escaped.

• Sun Block: wear a good waterproof suncream and if you don't wear a wet suit, it would be a good idea to wear a UV-proof long sleeve rash vest to protect your body.

• Surf Buddy: Always surf with at least one other person. You'll always have someone to help you out if you need it. At least three persons is best as if there is a problem with someone, one will stay with the one in trouble and the other will be able to ask for help.

• Surf Conditions: make sure that the surf is safe before you go in. Check the weather out even more of you are going surfing at a spot you are not familiar with. Also, while on the beach, check out the spots were the waves are the best.

• Warm-up: Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp while you're surfing. 

• Fun: Surfing is all about having fun; keep it in mind when you are out in the waves.

• Respect: the beach, its surroundings and the locals. Behave well while visiting a new spot.

• Help the others: always help a surfer in trouble. Surfing can be very dangerous and even fatal.

• The right equipment : the type of surfboard that fits you, wetsuits, wax to keep you on the board, suncream, etc.

• Priority: Always make sure that you are not taking anyone else's wave. Have a look at the pictures below that will help you understand the "surfing codes".