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.
Surfing as an art has been first described in the year 1769. Evolving from ratchet boards to Walden surfboards made by the Steve Walden who is known for the longest nose dive, surfing became a mainstream hobby for the adrenaline rushers. Because of the risks of the sport, it has caused many casualties over the years. Here are some elements you have to be smart with in order to live another day of surfing.
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.
Respect your fellow surfers. When the water is crowded, it is as dangerous as a mosh pit, where you can seriously get hurt. Boards will fly in all directions and colliding with other riders is as harmful as car collisions. Never let go of your board unless you are sure that there is no one near you.
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.
Surfing as an art has been first described in the year 1769. Evolving from ratchet boards to Walden surfboards made by the Steve Walden who is known for the longest nose dive, surfing became a mainstream hobby for the adrenaline rushers. Because of the risks of the sport, it has caused many casualties over the years. Here are some elements you have to be smart with in order to live another day of surfing.
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.
Respect your fellow surfers. When the water is crowded, it is as dangerous as a mosh pit, where you can seriously get hurt. Boards will fly in all directions and colliding with other riders is as harmful as car collisions. Never let go of your board unless you are sure that there is no one near you.
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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