Surfing Safety- 17 Helpful Tips You Need To Know

Are you ready to hit the waves with confidence? Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, prioritizing safety is key to enjoying your time in the water. 

Before buying your first beginner surfboard, you should be familiar with water safety. In this blog post, I’ll dive into 17 important tips to enhance your surfing safety.

The ocean can be scary if you’re unfamiliar with its patterns and behaviors. Having been in sketchy situations throughout my surfing journey, I’m aware of the dangers and can share my experiences with you. 

From assessing your skill level to navigating rip currents, I’ve got you covered.  So, let’s paddle out and explore how you can stay safe while catching some waves!

What are the Essential Surf Safety Tips for Beginners?

#1- Check The Forecast 

Before grabbing your board and heading to the beach, it’s crucial to check the surf forecast.

Understanding the conditions you’ll be facing can greatly impact your experience and safety.

By knowing what is the wave height, swell direction, and wind speed you can better prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

For that, I recommend checking the surf forecast on Surfline.com, by far the most reliable and used surf app worldwide. 

Knowing what to expect will also help you decide when and where to go, or even IF to go for that matter. 

Weather and wave patterns change from one place to the other, so I can only say that, if you feel it’ll be too big for you, then you’re probably right! 

In heavy winter swells I used to take my board and wetsuit and head to the beach with no expectation, this way I was never disappointed if I didn’t end up surfing that day. 

This brings me to the next point 

#2- Know Your Limits 

Surfing can be physically demanding, it’s crucial to know your physical endurance and skill level before paddling out. 

Remember that waves can seem smaller than they really are when you’re inside the water.

While I am a big believer in challenging yourself and improving. When it comes to surfing you should be extra careful when doing it. 

If you feel you’re putting yourself in risk then stay dry. You can always come back another day and keep improving, or find a different beach with smaller waves. If possible. 

#3- Watch Out For Rip Currents

Rip currents are a mass of water coming back into the ocean forming a current that breaks through the waves. 

These types of currents can be found in any beach but are often most powerful on rocky beaches and around reefs. They can be really dangerous if you don’t know what to do in case you get caught in one. 

Luckily for you, you’re reading this post and you’ll know exactly what to do. First, DON’T PANIC, then swim parallel to the shore to get out of the it and swim your way back to shore. 

One thing to keep in mind, the current does not continue forever! Depending on how powerful it is, it will weaken as you get to deeper water. at that point you can swim your way back to shore (NOT against the it though haha).

Once you’re an experienced surfer , you can use these rips to pass the breaking waves faster and easier, kind of like an elevator! 

#4- Buy A Good Leash 

Never underestimate the importance of using a leash when you’re out in the surf. A leash is your lifeline, keeping your board close and preventing it from drifting away if you wipe out.

Not only does it save you the hassle of swimming after your board, but it also reduces the risk of your board becoming a hazard to other surfers.

I had quite a challenge wiping out from a two-meter wave in Costa Rica and losing my leash. I had nothing to keep me afloat, the waves were big and the currents were strong.

I had to swim my way back to shore, luckily I made it but none of this would’ve happened if I had a good-quality leash. But here I am today telling you this so you won’t have to learn these lessons the hard way! 

#5- Warm Up Before Surfing 

Warming up is a way of letting your body know that you’re about to engage in a physical activity. This is especially crucial in cold environments. 

Whether it’s a run on the beach, cycling your way to the beach, or simply doing some warm-up exercises before surfing, make sure you do something before you jump in the water and catch waves. 

Not warming up properly can cause injuries in the long run and may keep you out of the water more than you would like. Don’t skip this! 

#6-  Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

It’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings when surfing. Before going in the water take a minute to look at the beach and wave conditions. 

Are there any rocks? reefs? or other hazards? Also, consider the elements, where is the wind blowing from and how hard? How big are the waves? 

So many questions, but the point here is to stay alert of everything that’s happening around you. 

When you jump in a car, you don’t just drive straight away. You look at the mirrors, put on the seatbelt, turn on the indicator, and then drive. The same applies to surfing. 

Also, don’t be discouraged to…

#7- Ask For Help 

Before entering the water, ask a lifeguard about the conditions of the day, other hazards like rocks, and where you should go for a surf. 

Most countries would have designated areas for surfing and rules as to where to surf. It’s best to adhere to these rules to ensure safety in the water. 

If there are no lifeguards at your favorite beach, ask fellow surfers for advice. Believe me, a lot of people are willing to help and are more than happy to share their knowledge with you. 

Have a look at my loooong list of surfing tips here!

#8- Avoid Surfing Alone 

While surfing is an individual sport, it’s recommended to be surfing with others. While it doesn’t have to be your friend or family, you should at least aim to surf with others in the water. 

This way, in case of an emergency you have other people to help you or to call for help on your behalf. 

If you’re not surfing with a friend it’s a good idea to let someone know you’re out surfing, I would go even further and give them my estimated time of surfing. 

While that’s not completely necessary, it’s important to ensure your safety especially when going into the ocean. 

#9- Wear Protective Gear 

Make sure you have all the protective gear you need when going for a surf session. 

This can be a rashguard to protect you from the sun, a wetsuit to keep you warm in cold waters or a helmet if you’re surfing in a rocky beach. 

You can never be too safe when it comes to surfing. 

#10- Consider Wearing Ear Plugs

This is particularly true for people who surf in heavily populated areas. Whether it’s a big city or one with industrial factories around, the ocean accumulates all the chemicals after heavy rains or river wash. 

Consider buying surfing earplugs to prevent potential unwanted infections. 

Take a look at the watercolor, brown or murky color is a bad sign but keep in mind it might be just mud washed from the river. If there’s any in your area. 

Usually, heavy rains in urban cities wash all the oils and debris into the ocean which may cause contamination. 

Stay up to date with the surf forecast or local news to hear if there’s any possible contamination in your area. 

#11- Look Out For Other Surfers

When you’re out in the lineup, it’s essential to keep a sharp eye out for other surfers to avoid collisions.

While surfing is an individual sport, it’s important to share the waves and have mutual respect and awareness of your surroundings.

Always scan the lineup before paddling for a wave to ensure you’re not cutting off or endangering another surfer.

Communication is key—you can use hand signals or verbal cues to indicate your intentions and avoid potential conflicts.

#12- Respect The Lineup

Practicing proper surfing etiquette and safety, such as giving right of way to surfers already riding a wave or paddling back out, can help prevent accidents and maintain harmony in the lineup. 

Like any other sport, surfing has rules. While they are not officially written anywhere, every surfer should be familiar with them. Espically if you’re new to surfing. 

These are just some of the rules you should follow while surfing. 

  – Give the right of way to the surfer closest to the breaking point of the wave. 

  – Avoid ditching your board as it might hit others and cause injuries. 

  – Don’t sneak behind a surfer to catch the wave, instead wait your turn.

There’s no one enforcing these rules in the ocean, so it’s up to you to follow these safety rules!

#13- Don’t Drift Away

 Make sure to have a reference point before entering the water. It is easy to get caught in a rip or drift away while surfing without you even noticing. 

Use something like a lifeguard tower, a tree, or a house to keep reminding you where you entered. Avoid using things like beach towels, cars, or umbrellas as they are not fixated in one spot.

#14- Use Sunscreen 

Using sunscreen in water is crucial for safety, protecting skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, preventing sunburns, and lowering the risk of skin cancer.

Surfing exposes skin to prolonged sun exposure, making sun protection essential for skin health. 

Regular application before hitting the waves ensures continuous protection, allowing you to enjoy your sessions safely and minimize the risk of sun-related health issues in the long term.

Consider the reefs when applying any type of cream, choose brands with no harmful chemicals both for you and for the ocean. 

#15- Respect The Wildlife

As surfers, we often encounter marine life such as dolphins, turtles, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Not to mention the ones with the sharp teeth! 

It’s crucial to minimize our impact by observing these creatures from a respectful distance and avoiding disrupting their behavior.

Additionally, being mindful of sensitive marine environments like coral reefs and seagrass beds helps preserve these crucial ecosystems.

By showing respect for wildlife and marine habitats, you can contribute to the conservation of our oceans and ensure their enjoyment for generations to come.

#16- Consider Wearing Booties

Booties are made out of neoprene, the same material as wetsuits, so they intend to keep your feet warm. But if you’re surfing in a beach with a rocky bottom, it’s advisable to wear booties. 

This is especially true in tropical surfing spots where you surf over live corals and the slightest cut can turn into an unwanted infection. 

If you’re surfing in warmer water take the thinest booties possible as cold is not a factor here. 

#17- Stay Calm 

Surfing is a sport, it takes a lot of your energy and oxygen already. When in a dangerous situation stam as calm as you possibly can. 

You see, when we are in panic mode our body will strive to breathe more and more oxygen. IF you find yourself underwater for longer than you can handle STAY CALM! The wave will pass you and you’ll go back to the surface in no time! 

Underwater a second can feel like a minute, but even if you never practiced holding your breath, our bodies can handle not breathing for at least a minute (NOT backed by any scientific facts).

But some people can hold their breath for up to 5 min at a time. It’s all in your head. 

How Can Beginners Stay Safe While Enjoying Their Surfing Experience?

In addition to the tips mentioned above there are more measures you can take to ensure you surf safely wherever you are. 

Here are a couple of extra tips for you-

Go To A Surf Camp/Lesson 

Attending a surfcamp is valuable for enhancing safety while learning to surf. Surfcamps provide expert instruction from experienced surfers who can teach proper techniques, water safety protocols, and how to navigate various surf conditions.

Instructors emphasize the importance of understanding ocean currents, rip tides, and wave patterns, equipping you with essential knowledge to make informed decisions in the water.

Moreover, surfcamps often provide equipment suitable for different skill levels, ensuring beginners learn on appropriate boards and with the necessary safety gear.

The supportive environment of a surfcamp fosters a culture of safety awareness and encourages connection among surfers, promoting a safer and more enjoyable surfing experience for all people in the water.

Consider Taking A First Aid Course

Equipping yourself with essential first-aid skills can make a significant difference in responding effectively to accidents or emergencies while surfing.

From treating minor cuts to managing more severe injuries, knowing how to help immediately can prevent complications and save lives.

Additionally, understanding CPR techniques and how to handle situations such as drowning or spinal injuries is crucial for maintaining safety in the water.

By investing in first aid training, surfers can create a safer surfing community and be better prepared to handle emergencies in and out of the water.

Conclusion And Key Takeaways

In summary, prioritizing safety is crucial for enjoying surfing.

You can stay safe in the water by checking the surf forecast, knowing your limits, and watching out for rip currents.

Additionally, wearing protective gear, respecting wildlife, and staying calm in emergencies are essential.

Consider attending a surf camp for expert guidance and taking a first aid course to handle emergencies effectively. With these measures, you can surf with confidence and stay safe in the water!