Surfing is for everyone!!!!   Some call it a sport, some call it an art form, and others call it a lifestyle.  Surfing is unique for a few reasons.
1.    It’s completely free! (assuming you have a board)
2.    You can do it alone or with friends! (with friends is best)
3.    It can be practiced till you’re old and gray! (if done safely)

While there are countless reasons to start surfing, there is only one way to start your journey as a wave warrior.  That way is the SAFE way.  Our counselors often make surfing look effortless and natural, but they have devoted countless hours to perfecting their skills in the water.  You have probably noticed that surfing is appearing more and more in the movies and on TV, and these days, it seems like everyone is getting “on board.”  But, like anything in life worth pursuing, surfing does not come easy.   It takes focus and dedication to get to the point where you are comfortable and in control out there, and without the proper attention to safety, serious injury can result.  The learning curve for surfing is very gradual at first, but you’ll find that once you reach the first “plateau”, you are hooked for life!

At SummerTime Surf, we have developed a few basic rules for safe surfing:

1.    Stretch!!!!  SummerTime Surf stresses the importance of a limber body and warm muscles.  Not only will you be less likely to injure yourself, but you will also perform your best right away, as opposed to wasting your first few waves warming up.  SummerTime Surf’s SurfYoga program comes from a combination of Yoga poses that will focus on the muscles that are used in surfing.

2.    Inspect Your Equipment.  Always look over your surfing equipment to ensure everything is in working order.  If the board is made of fiberglass, make sure that any broken bits are properly fixed or covered to avoid slicing your skin on the sharp fiberglass.  If the board is made of soft foam, be sure that the foam and the plastic meet up harmoniously with no sharp edges.  Also, be sure that all of your fins are installed properly and that you are using a working leash if surfing in a crowded environment.  Don’t forget to wax up too!  A fresh wax job can be the difference between having a good time and a bad time out there!  SummerTime Surf Camp uses “soft boards” for instruction because of the ease of use and increased safety. 
 
3.    Keep the Nose of the Board pointed at the Horizon.   A common mistake when entering the water and paddling out, is to hold the board sideways. If you instead keep the nose pointed toward the horizon, you are protecting yourself from injury.  When a wave hits the board, it will take the board in towards the shore.  If you are behind the board when the wave comes, it is going to push the board into your person.  This can be dangerous if you are holding the board close to your face because it will give you a smack.  To avoid eating the board, (emergency orthodontic work) keep the board pointed toward the horizon.

4.    Pay attention. Due to the unpredictability of the ocean, surfing demands constant attention. After a good ride or one where you fall, remember, the ocean will not stop just because you did.  Keep yourself aware of the next waves and move as quickly as possible back to the safe area where the waves are not breaking.

5.    When you fall, keep your hands up and protecting your head.  Everyone Falls!!!!!  When you wipe out, cover your face with your hands and stay underwater for a few seconds. Then, when coming to the surface, lead with your hands high, so they break the water first. After a wipe out, the board could be anywhere, and if it hits you when surfacing, it's better to be hit in the arms than the head.

6.    Practice Surfing Etiquette – Surfing, like golf and tennis, has its own rules of etiquette.  If you are a beginner, there is one golden rule to follow that will solve all of the more complicated surfing etiquette practices.  “Stay away from areas crowded with experienced surfers!”  Beginners should always stay with other beginners until they have advanced their skills to the point where they can successfully navigate themselves in the crowded lineups.

7.    Check with the Local Lifeguards.  Always check with the local lifeguards to be sure that the conditions are favorable for surfing.  Ask about the cleanliness of the water if you have any open cuts or are getting over sickness.  Know the meanings of the flags and respect the lifeguard’s judgment.  Remember that the lifeguards often leave the beach at 5pm, so be sure to surf with an instructor or a friend if you plan on being out when the beaches will be unattended.  Check out http://www.usla.org for more information about safe ocean practices and Professional Lifesaving. 

These Safety Basics can be found on our website and also in our instructional booklets.