Surfing's Basic Rules

These are the guidelines you should always follow while surfing. I have written them with the intention of keeping you all safe. They are all relevant, and will not only keep you safe but may stop you from injuring others or damaging your own equipment. Always follow these rules... no exceptions!

Rules of Surfing:

• Don't Drink and Surf. Surfing while drunk is not a good idea. Or drugs for that matter. Save the drinking for after your surf. It's much safer and much more rewarding. It gives you something to look forward to after your surf and keeps you steady on your feet. Not only that but you can always talk it up with your mates over a few cold ones after.
  
• Be Aware. You must always be aware of other surfers and water users, the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing. Surfing in familiar territory always helps.
  
• Comfort Zone. Always stay within your comfort zone. Don't push yourself too far, especially when starting out and learning to surf. This is one of the most important rules! Always stay in waves you are comfortable in and if in doubt, stay out.
  
• Strength and Fitness. Make sure you are a strong enough paddler and are physically fit enough to surf. Get fit and spend time in the pool if you need to. You may need all the strength you have at some stage.
  
• Don't Eat and Surf. You don't want to sink. Don't make the mistake of eating and surfing. Allow at least 45 minutes from the time you last ate before going out.
  
• Know When to Bail. Know when to hold onto your surfboard and when to bail out. If you are paddling out then keep hold of your board, you'll get out back to the line up more quickly and you will not put anyone paddling out behind you at risk. If you are about to wipe-out then get rid of your board. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your board are getting washed around together.
• Patrolled Beaches. If you are surfing on a patrolled beach make sure that you keep within the designated surfing area. Take note of where you should be surfing before you go out, and make sure you stick to it when you are out. You don't want to endanger others.
  
• Don't Drop In. Never take someone else's wave. This is basic surfing etiquette and will save you a lot of trouble. Especially if you are surfing someone else's beach. The general rule is, the surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave has control of the wave. Hence the term "dropping in". In surfing contests, dropping in is heavily penalized. People often react very badly to being dropped in on. It is dangerous.
  
• Practice makes Perfect. If you want to improve then you need to be in the water surfing as much as you can. No-one got any better at anything by staying home and watching TV. Non-surfing activities are also great for fitness which will always help your surfing.
  
• Respect. Respect the locals if you are visiting a beach. Remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared. Also, always respect visitors to your beach. Sharing waves keeps everyone happy.
  
• Rips. Hopefully you already know that a rip is a strong current that (generally) goes straight out to sea. If caught in one, DO NOT panic. Paddle across the rip untill you have escaped. You must know how to spot a rip before ever attempting to surf.
  
• Sun. The sun is much stronger when out surfing as it not only hits you from above, but also reflects off the water. The sun will tire you out and dehydrate you. The sun will burn you. Always wear sun-block.
  
• Never Surf Alone. Always surf with someone else. Especially when learning. The ocean can be very dangerous and unpredictable. You have more fun surfing with someone else, always have someone to talk to and most importantly "proof" that you scored the waves you tell everyone about!
  
• Surf Conditions. Make sure that the surf is safe before you go in. If you are going surfing at a spot you are unfamiliar with it is a good idea to get some advice from a local. Check out the surf spot while warming up.
• Warm-up. Always have a quick warm-up and stretch before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp whilst you are surfing. It also gives you time to check for any rips or where the best spot to catch waves is.