Surfing on a medium level, without looking for the extreme sensations of significant size or exposed rock or coral backgrounds, is not a particularly dangerous sport. The rate of minor accidents is lower than that of others that are practiced in a more aggressive environment than water, such as skateboarding with the hard floor, or that are used to physical collision with other practitioners, such as football or basketball, for example. But never more have several tips to reduce the risk of suffering small accidents, shocks, surprises or scares, or cause them to other surfers around.
- First and foremost is the use of common sense. Do not get into the water in conditions that exceed our capabilities, both surf level and physical preparation. Study the spot before entering the water, locate entrance corridors, currents, of which we speak in this article, possible rocks, size and strength of the waves and plan our surfing, to be always accompanied or in places with more surfers in the water.
- In addition to an excellent physical and mental state, without letting us take over by fear or panic, fears in surfing that we explain to you how to control in this other article, the surf team must be adequate and in good condition. Wetsuit necessary if the water is cold avoiding hypothermia, leash in good condition also so as not to lose the board, well-pressed keels and board well waxed and without damage.
- Already in the water, it is essential that we respect the Basic Rules of preference and safety, respect, and behavior with the other surfers that we detail in this article. Do not let go of the board to dive a wave without looking if there is someone behind it that could hit. Do not row immediately behind another surfer, precisely because we could receive his board if he lets go, and try not to cross the trajectory of other surfers in the wave, trying to “eat the foam” rather than pass in front of the surfer who is already on the wave through the clean wall.
- In case of a fall, we will try not to do it head and direction to the bottom, in addition to protecting our head with our arms in the roll to prevent the board from hitting us. We will not catch a wave, even if it is perfect, if there is someone we could run in the drop path, and in the same way we will avoid as much as possible being in the path of surfers who are going to catch a wave, anticipating it and moving from place to view the series. Surfing, we will avoid maneuvers involving danger to others, and we will not abuse past scratching, too close to other companions.
- If the board is very pointed, there are silicone nose protectors on the market, the Nose Guards, which cushion the impact in case of a blow with the tip. A Leash of the right size for each board, loosely adapted for either a shortboard or a longboard, will prevent a return of the board too fast in Falls. Silicone “edge” keels on the market work very well and avoid cuts and scratches with their material. In cases of large crowds of people, rocks or size, or for a more excellent precaution, surf helmets are beneficial and will avoid “headbutts.”
All of these tips will help you enjoy a safer and more fun surf, with no scares or minor accidents. But first of all, always, we return to the first point: make use of common sense, respect for Nature, other surfers, and your limitations. And surf!