Reef Flip Flops

Just been back to my favourite site www.surf-life.co.uk after a few months and wow have things moved on. There are over 12000 products now and well over 200 different brands. My favourite brand at the moment is Reef. Surf Life have them all listed at Reef Sandals. They have the fannings as well as the Drams where you can store a shot of drink in the heel. Awesome. Make sure you check them out.

SURFING AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 4 February, 2008 : - - Surfing Australia announced today that it has appointed Norm Innis as Chairman of the Board overseeing the policy formation of the organization.

Previously Surfing Australia operated under its traditional structure of having a President appointed by the constituent State Surfing bodies.  The revised structure of an independent board, headed by an elected chairman, was ratified by the Annual General Meeting last November, and Norm Innis was elected as Chairman at the first Board Meeting for 2008.

Mark Lane, the Chief Executive Officer of Surfing Australia, said “It’s great to have someone of Norm’s caliber on board.   With his many years of experience with Quiksilver (from 1982 – 2004) and the surfing industry in general, plus his previous involvement with the ASP, and numerous surfing events, Norm brings much to the table.  

As Surfing Australia continues to develop a new vision for the sport of surfing in Australia, it is important that we embrace a modern business model for our organization, and Norm’s background and experience will help us achieve that.”

Norm Innis said “It is very much an honour to be elected to the Chairman’s role, and I look forward to working with the Board, and the Management of Surfing Australia, over the coming year.    I have some big shoes to fill following on from Robert “Bushy” Mitchell as the immediate past President, but, fortunately, as he is remaining on the Board, I still have his experience to draw on. 

The challenge going forward is to continue the evolution of Surfing Australia as it becomes a modern, dynamic entity.   At the same time it is crucial that we remain focused on all aspects of the sport of surfing, and continue to play our role in the evolution of Australia’s surfing athletes and their success.”

Surfing Australia is the peak body for the State Surfing bodies, and is based at Casuarina Beach, Northern NSW.   It manages, High Performance training, National Teams at both Junior and Open levels, Coaching and Judging accreditation, Surf School Accreditation, The Australian Surfing Awards (incorporating the Hall of Fame), and Surfing Events both under its own banner, and under the banner of ASP Australasia.

www.surfingaustralia.com
www.oceaninvestments.com.au

More Australasian Surfing News available here
Check the latest Australasian Surf Reports and Forecasts

New gear in

Summer is almost here with the latest fashions hitting the online stores. there are still some bargains to be had especially on snow jackets. There is some great ew looks from Roxy and Animal already. No doubt Quiksilver will follow suit as well. So make your way to your favourite websites and snap up some new surf fashion pieces.

New Surf Fashion Site

So I was trawling the net today and found this new site offering surf fashion from over a hundred surf fashion brands. They have gear from Billabong, Oneill, Roxy and Animal as well as surf related accesories and snowboards. Its up to date with some iteme having free postage. Give it a whirl at www.surf-life.co.uk

Newquay: Summer’s over but the surf’s still up

‘Even before The Beach Boys sang about waiting for the summer in " Surfin’ USA", the activity was associated with the long hot days of June, July and August. The sun is out, and everyone’s at the beach. But that’s the problem: everyone’s there. So, although the idea of putting a toe anywhere near the British sea in autumn might make you quake, don’t think that surfing stops with summer. In autumn, the water is still warm, the swells are bigger – and the fickle summer surfers have shivered away.
In short, October can bring the best surfing conditions of the year in Britain. Getting away for a surfing weekend is a popular choice for wave fans who, like me, live in London, but it’s a challenge to get there – and stay there – cheaply. Luckily, for the past six years, Big Friday has been solving this problem…’

Bede Durbidge Wins the Billabong Pipeline Masters

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Monday, Dec. 17, 2007) –Australian Bede Durbidge secured his second Foster’s ASP World Tour win and the Van’s Triple Crown of Surfing Series title with a victory at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, the 10th and final event on the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour, today. Durbidge posted 16.67 points out of 20.00 to finish first in the four-man final over Dean Morrison (AUS), Pancho Sullivan (HAW) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) respectively. The new ASP ‘Dual Heats’ format was used from Round 2 through the Quarterfinals and conditions at Pipeline, Backdoor and Off the Wall – the breaks within the contest zone today –were small and in the three-foot (one metre) range. “I’m absolutely over the moon right now,” Durbidge said. “Obviously the conditions weren’t classic Pipeline, but the competition was still pretty intense. We had the new dual heat format and a lot of guys were on the bubble for qualification so there were a lot of hungry guys out there in this event. I’ve just tried to keep a cool head all season whether it be with sponsors or freesurfing or heats and that was really my approach out there today. I’m absolutely stoked. It’s a great way for me to finish the season and I’m looking to go even better in 2008." Durbidge, who started the season unsponsored and financing his own way around the world, won US$30,000 in cash, a limited edition $25,000 Chevy Colorado truck and a custom $10,000 Nixon watch today. He is the first Australian to win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Title since Mike Rommesle did so in 1997. With the exception of American Kelly Slater who claimed the Triple Crown Title in 1998, a Hawaiian has taken top honors ever since. "Winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine for a long, long time and I’ve always felt like proving yourself in Hawaii is right up there with winning the World Title,” Durbidge said. “It’s a great thing for surfing that the locals let us come here and enjoy these waves and that the sponsors put up the prize money for us to really come away well here." Durbidge’s year end rating is World No. 5. He scored one of the highest single wave scores of the event, 9.50 out of 10.00, to run away with an unassailable lead in the Final. “Yeah, there weren’t too many waves coming through during the final and all four of us were pretty clumped together,” Durbdige said. “The other three kind of paddled each other out of position and I ended up being in the spot. The wave had a really good wall on it and I was able to get a few pretty good turns in. I guess the judges liked it and I got the score. It really put everyone else on the ropes out there." Morrison finished inside the Top 10 at World No. 9 with his 2nd place result at the Billabong Pipeline Masters. "I don’t think any of us expected that Pipe would go down like this when we packed our bags for Hawaii,” Morrison said. “It really did end up being more of a maneuver event rather than a barrel-riding event, and I was stoked to make it through to my first final of the year. Congratulations to Bede - he was absolutely ripping all day." Also making his first final of the year was Parkinson who finished the year World No. 4 with his 3rd place result today. "I haven’t made a final all year, so it’s good to finish up with one even in waves like this,” Parkinson said. “We all wanted it to be eight foot perfect Pipe, but you can’t get that every year." Sullivan, the only Hawaiian in the final four was pleased to cap off his season with a result. He finished his 2007 season with a personal best World No. 7 finish today – a far cry from his narrow requalification last year. "Everyone wants to win Pipe, and I’m pretty happy that I made the final,” Sullivan said. “Last year, I had a bit of a shocker and didn’t do as well as I thought I could have. I was super focused today and I’m really pleased that I made it through." Taj Burrow’s (AUS) equal 5th result today secured him the third ASP World Title runner-up finish of his nine year elite tour career. He was beat by Durbidge in the Quarterfinals. “Yea, it’s an okay result, but I’m really bummed I didn’t make the final,” Burrow said. “Bede (Durbidge) was just on fire though. I’m stoked to finish the year strong and I’m excited to get home and re-focus for 2008." Earning their spots on the 2008 ASP World Tour with their performances today were Bruce Irons (HAW) and Fred Patacchia. Both sat outside the Top 27 surfers who automatically requalify for the following year before making their heats today. “To make the cut with the waves being below average, it’s just a treat,” Patacchia said. “I really didn’t want to be on the WQS so I’m really stoked right now knowing I’ve just qualified for the tour next year. It’s really stressful waking up at 6am each morning, not knowing if it’s going to be your last day surfing on the tour. I was ready to swallow my pride and compete on the WQS, because I feel like my career has at least a couple more good years on it but I really feel like I’m World Tour material.” Full-time 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour sufers who failed to qualify for the 2008 ASP World Tour are Greg Emslie (ZAF), Cory Lopez (USA), Phil Macdonald (AUS), Josh Kerr (AUS), Troy Brooks (AUS), Bernardo Miranda (BRA), Gabe Kling (USA), Shaun Cansdell (AUS), Victor Ribas (BRA), Raoni Monteiro (BRA) and retirees Mark Occhilupo (AUS) and Mick Lowe (AUS). Ben Dunn (AUS), Tim Reyes (USA) and Travis Logie (ZAF) also finished outside of the Top 27, but citing injuries, have applied for wildcard berths onto the 2008 ASP World Tour – their spots are not yet confirmed. Qualifying for the 2008 ASP World Tour via the ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) are Adriano de Souza (BRA), Dayyan Neve (AUS) and Luke Munro (AUS). The ASP World Tour will now break until February when the 2008 tour kicks off on the Gold Coast of Australia. For more details visit the media center on www.aspworldtour.com.

Surfing Rules

RULE NO. 241: A wave is 18 percent better if you arrive by boat.

Rule No. 789: Unless you’re seriously injured it is not OK to ask for help with your wetsuit.

Rule No. 678: Be extra cautious around anyone wearing any sort of hat in the lineup.

Rule No. 465: Never tell anyone you’re waking up early.

Rule No. 309: Wetsuits have gotten really good. Take a leak before you paddle out.

Rule No. 52: Your tide watch is off by an hour.

Rule No. 211: Even if you weren’t lucky enough to be part of Surf PE, you will be now when you paddle out before 8am.

Rule No. 121: Wetsuits for board shorts: pick only one.

Rule No. 317: If you haven’t surfed your new gun within one year of purchase, you must sell it to someone who will, (at half the purchase price).

Rule No. 867: More accessories; less respect.

RULE NO. 145: Rashguards haven’t made a comeback yet.

RULE NO. 146: Shortjohns have (unless you’re riding a 6’1” Thruster)

RULE NO. 578: Don’t trust a surf shop without any photos of their local break going off

RULE NO. 278: If you pull back on or miss a set wave, you’re barred from taking the next one (unless no one else is around)

RULE NO. 97: She’s not as impressed as you think.

RULE NO. 40: Getting sprayed is good luck (so get over it).

RULE NO. 68: Under NO circumstance may you harpoon, and if you do, make sure you kill them.

RULE NO. 378: You’ll never fix a ding as good as your local ding guy

RULE NO. 698: If you fall while running into the water, go back and start over

RULE NO. 77: You can’t give advice to a beginner you don’t know (unless he’s in danger)

RULE NO. 95: Never tow with strangers

RULE NO. 523: You surf 50 percent better in a brand-new wetsuit.

RULE NO. 940: Gnarly locals never drink microbrew.

RULE NO. 948: Nothing’s more embarrassing than putting your wetsuit on backwards.

RULE NO. 949: …Except maybe not being able to get a new pair of fins to fit in your board.

RULE NO. 298: Hanging on a nice patch of grass after a surf is better than hanging in the sand.

RULE NO. 498: Driving around in your wetsuit is bad luck.

RULE NO. 366: The car parked next to you is not into your pre-surf amp-up music.

RULE NO. 579: Vandalizing a non-local’s car will ruin your next road trip.

RULE NO. 1,244: The coolness of your airbrush is in direct correlation to how well you surf.

RULE NO. 47: If you go back to the first spot you checked, you have to paddle out.

RULE NO. 312: You can never find a fin key when you really need one.

Rule NO. 310 – If you watch a webcast of an ASP event, don’t comment on it as if you were there.

Rule No. 211 – A good rock jump is like your first good set when everyone’s watching: don’t blow it.

Rule No. 838 – It’s still not cool to call it a skeg.

Rule No. 491 – If you describe your last tube as an “in ‘n’ out,” it wasn’t any good.

Rule No. 660: Never sat “one more” out loud.

Rule No. 389: Night surfing sounds cooler than it really is.

Rule No. 651: Surfing in a t-shirt looks better than it feels.

Rule No. 689: Building a board rack in your living room establishes that you are very single.

Rule No. 383: Never claim a tube at Backdoor, Off the Wall, or Pipeline. No matter how bad you want to.

Rule No. 430: Change your wax. Its definitely needs it.

Rule No. 311: Hype the post rain pollution, then go surfing.

Rule No. 241: Once you’ve exchanged pleasantries in the lineup, you can no longer burn them (and yes we said “pleasantries.)”

Rule No. 100: Don’t Stop Believin’

Rule No. 86: Never make a cell phone call from a surf spot; no matter who you’re calling.

Billabong Pro Round 3 Completed; Legendary Occhilupo Retires

BANZAI PIPELINE, Hawaii (Friday, Dec. 14, 2007) – Former ASP World Champion Mark Occhilupo (AUS) may not have won his Round 3 Billabong Pipeline Masters heat today, but he was chaired up the beach and honored by his diehard fans on the beach nonetheless. Occhilupo, 41, was beaten by fellow Australian Troy Brooks in the final seconds of their heat – his last as a full-time campaigner on the Foster’s ASP World Tour.

“It was emotional,” Occhilupo said after the fanfare. “I was just feeling so good in my heat not thinking I was going to have to make this speech right now, but that’s just how my year has been going so I shouldn’t have been thinking like that. Troy got a great wave at the end so I had to kind of ace up and get ready for the time that I’ve been kind of regretting.”

Occhilupo, who at age 41 is the oldest full-time competitor on tour, was 17 when he finished 16th in the world in 1983. The following year, he was rated No. 3 and the year after he would win at Pipeline. However, too much too soon would prove to be near-fatal for Occhilupo who battled demons and dropped off the tour in 1987. A decade of failed attempts to regain his winning form went by before a rejuvenated and focused Occhilupo retook the ASP World Tour by storm in 1997 and finished runner-up to Kelly Slater. In 1999, Occhilupo won three of his 12 World Tour victories to post one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history by winning the ASP World Title at the age of 33.

”I really love competing and I’ll definitely miss that as much as my friends I’ve made on tour,” Occhilupo said. “It’s just been such a good ride, it’s been about 15 years on and off, but the time I took off and then came back and won my World Title, that was probably the best. No regrets, it’s been sensational and just to have all my friends on the beach today, I know they probably had to get up early to make it down here this morning, but they’re all there so that’s something that I’ll treasure and remember forever.”

Brooks, who is rated 37th and will need to advance out of several more heats if he is to requalify for the ASP World Tour in 2008, is just one of several surfers stuck in do-or-die situations at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

World No. 29, Phil Macdonald, beat Hawaiian wildcard Flynn Novak to significantly increase his chances for an ’08 berth today.

“It’s hard to against anyone out here, not just the wildcards, but I’m just going into it with nothing to lose,” Macdonald said. “I have everything to gain and I know I can do it. I’ve made the final here once before. I’m just going to keep my head down and try to position myself to get the right waves, that’s all I can really do for myself.”

Further down the ratings in 33rd place, local surfer Fred Patacchia (HAW) helped his cause when he beat 2003 Pipeline Masters winner Jamie O’Brien (HAW).

“I’ve always wanted to win a Pipeline competition,” Patacchia said. “I grew up going to school right here across the street at Sunset elementary. I used to skip school just to watch this event. Right now I’m actually below the bubble, sitting about 33rd. I don’t really know what I need to do to requalify but I’m not too worried about it. I feel like I should have been doing something before it came down to this, I’m really just letting things happen and trying to surf smart heats. If I make it I make it, if I don’t I don’t, I’ve already entered into three WQS events next year. I’m just going to surf the best I can and do what I can.”

Surfers who needed big results at Pipeline to requalify but fell short today were Brazilians Raoni Monteiro and Victor Ribas. Shaun Cansdell (AUS) and Gabe Kling (USA) who bowed out of the event yesterday, are two more competitors who did not make the cut for the 2008 ASP World Tour. Surfers like Danny Wills (AUS) and Ricky Basnett (ZAF) are also teetering on the edge having exited with 33rd place points with surfers like Macdonald, Pattachia and Bruce Irons (HAW) still surfing. Royden Bryson (ZAF), Adriano de Souza (BRA) finished last at Pipeline and didn’t requalify via the World Tour, but will be back in 2008 courtesy of ASP World Qualifying Series (WQS) results.

Dayyan Neve (AUS), like Luke Munro (AUS), is in limbo for qualifying for the World Tour next year via his WQS result. Both surfers will only make the World Tour if the current number of double qualifiers (meaning surfers who are in a position to qualify via both their World Tour and WQS results) stays the same. Neve looked to be backing himself on the World Tour too when he posted the highest heat total of the day 17.43 out of 20.00. He’ll have to make it to the Billabong Pipeline Masters Final to have a decent chance of finishing in the Top 27.

The ASP ‘Dual Heats’ format that was inspired by 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) was used again today. Slater gave his two cents on it after eliminating Mikey Bruneau (HAW) in the first heat of the day.

“I think it’s working out, it’s pretty new to everyone, and it will take some time for the surfers and the fans to really understand it, but it’s pretty simple,” Slater said. “You get this warm-up phase, you get a priority phase, then you’re done. I think there was more worry about it beforehand than actual problems when we ran it. There is more hassle in four man heats. I think this format just gives everyone a little bit more space to feel more relaxed in their heats, allowing them to surf more out there.”

Sixteen heats of Round 4 are next on the agenda. A full day’s worth of surfing remains before competition will be finished. Another call will be made at 7am tomorrow.

For more information, log onto www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

2007 ASP World Champion - Stephanie Gilmore Crowned

Stephanie Gilmore Crowned 2007 ASP World Champion; Surfs into Record Books

HONOLUA BAY, Maui (Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007) – Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has just made ASP History as the first-ever surfer to claim the ASP World Title in their rookie season, having bested fellow contenders Sofia Mulanovich (PER) and Silvana Lima (BRA) in Round 3 competition today at the Billabong Pro Maui at Honolua Bay.

The 19-year old from Coolangatta, Australia, blitzed past opponent Rochelle Ballard (HAW) with a stunning performance to advance through to the Quarterfinals of the Billabong Pro Maui after rival Mulanovich went down to wildcard Keala Kennelly (HAW) in a surprise Round 3 elimination.

“Surprisingly, I did quite well to not watch Sofia’s heat at all, and I didn’t even know that Keala (Kennelly) had won until right before my heat was about to start,” Gilmore said. “That was interesting. I guess it was awesome for me. I was stoked. It pretty much just fired me up when I heard that, and then the next wave I got barreled.”

With Mulanovich eliminated, and following her phenomenal win over the veteran Ballard, Gilmore needed fellow rookie Rosanne Hodge (ZAF) to defeat remaining contender Silvana Lima (BRA) in the final heat of the day to seal the ASP Women’s World Title. With less than five minutes remaining, Hodge turned the tide with an incredible forehand assault on a roping righthander which would put her into the lead. The countdown to the heat ended with the raucous applause from the army of media and hundreds of spectators assembled on the beach.

Gilmore first moved to World No. 1 on the ASP ratings when she took out the Rip Curl Bells Beach in Australia in April – though she shared the top spot with 2005 ASP World Champion Chelsea Hedges (AUS) at the time.

She claimed the sole ratings lead after a semifinal finish in Brazil, but then dropped to 4th in the world with a 9th in Spain. Back-to-back wins in Sydney, Australia and Peru put Gilmore in contention to seal the deal with one event to go in Sunset Beach, Hawaii, but the Australian fell short, netting only an equal 9th place finish.

Requiring a result in Maui, Gilmore stepped up her performance at Honolua Bay, consistently displaying her world class form before sealing the title this afternoon.

Despite the numerous accolades collected by predecessors such Layne Beachley (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA), Gilmore is the first surfer ever to claim the ASP World Title in their rookie season.

“That’s amazing, I never even thought of that until now,” Gilmore said. “It’s truly an honor to make my way into the history books. To do it here in Maui, in waves that are barreling, and with all the family and friends here to share it with is truly amazing. I’m absolutely over the moon, and I’m just at a loss for words.”

Gilmore’s phenomenal rookie season on the ASP Women’s World Tour saw the prodigious natural-footer claim victories at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, the NAB Beachley Classic in Sydney and the Mancora Peru Classic. Although 2007 was Gilmore’s official rookie season, the Australian had already scalped two events as a wildcard prior to this year, the Roxy Pro Gold Coast (2005) and the Bico Beachley Classic (2006).

“I’ve just had an amazing first year on tour,” Gilmore said. “I have great traveling partners like Jessi Miley-Dyer (AUS) and my team manager Kate Skarrat (AUS) has been there for me all the way – she’s just a great person to bounce ideas off of. I’ve also had Mick Fanning (AUS) – he’s a fellow Rip Curl teamrider and his season this year has been a real inspiration to me.”

Gilmore and Fanning are the first two Australians to concurrently hold the ASP World Titles since 1999.

Looking ahead, Gilmore’s precision in the water and competitive savvy will do 19-year-old well as she finishes out the 2007 season and focuses on defending her ASP Women’s World Title in 2008.

“Right now, I’m just enjoying the moment,” Gilmore said. “It’s such an incredible feeling; I honestly can’t describe it. Definitely though, next year I will be bringing my focus back to the tour. I don’t want to lose this feeling, and I can’t wait to finish out the year and head into 2008.”

The Billabong Pro Maui will make a call on the Quarterfinals at 7:30am tomorrow.

All Billabong Pro Maui action will be webcast LIVE via www.billabongpro.com/maui07/index.asp and www.aspworldtour.com

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com
or www.triplecrownofsurfing.com

How to Surf

Surfboards are made to float on the water. They have a natural center of gravity. If you were to lay any surfboard in a swimming pool, it would come to rest the same way every time.

What you want to do when you lay on a surf board is to have the board remain in the same relation to the water as it was without your weight on it, just a bit lower in the water.

Mark The Balance Point
A good tip is to find this balance point is to lay on your board then make a mark right at your chin. This spot is best made with a bit of wax or a magic marker. It is a reference point that enables you to put your chin on the same spot every time, so the board will react to your weight the same way every time.

Pearling
If the board’s nose digs into the water it is called pearling and you must move the location of "your chin" back. To adjust, just slide back an inch from the mark and make a mental note.

Corking
Too much weigh in the back and the board will cork. This is a common mistake amongst beginners. You cannot catch a wave if you are corking your board. Move up an inch at a time till the board lies in the water naturally. This will provide you with the maximum hull speed and minimum drag from the water displacement that you are causing with your weight.

Paddle With The Crawl Stroke
Do not paddle with both arms simultaneously because this will cause the board to speed up and slow down in the water and you will not be able to maintain constant hull speed through the water. Always paddle with the crawl stroke…one arm and then the other alternatively. This will provide you with a constant speed so you can catch that wave.

Sitting On The Board
Ok, so now we know how to lie on the board and paddle the board. Now it’s time to learn how to sit on the board. The first time try this you may be quite wobbly. The key to doing this well is being calm, or trying to be still. The less movement that you make, the easier you will find it is to do this. All the other skills of surfing will improve as you learn to be "calm" while surfing.

Standing On The Board
Now it’s time to learn how to stand up. This is Surfingsomething you have been doing all your life. Lie on your chest, your head up, looking ahead. Put your hands on the board beside your shoulders, palms down like you were going to do a push up. Push your upper body up and at the same time sweep your feet under you. Make sure your feet are laying on the stringer, the line down the middle of the board. This move keeps your weight centered along the stringer.

When you come up, remember to keep low. If you stand erect you will fall. Assume a position of a sumo wrestler. Press your feet shoulder width apart and "grip the board in your feet", opposite of the way you would press your thighs together on a horse. Have your hands a bit higher than your waist and just in view of your vision. Always look up! If you look at your feet, you will fall down. I promise!

Practice This For Hours.
Have someone watch you and have them critique your performance. Practice jumping up without making a sound on the floor. Calm and controlled is the smoothest way to approach this…so practice doing it quietly. If you have a surfboard, lay it on a large bed or in the sand and do this exercise. This is a way for you to judge your ability to be controlled.

Safety:

  • Never have your board between yourself and the coming waves!
  • To avoid collision with others, keep a safe distance, say fifteen feet or the length of you, your leash and board combined.
  • Beginners should always wear a leash or leg rope tied to their surfboard.
  • Every beginner surfboard should also have a safety nose guard to prevent dangerous impacts with the surfboard nose.
  • Beginners should always surf with a buddy for safety, plus it is cool to share your surf experiences with someone else.
  • Never push your board through the water fin first. The fin or fins were made to keep the board pointing nose first. Pushing the board fins first can be quite dangerous because the board wants to go the other direction.
  • Beginner surfers should consider wearing a vest, rash guard or tee shirt to avoid the rubbed rash they will get on their stomach and chest.
  • When you fall off your board, cover the back of your head with your hands, with your wrists over your ears and your elbows together. Stay under water for a moment longer than necessary.
  • There are companies that make helmets and this is another alternative.
  • When you come up, try to be facing the oncoming waves and look for your board’s location immediately. Loose boards, propelled by the strength of the ocean, are very dangerous objects for swimmers.

Surfing Etiquette
The first standing surfer that is closest to the breaking wave has the right of way on that wave. Anyone paddling for that wave must quit. There are natural repercussions to not following this rule that can be very dangerous.

Most known surf spots have locals who surf that spot every day and some believe that they "own the beach". We all know that this is not the case. Having said that, the stranger, no matter their ability, should endeavor to show some respect for these social dinosaurs.

The surfer riding the wave has the right of way and the paddlers who are paddling out must yield. This means that the paddlers must paddle out of the way whenever possible, even if it is into the breaking wave or behind the rider. If you are paddling for a wave and someone is paddling out toward you, make eye contact with that person and indicate your intentional direction in reference to them. A nod in the direction you are going can work.

Conclusion:
Every situation is different so practice being nice in the water. It will make you feel good, I promise. Hooting for a good wave or encouraging someone is good too. Remember, you will get what you give.


About The Author…
Fred Riehl has been surfing and working with Brave New World
surf shops for 18 years!