subject: 10 Things You should Know About Surfing [print this page] 1. Always wear a wetsuit in the UK1. Always wear a wetsuit in the UK
It might seem like a nice warm day, but the sea around the UK rarely warrants the lack of wet suit use for surfing. Look for a 3-2 suit for the summer and a 5-3 for the colder months.
2. Never surf alone
It's always best to have a surf buddy with you as anything can happen from getting caught in a rip to your leash snapping where you might need some help.
3. Always show courtesy to fellow surfers
Don't drop in on a wave that somebody else is on, try not to paddle out directly in front of surfers looking to take waves. The surfer nearest the peak always has priority.
4. Don't surf in conditions that are above your ability
Always use your common sense, a good rule of thumb is imagine if you lost your board while you were "out the back", would you be able to swim back in?
5. Watch out for rocks and other hazards in the water
Check your surf guide, ask locals, eyeball the spot at low tide, and keep your eyes peeled. These are all good ways to try and get an accurate survey of the location.
6. Surfing a foam longboard is the safest way to learn
Want to give surfing a go? Hire a wetsuit and "foamy", give it a go and remember it's all about having fun!
7. The incoming tide is the most powerful time to surf
For those of you looking to max out the size and power of the current conditions, or conversely avoid the most powerful time to surf, the general rule is that there is more power from low tide to high or "on the push".
8. Always wear plenty of sun screen as you get more ray reflection in the sea
It is easy to disregard the power of the sun at the best of times, but my advice is always wear sun screen, even in the winter to minimise skin damage .
9. Travel the world
Surfing is all about having fun, it's also the perfect excuse to travel the world and enjoy some of the most beautiful places and people on the planet.
10. Sharks are most active at dawn and dusk
Not really of concern in the UK, although there have been rumours of Mako (Maori for man-eating) sharks in Cornwall, but in many parts of the world something to consider lessening the already extremely rare risk of an attack.
