Precautions for using surfboards

You need to pay attention to the following aspects when using a surfboard:

First, their own ability and preparation aspects

Swimming ability

Surfers must have good swimming ability. Because it is likely to be separated from the surfboard during the surfing process, one needs to be able to swim comfortably in the waves. For example, it is important to be able to perform a skillful treadmill maneuver to keep your head above water to avoid the risk of drowning. As a minimum, you should be able to swim at least 200 meters continuously without assistance and stay in the water for about 30 minutes.

Physical condition and warm-up

Make sure you are in good physical condition before surfing, without fatigue, illness (e.g. cold, heart attack, etc.) or injury. A proper warm-up is essential to help relax muscles and increase joint flexibility. For example, simple dynamic stretching of the whole body, including rotating wrists and ankles, moving the joints of the neck and lower back, and doing some high leg lifts, open and close jumps, etc., for a period of about 10 - 15 minutes, will reduce the probability of injuries during the surfing process.

Knowledge and Skills

Before using a surfboard, learn basic surfing knowledge and skills. It is important to understand the principles of wave formation, the laws of the tides, and other knowledge. For example, it is important to know the different characteristics of waves at high tide and low tide. At high tide, the waves may be more powerful and more suitable for experienced surfers; at low tide, there may be some shallows and reefs exposed, which require special attention. At the same time, it is important to master basic surfing skills such as the correct starting position and balance control methods, which can be learned by attending professional surfing courses or by asking experienced surfers for advice.

Second, equipment inspection

Surfboard Inspection

Check the integrity of the surfboard. Check for cracks in the board surface, as cracks may cause water to enter the board during use and affect buoyancy. Also check for broken edges, especially in the nose and tail sections of the board, which are prone to bumping into reefs or other objects during surfing. In addition, check to see if the board's leash is secure. A leash length of 7-8 feet is generally appropriate, as too loose a leash can cause the board to be lost, while too tight a leash can affect the performance of the board's maneuvers.

Other Auxiliary Equipment Check

If you are wearing a surf helmet, make sure it is properly sized, fits your head well and is securely fastened. Check that anti-slip wax is evenly applied to the surfboard. Anti-slip wax increases the friction between your feet and the board, preventing you from slipping and falling during surfing. When applying the wax, pay attention to the direction from the head to the tail of the board and replenish it regularly because the anti-skid wax will gradually wear out with the increase of use.

Third, environmental safety aspects

Knowledge of beach conditions

Know the beach conditions in advance, including whether there are undercurrents (offshore currents). An offshore current is a strong, narrow, ocean-facing current that can quickly carry surfers away from the shore. To learn to recognize an offshore current, it is usually darker in color than the surrounding water, the water is calmer, and there will be waves breaking around it. If you encounter an offshore current, don't panic; you should swim in a direction parallel to the shore until you are out of range of the offshore current.

Note on marine life

Be aware of the creatures in the ocean. Some areas of the ocean may have poisonous jellyfish, sea urchins, etc. For example, when stung by a jellyfish, the skin can become red, swollen and painful. You can check with local lifeguards or fishermen about the marine life in the sea before surfing and try to avoid contact with potentially poisonous creatures during surfing. If you are accidentally stung, rinse the wound with seawater as soon as possible and then seek medical help.

Weather and wave conditions

Pay attention to weather and wave forecasts. Avoid surfing in bad weather (e.g. heavy rain, thunder and lightning) as lightning may strike surfers who are in the ocean. For wave conditions, it is best for beginners to practice with wave heights of about 1 - 2 meters. Waves that are too high can be very dangerous for less skilled surfers, and may result in being swamped by the waves, losing control of the board, and so on. At the same time, pay attention to the direction of the wind, against the wind will make surfing more difficult, downwind is relatively easy.