The Rules of Surfing by Surfing Phuket
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Here are the Basic Rules to Surfing please read them and enjoy what surfing has to offer.
SURFING RULES AND ETTIQUETE
• Alcohol and Drugs. Surfing under the influence is not a good idea. Save the drinking for the after surf session.
• Awareness of other surfers and water users, of the surf conditions, and of where you are surfing, be aware of rip currents, and other water vessels.
• Feel comfortable. You should surf in waves that you are comfortable in, progress slowly.
• Fitness. Make sure you are physically fit when surfing. You need to be able to swim back to shore if you lose your board at the end of an exhausting session – this can be an exhausting task in a big or small swell.
• Food and Drinks. As with swimming, do not go in the water surfing for at least 45 minutes after a meal.
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• Fun. Surfing is all about having fun, remember why you are out in the waves.
• Hold or Throw. Know when to hold onto your surfboard and when to release it. 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 stay away from your board. You are far more likely to occur in 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. Stay out of patrolled areas and always keep an open eye on where you are.
• Priority, inside position. Always make sure that you are not taking or spoiling anyone else’s wave. Remember, the surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has priority. If you see someone already on a wave then the wave is taken and you’ll have to wait for your turn or the next one.
• Practice makes perfect. If you want to improve your surfing then you need to be in the water surfing as much as possible. The golden rule is practice
• Respect the locals if you are visiting a beach. Always remember that you are a guest and that waves should be shared.
• Rips. If you are caught in a rip remember that it’s called R.I.P. for a reason and you will probably not make it back to dry land ever again. Although hopefully you already know that a rip is a strong current that (normally) goes straight out to sea and if caught in one that you should not panic and paddle across the rip (not against it) until you have escaped. See the section on Rip Currents.
• Sun screen. Always wear a good waterproof sunblock. The sun can be very dangerous even on cloudy days. Also if you are not wearing a Wetsuit it is a good idea to wear a UV proof rash vest for body protection.
• Surf Buddy. Always surf with at least one other person. Surfing with a friend brings great enjoyment and you may never know when you will need a helping hand.
• Surfing 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. Observe the break for a while before entering. Warm-up and then go SURF!
