Saturday, October 25, 2014

How To Ride Upon The Waves Safely With Walden Surfboards

By Young Lindsay


Ocean animals are among the widely spread fear for surfers. The very real danger of sharks, jellyfish, and other creatures living in your sports field is an unpredictable factor yet can be avoided if you know how to respect their habitat. But urchins and stingrays aside, there are more factors to consider when you are a starter surfer.

In 1769, the art of riding the waves is officially defined. Then using ratchet boards, the sport has now changed into surfers welding Walden surfboards into the sea. Because it is considered as an extreme sport, there are several factors one has to review before going into the water.

Reading the weather is the first step in ocean safety. For beginners, you should be able to understand how the ocean behaves and why, and how the weather would affect it. More often than not, the ocean is unpredictable, so do not go in when you are doubtful. There is always another day and another wave.

Notice where the waves are breaking consistently. If there are other surfers, do not hesitate to ask if the water is safe. Observe how they are also moving in the water, if they seem to be struggling to paddle or swim. If the ocean seems nasty, do not force yourself to go in, especially if you are on your own.

Landscape features may make or break your surfing experience. Watch out for jetties and do not dive from your board. There are real tales about people bumping their heads into a random rock when wiping out and such. Leave the piers and cliffs to the veteran surfers.

The waves can be the best friend or the worst enemy of a surfer. The bigger the wave, the more dangerous it is, so it is important to take note of what size you can handle at your current experience level. Keep in mind that one cubic foot of water is equivalent to 62 pounds. Hollow waves are also as dangerous as waves that crumble.

The same principle should also be applied with currents. Rip currents are often dreaded, but are also the joy of the seasoned surfer, depending on the situation. Longshore currents, on the other hand, are those that run parallel to the shore and have the tendency to drag you down.

Comply with the honor code. Bad etiquette during surfing is the top hazard surfers face, the same way a mosh pit has its dangers. Flying surfboards and collisions are very much likely when the water is crowded and someone is reckless. Respect others for your own safety.

Know how to swim. The ocean is not the same as your good old swimming pool. Swimming pools do not have currents that can drag you and make swimming difficult. You should also note that your surfboard is not a flotation device, it is a sports equipment. Chances are, your surfboard will be flying out of reach when you wipe out, so do not rely on your surfboard for your safety, rely on your swimming skills.




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