Surf Advice: Surf Etiquette

If you are planning to start surfing your first step should be to take a surfing lesson at an Irish Surfing Approved Surf Club, School or Adventure Centre. Here you will be introduced to the sport in a safe environment, you will be given all the information, advice and basic skills required to get started. Your progress will be much quicker, the experience more enjoyable and you will be more likely to reach your full potential as a surfer if you take this route into the sport.

This may seem like common sense but as with all watersports you should only surf if you can swim and you should never surf alone. Learn to observe the ocean so you can identify rips, wind changes and other hazards. This will reduce the risk and will help you become a better surfer.

If you are unfamiliar with a break check with local surfers. Ensure that the waves you are surfing are of a size and power suitable to your ability. Do not get too confident. Stick to beaches until you become an experienced surfer. A novice paddling out at a reef is not only a danger to themselves but to all the other surf users around them.

Make sure your equipment, especially your leash, is in good order. If you are a novice you may want to consider using a foam board for your own safety and the safety of membership (Cheque/Money Order) made payable to: others. Other safety equipment such as helmets and nose guards are available. It is much easier to spot a brightly colored wetsuit or surfboard at sea in the event of you requiring rescuing.

If you do find yourself in difficulty it is important to stay calm and always stay with your board. Your board will act as a flotation device. If you get caught in a rip do not try to paddle against it, this will only tire you out and get you nowhere. Paddle across the rip and you will quickly find yourself out of difficulty.

When you 'wipe out' do not come to the surface too soon, allow your board time to land and come to the surface with your hands over your head. When paddling out, always check behind you before abandoning your board.

Never 'drop in' on another surfer. 'Dropping in' is taking off on a wave in front of someone who has right of way. The surfer nearest the peak or breaking part of the wave has priority or right of way. When two surfers catch the same wave the surfer closest to the pocket or breaking part of the wave, has priority so the other surfer should pull off the wave.

Be aware of other water users and always show respect for other surfers regardless of kraft (kayaks, bodyboards, bodysurfers and all other surfers). Above all, keep a good attitude. Be friendly in the water. Apologize if you make a mistake.