In surfing, attitude is crucial, so you must be careful about your behavior. For example, avoid "dropping in" on other people's waves. This will interfere with their right of way and could get you hurt. In addition, having a bad attitude will ruin your experience. So avoid these behaviors to make your surfing experience a memorable one.
Dropping in while surfing is an essential rule of surfing etiquette. It means taking off into another surfer's wave inside of them. Unfortunately, by doing this, you're ruining the wave that the other surfer is surfing, which can be dangerous. It can even lead to a collision.
This maneuver is very subtle and can be offensive to other surfers. As a result, aggressive or advanced surfers often use it. The key to using it is to wait until the other surfer's focus is not diverted from the wave. If, for example, two surfers are in opposite directions simultaneously, a surfer can use this to their advantage and drop in.
When it comes to surfing, one of the worst mistakes is paddling into a wave. This is because it tires you out. The best way to paddle into a wave is by paddling over it with your shoulders squared instead of swaying side to side. Remember that paddling into a wave is hard, especially for first-timers. You will be exhausted and have to use all your energy to stay on your board. However, the adrenaline you get from surfing your first wave will help you keep motivated to catch more waves.
Another surfing mistake is paddling into a wave too early. Some surfers end up paddling too early and missing the wave. This happens particularly in smaller waves.
Sitting at the back of the pack when surfing in a group is a great idea. As you paddle back, you can let those in front catch waves. Then, slowly get closer to the peak and wait for your turn. Sitting on the back of the pack while surfing will keep you from stepping on others' waves, which is a common mistake.
Avoiding rocks and reefs while surfing is an essential safety tip for new surfers. Generally, beginners wipe out more often on reef breaks and can damage their boards. In addition, glassy water, which looks like a mirror, is not conducive for straight surfing. Therefore, before entering the water, beginners should always check the conditions and avoid surfing near reefs.
Rocks and reefs are hazardous when the water is high. A rocky reef or sandy bottom will feel like concrete when hit by a large swell. The edges of the rocks and reef are jagged and more likely to cut your body. Additionally, coral is very dangerous because it can cut your body like a razor blade and cause an open wound. To avoid getting cut by coral or rocks, wear a wetsuit.
Falling off a surfboard can be dangerous. The best way to avoid falling off a surfboard is to fall backward and cover your head with your arms. It would help if you never fell headfirst because you don't know the water's depth or obstacles beneath the surface.
If you fall into the ocean, stay as far away from the board as possible. This will prevent you from getting hit by the board on your way down. It's also important to be as still as possible when you resurface. Surfboard fins can be very sharp, so try to avoid them.