http://www.outdoorsafetyusa.com/safety/beach-safety/surf-safety/ Surf safety -- It's fun and competitive, but either way, you should still practice proper surf safety. en-us Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:58:40 EST Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:58:40 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 Surf Safety Surfing is one of the most popular sports on the planet, and the most popular water sport. But before you can be competitive you have to know all the rules and surf safety precautions. Before you can be an expert at anything, you have to know the basics -- especially when it comes to safety. For example, before you can surf the most important surf safety rule is knowing how to swim. If you don't know how to swim it just won't work. Since surfing usually takes place a little further from shore, knowing how to swim is a must. You can't exactly wear a life jacket when competing in a sport such as surfing. Virtually no surfers wear life vests. But they do have other surf safety measures they take to protect themselves in the water. Surf Safety Measures When it comes to safety measures for surfing, there are a few things you have to know. First of all, when paddling out it is important to keep a look out for sharks. The reason so many people get attacked by sharks when surfing is because to the shark they look like seals paddling in the water. Second of all, if there is a wave coming at you that is too small to ride but too big to take head on, there is a maneuver call the "duck dive;" simply dive under the wave like a duck until the wave passes. And last, but not least, tie your surf board to your ankle so it does not get lost if you wipe out. If you are a little winded, you can use your surf board to lie on to take a break. You also may want to wear a wet suit to keep from getting hypothermia in the water. With these surf safety tips you can be on your way to a safe, fun time. Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:58:40 EST