Five Common Surfing Mistakes to Avoid

Obviously there are plenty of mistakes that you could make while surfing. The first mistake that I see novice or beginning surfers make everyday is thinking that they know how to surf. Truthfully, I have seen seasoned, veteran surfers thinking that they know all there is about a surf break and surfing when they should be concentrating on present conditions. Do not make this mistake, after surfing for 30 years I know that I do not know everything there is to know about surfing, I realize that I still have a lot to learn about the sport. Also a lot to learn about the surf breaks that I have been surfing for years. The ocean is always changing there for, so will you. Whether you want to or not, it's part of life, live and learn.

The second mistake that I have seen surfers make is not respecting the surfers that consider the surf break to be their home break. While this is beyond ridiculous and childish, many surfers tend to think that they own the ocean or at least the place that they call their home break. To me this is as far from surfing as you can get, but almost everywhere you surf there will be someone that thinks that they have more rights than you do at a particular surf break. At any rate respect them and they will more than likely let you have a few waves. If you have a continual problem at a certain surf break, avoid it or try to surf when the children are at work.

Thirdly, never litter the beaches. Be courteous and pick up other peoples trash and put it where it belongs. It's really sad when you are going for a nice tube ride and there is a diaper in the lip coming to crash on your head, a sight I have seen in Costa Rica many times. The people of third world countries sometimes do not know any better, but we as surfers do. So, please do not litter.

The fourth most common mistake I have seen is surfers making is entering the water without studying the break for wave size and rip currents. They just charge right out into the ocean because they had heard that it was good that day. Many times I have seen surfers sucked out to sea and caught in rip currents that would not let them come back to shore. In the state of Washington you will be charged a fee if the Coast Guard has to come and rescue you. I believe that the fee was over one thousand dollars the last time I heard of a surfer needing to be rescued.

The fifth common mistake that surfers make is to leave their equipment at home, such as your leash, wax or even your wet suit. Take a good inventory of your equipment before you leave for the beach. Make sure all of your equipment is in good operating order. Have some extra wax at home and have an extra leash, just in case you need it and you will!

If you take into account all five of the common mistakes that have been pointed out in this article you will have a safer and more enjoyable time surfing no matter what break you choose to go to. Be prepared and relax, surfing is supposed to be enjoyable and fun!