Surfing Safely

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_H_Russell]Michael H Russell
Surfing Protection for you and your Surfboard
Surfing is a relatively safe sport, however when you are learning to surf its a good idea to take extra precautions. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your surfboard is to use a protective Nose Guard.
Also, have you checked the sharpness of your fins? Glass on fins can be razor-sharp! In fact, fin cuts are probably one of the most common surfing related injuries. Its a good idea to take a piece of sand-paper and lightly sand the sharp edge of your fins. Check for fins, which feature a rubber-coated edge to help reduce the risk of lacerations to yourself or others. Available at most surf shops or online.
The Stingray Shuffle - How to prevent Stings when Surfing
At some point in your surfing life, it's extremely probable that a stingray will sting you or someone you know.
Sorry, don't mean to freak you out... but its inevitable yet somewhat preventable. This post is designed to help you (the beginner surfer) reduce your risk of getting slashed by those pesky little 'water scorpions'. After all if you are a beginner surfer then chances are you are the most at risk.
First of all, what exactly are stingrays? Stingrays are large and flat with pectoral fins that look more like wings than fins. Rays like to roam around the seabed and sometimes bury themselves in the sand for protection against predators. They are named after their barbed stinger, used exclusively in self-defense.
Stingrays are naturally docile creatures and don't aggressively attack humans. However, if stepped on, stingrays may feel threatened and slash their barbed tail right into the unsuspecting surfer's ankle or leg.
The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to practice the 'Stingray Shuffle' when entering or exiting the surf or otherwise walking in shallow water. The Stingray shuffle is simple: Just shuffle your feet along the sandy bottom trying not to lift your toes and heels away from the floor as you walk. This will kick up sand and cause stingrays to swim away. If your toes actually collide with a stingray chances are you will lift the startled fish up and away from you.
Stings can be extremely painful but seldom life-threatening. The barb contains venom, which can cause swelling and muscle cramps, and possibly infection if not properly attended to. In some cases surgery may be required to remove the stinger fragments. If attacked, seek immediate assistance from the nearest lifeguard.
How to escape from a Rip Current in 3 easy steps
Rip Currents can be dangerous and no doubt provoke thousands of lifeguard rescues and drownings each year. However, don't panic. Its actually quite easy to escape from most rip currents. This article will show you how.
What is a Rip Current? A rip current is basically a current that returns water (and anything else floating on the surface for that matter) back to sea. You can usually spot one by looking for an area of slightly choppy and/or brownish water. Rip currents are nature's way of getting water trapped by rolling whitewash waves back to sea. The bigger the waves, the more water gets pinned inside by the crashing waves, so the greater the chances for rip currents. That's why whenever there is a high-surf advisory its usually accompanied by rip current warnings.
How to escape from a Rip Current:
Step 1: Relax. The biggest mistake you can make is to panic and try to fight the current. Unless your like Michael Phelps and have some sort of super-human swimming capability, battling the current actually puts you at more risk of drowning, not less.
Step 2: Swim parallel to the shoreline. Rip currents always run out to sea and follow the path of least resistance. All you have to do to escape is swim parallel to the shoreline. Rip currents are usually narrow and soon you will find yourself outside of the rip.
Step 3: Once you have swam outside of the rip and are no longer being swept out to sea, then begin to swim back to shore.
That's it! Sounds easy enough right? The key is remain calm and understand that all you have to do is swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and only then begin your swim back in. Oh, and it helps not to think of sharks too!!
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