A surf wipeout survival guide for beginners

Introduction

Surfing is a fun sport, but the occasional surf wipeout is an inevitable part of the experience. In this lesson, we’ll explore what surf wipeouts are, beginner tips for handling them safely, and the potential dangers and consequences they entail. Let’s dive in!

What is a surf wipeout?

A surf wipeout is when you lose control and fall off your surfboard while riding a wave. It can happen because of big waves or mistakes while surfing. Wipeouts are normal in surfing, but they can be tricky- they can range from mild tumbles to more intense and potentially dangerous situations.

Beginner tips for a safe surf wipeout

1. Hold your breath

When facing a wipeout and you start feeling like you’re about to fall, take a deep breath and hold it. Try to stay calm and don’t panic so that you can hold your breath a bit longer.

2. Jump far away from your board as you would in shallow waters, butt first

Jump as far away as possible from your board to avoid getting hit by it.Never jump in front of the board though.

Jump as you would if the water was shallow. Even if you’re not surfing in shallow waters, waves pull water from the ocean floor, making every wave shallow(er). This means there’s a risk of hitting reefs or the ocean floor no matter where you surf.

When you jump, jump butt first as if as if you’re doing a cannonball jump. Bending your legs lowers the risk of hitting the bottom and hurting your ankles. And remember, never go headfirst!

3. Cover your head

Cover your head with one arm on top of your head and the other arm around your neck. When you come out of the water, keep covering your head- this will protect you both from your board in case it would hit you, but also from other surfers approaching from behind you.

4. Get low and deeper into the ocean

Dive underwater as much as you can. Going deep helps lessen the force of the wave as it will pass above you.

5. Slowly and carefully come up to the surface

Once the way has passed, get ready to slowly and carefully come up to the surface. Before surfacing, try to observe your surroundings by making sure there are no surfers above you and that your board is in front of you.

To know if your board is in front of you, you can check your leash tension. If you don’t feel the leash pulling, the board is behind you, and surfacing might lead to getting hit in the head. In that case, swim forward until you feel the leash tighten. It might be tough to focus on your leash during a wipeout, but with practice, it’ll become second nature. Avoid getting hit by your own board – it’s not fun!

6. Find and grab your board

Once you’re back above water, grab your board immediately. Don’t let it float away as it could hit yourself or someone else. Get up on your board and start paddling away from the impact zone so that you do not get stuck in it. If you get stuck in the impact zone you will end up geting hit by more waves and end up tumbling around as if you’re caught in a washing machine.

What are the dangers and consequences of a surf wipeout?

1. Dings and broken surfboard

Wipeouts can cause scratches or even break your board. This is hard to prevent as you lose control over the board during a surf wipeout. At least dings can, in the majority of cases, be fixed – a broken board on the other hand requires more extensive repairs or replacement.

2. Injuries

Sometimes wipeouts can lead to cuts, bruises, or even broken bones. By following the tips mentioned in this guide, you’ll minimize the risk of getting injured.

3. Loosing consciousness

In bad wipeouts, you might lose consciousness from the fall or being underwater too long. Surfing with a buddy is a smart move, ensuring you both have each other’s backs while out on the waves.

4. Drowning

Even if it’s not common, the most serious consequence of a surf wipeout is the risk of drowning. Being caught underwater, tangled in surfboard leashes or struggling against strong currents, can lead to a life-threatening situation. Developing strong swimming skills, understanding water dynamics, and remaining calm are vital in preventing drowning incidents.

A surf wipeout survival guide for beginners

Post contents

All lessons in the Surfing for Beginners' Guide

Want to learn how to surf? Explore all lessons in the Surfing for Beginners' Guide; a 5-module step-by-step guide to ensure you cover all essential basics of surfing in the right order.

Introduction

What is a surf wipeout?

Beginner tips for a safe surf wipeout

1. Hold your breath

2. Jump far away from your board as you would in shallow waters, butt first

3. Cover your head

4. Get low and deeper into the ocean

5. Slowly and carefully come up to the surface

6. Find and grab your board

What are the dangers and consequences of a surf wipeout?

1. Dings and broken surfboard

2. Injuries

3. Loosing consciousness

4. Drowning

Lesson quiz: test your knowledge

A surf wipeout survival guide for beginners​

Post contents

All lessons in the Surfing for Beginners' Guide

Want to learn how to surf? Explore all lessons in the Surfing for Beginners' Guide; a 5-module step-by-step guide to ensure you cover all essential basics of surfing in the right order.

Introduction

What is a surf wipeout?

Beginner tips for a safe surf wipeout

1. Hold your breath

2. Jump far away from your board as you would in shallow waters, butt first

3. Cover your head

4. Get low and deeper into the ocean

5. Slowly and carefully come up to the surface

6. Find and grab your board

What are the dangers and consequences of a surf wipeout?

1. Dings and broken surfboard

2. Injuries

3. Loosing consciousness

4. Drowning

Lesson quiz: test your knowledge

Take the beginner surfing quiz

A surf wipeout survival guide for beginners