SURF

What is surfing?

The first thing we have to be clear about is knowing what surfing is. According to the RAE, surfing, from the English "to surf" is "a nautical sport consisting of keeping your balance on top of a special board that moves on the crest of the waves."

Therefore, surfing is essentially defined as a water sport, which consists of sliding on top of a board on the waves. So far it seems simple, but the basis of surfing is to stay on our board as long as possible. In this way we can stand up on the board, make walls or perform different maneuvers, turns or tricks supported by the force of the waves.

Fundamental rules

1. Priority:

The priority in surfing is something to keep in mind if you want to have a calm and pleasant day of surfing. If you are not a local, (assiduous person to catch waves in that place) just wait your turn giving preference to said locals that are at the peak. Wait patiently for your turn. Despite the fact that there is less and less localism, this advice can save you from the occasional heated discussion in the water. Keep in mind that the priority goes to whoever is closest to the area where the wave breaks, that is, the first section where it breaks.

2. Don't jump the waves:

If you are at the peak and there is someone who has priority, (either because they are further inside, or because you have just entered from a wave) do not get in front and take the wave away from them. That attitude will not be well seen by the surfers who are in the water and you will look terrible in front of all of them.

3. Know your limitations:

Surfing is a sport that implies having, in general terms, a good physical condition. If you see that the strength and size of the waves are too big for your level of surfing, stay out. If you have the opportunity to go to another spot with less waves, do it. This way you won't get scared in the water, your level of surfing will increase little by little and with it the size of the waves you can catch.

4. If you make a decision, don't back down:

If you're going to catch a wave, do it decisively. There is no worse moment than paddling a wave and seeing how it engulfs you because you have finally receded late. When you paddle the wave, let the rest of the people on the peak know by yelling “Voy!” in the event that it only opens to one side. If, on the contrary, it opens to the right and to the left, warn where you are going to go (eg: “I am going from the left!). In this way you will give the opportunity to another to catch the wave for the other side.

5. Stay out of reach of other surfers when they are in a wave:

It is important to be clear that when another surfer is catching a wave, we must not interfere with their trajectory. That is, if you are entering and we see that a surfer is surfing a wave, we must always paddle towards the broken part of the wave and leave the area of the wave that is surfing clear. In this way, you will avoid crashes and run over.

6. Respect, tolerance and civility:

Respect the other surfers who are in the water, and above all help those who need it and are in trouble. Not everyone has the same level of surfing, so be tolerant of other surfers who are learning and if you can, give them a hand.

7. Prudence:

In a dangerous situation, such as a possible collision with another surfer when you are paddling the wave, do not catch it. This point is closely linked to point 3. You must know your limitations when entering a wave, knowing that you will then have to dodge twenty surfers who are coming up. If your level of surfing is still not very good, it is better to be cautious and wait for another time, when the area is clearer.

8. Respect the environment:

Do not leave garbage on the beach once you finish the day of surfing. The only thing you have to leave are your footprints when you leave. It is everyone's responsibility.