CHECKING THE VENUE

• Always check the surf conditions thoroughly before going in.
• Is it safe?
• Where are the waves breaking.
• Which is the easiest way out to the peak?
• How are the conditions changing, due to wind, tide, swell height and direction.
• Why are there a lot of surfers positioned on one particular break and not another?
• Are the surfers catching waves and getting quality waves?

WARM-UP

• Always stretch lightly and progressively before surfing.
• Gently and thoroughly rotate the upper, middle and lower body sections.
• Never bounce, bouncing can tear muscle and tendons.
• Stretch gently a little further each time and hold the postion for 20-30 seconds.
• Emphasis is on warming the muscles first, so they can stretch further and safely.

GETTING OUT SKILLS

• Time the incoming sets.
• Head out when the biggest wave has washed up the beach. The outgoing current is what you catch to go out.
• Always lie flat and symetrical on the board, using cupped hands and strong deep paddle strokes.
• Zig zag your way out through the incoming sets, making the most of the lull between the sets.
  

POSITON AND TIMING

• Time the sets and individual waves before entering the water. This ensures a safer and easier paddle "out the back".
• Depending upon your experience, position yourself just before the crest of the wave. Take advantange of the full source of power at the wave peak, to maximise wave manoeuvre potential and length of ride.

SURF ETIQUETTE

• It is not cool to drop in on another surfer.
• Before you take the wave look to see if there is another surfer on the inside close to the curl.
• If there is a surfer closest to the curl of the wave going in your direction, do not take off.
• You always communicate with other surfers who are trying to catch the same wave, so you can go either left or right.
• The surfer on the wave must give way to surfers or swimmers paddling out. The surfer on the wave has more speed and power to manouvre out of trouble.
• Respect the locals, showing respect opens more doors to receiving more waves.

CATCHING THE WAVE

• It is all about timing and positioning.
• You must paddle smoothly and powerfully.
• The wave does not have to take you with it, you must put 100% effor into catching it.
• You must connect with the wave and go the same speed and power.