Safety & Etiquette

[YOU ARE ON PAGE 1]

Strandhill is a surfing beach, if you are unfamiliar with the beach or learning how to surf just ask a local surfer for advice or better still, drop into the surf centre at Strandhill!

Top Ten Rules To Remember

1. DONT DROP IN! Yield to right of way of person who is on the inside - always check to see if somebody isn't close to the breaking part of the wave. To say you didnt see sombody coming is inexcusible. If in doubt- Kick out!

2. DONT 'HOG' THE WAVES! Riding each and every wave that comes along only shows your capacity for selfishness. Nothing sours relationships in the water as much as the sight of someone hogging the waves. Because of their superior paddling power, waveski surfers especially should be aware of their advantage in this regard and not abuse it. Learn to be more selective and give a few! In the long run you will gain more respect than by rippin everything in sight.

3. DONT ENDANGER OTHERS! Uncontrolled and unnecessary moves impress no-one. 360's and multiple take-offs are dangerous in crowded conditions. Keep a continual lookout for people behind you and in your path!

4. DONT PADDLE OUT THROUGH THE BREAK! Although "easier said than done" on a large beach break like Strandhill you should try go around the break, its safer and wont spoil someones ride!

5. BE POLITE! insulting behaviour and derogatory remarks create unnecessary incidents. Crowded breaks have enough tension - Be cool, be nice!

6. DONT SURF BEYOND YOUR ABILITY! False pride or the 'Macho' need to prove yourself can put you in places beyond your ability to handle them. You then become a danger to yourself and other. Have the courage to realise your shortcomings.

7. THINK ABOUT SAFETY! Ankle leashes for surfers and paddle leashes and/or salt belts for waveski surfers are essential.

8. SHARE THE SEA! Theres place out there for all of us. Dont let the differences of the mediums let you forget that kneeboarders, waveski surfers, body boarders and surfers are all water-folk sharing one of lifes great experiences. Leave the hassling tactics for the stars and competitions. Learn to give waves and treat others with respect.

9. DONT IGNORE LOCAL LAWS! Strandhill beach is unsafe for swimming or bathing due to seasonal shifting sands and rip currents. Although reasonably safe for surfers the beach is still unpredictable at the best of times. REMEMBER THERE ARE NO LIFEGUARDS AT STRANDHILL!

10. DONT SURF ON YOUR OWN! Surfing on your own is courting disaster. Get to know local conditions and surf with a friend.

Please read the following information from the Irish Surfing Association.

Surfing is an adventure sport with an inherent element of risk. However this risk can be reduced if the basic safety rules and etiquette are adhered to by all.

Every surfer should be familiar with and abide by the safety rules and etiquette before heading out into the "line-up". These are well-established rules throughout the world that bring safety and order to what would otherwise be dangerous and chaotic sport.

> Safe Surfing and Etiquette<

If you are planning to start surfing your first step should be to take a surfing lesson at an Irish Surfing Approved Surf Club, School or Adventure Center. Here you will be introduced to the sport in a safe environment, you will be given all the information, advice and basic skills required to get you started. Your progress will be much quicker, the experience more enjoyable and you will be more likely to reach your full potential as a surfer if you take this route into the sport.

This may seem like common sense but as with all water sports you should only surf if you can swim and you should never surf alone. Learn to observe the ocean so you can identify rips, wind changes and other hazards. This will reduce the risk and help you become a better surfer.

If you are unfamiliar with a break, check with local surfers. Ensure that the waves you are surfing are of a size and power suitable to your ability. Do not get too confident. Stick to beaches until you become an experienced surfer. A novice paddling out to a reef is not only a danger to themselves but to all the other surfers around them.

Make sure your equipment, especially your leash, is in good order. If you are a novice you may want to consider using a foam board for your own safety and the safety of others. Other safety equipment such as helmets and nose guards are available. It is much easier to spot a brightly coloured wetsuit or surfboard at sea in the event of you requiring rescuing.

If you do find yourself in difficulty it is important to stay calm and always stay with your board. Your board will act as a floatation device. If you get caught in a rip do not try to paddle against it, this will only tire you out and get you nowhere. Paddle across the rip and you will quickly find yourself out of difficulty.

When you 'wipe out' do not come to the surface too soon, allow your board time to land and come to the surface with your hands over your head. When paddling out, always check behind you before abandoning your board.

Never 'drop-in' on another surfer. 'Dropping in' is taking off on a wave in front of someone who had right of way. The surfer nearest the peak or breaking part of the wave has priority or right of way. When two surfers catch the same wave, the surfer closest to the pocket or breaking part of the wave, has priority so the other surfer should pull off the wave. Be aware of other water users and always show respect for other surfers regardless of craft (kayaks, bodyboards, bodysurfers and all other surfers). Above all, keep a good attitude. Be friendly in the water. Apologise if you make a mistake.

MORE>>>(please read on...)

[PAGE 1] [PAGE 2] [PAGE 3]