Surfing Safety~|2008-04-05
Even the most advanced surfers fall off their surfboards at some time. It’s difficult, but necessary, to be alert when you’re on the way into the water. Try to note which way your board is moving. When you return to the surface, don’t assume your board has floated away. The board is almost as likely to move back toward you as away from you. That’s convenient, but dangerous.
If you use an surfboard ankle leash, your surfboard can’t move far away. That means your board can be what hits you if you don’t move the right way. Practice in a swimming pool to get used to manipulating your leg and the board to grab the board before it hits you in the head. Being knocked unconscious by a surfboard is all-too-easy and, as you’re often reminded, you can drown in a foot of water.
Develop into a strong swimmer, watch the ocean and stay alert. Your odds of drowning will be very low.