Surf Safety Quiz

Explanation
Every time that you are under water (after falling off a wave or if you dive under a wave) and you are coming up for air, cover your head!

You never know when your (or someone else's) board will end up right above you. And, most likely, you will end up coming up under the sharp fins - be careful!

So, put both hands over your head or one hand on your head and one hand up (as demonstrated) to protect yourself.

Explanation
If you are surfing during the summer, make sure to do the stingray shuffle. This means that you drag your feet and kick up sand instead of running around in the water.

Stingrays generally stay in the shallow area (to get warm) where there are a few people- so if you are the first one at the beach - be very careful!

Explanation
Whether you are standing in whitewash or sitting out past the break in a pack of surfers, give each other space. Usually you want to be 5-10 feet away from each other.

If you are riding whitewash, try not to take the same wave as someone else - you may crash right into them. There are plenty of whitewash waves to catch.

Explanation
NEVER hold the board between yourself and the wave. If the board ever gets between you and the wave dive out of the way or be prepared for a big bruise. Waves (regardless of size) will send that board flying into you at speeds faster than you can imagine - and it hurts!

Hold the board to your side. Rest it on your hip if necessary.

When a wave comes, pick the nose of the board up over the wave or push it under the whitewash.

Explanation
Get all of your weight to the back of the board.
If you are still working on your quick pop-up, the easiest way to prevent a nose dive is to shift all of your weight to the back of the board. Push the board out in front of you with the majority of your body off the back of the board. This will prevent the board from aiming straight down into the water. Once you reach the bottom of the wave, you can pull yourself back on the wave and stand up.

Stand up quickly!
If you catch a wave that breaks straight over, you will need to stand up quickly or else you should expect a lot of salt water up your nose. Practice the quick pop-up on the sand and at home so it will come natural when you are out in the water.

Turn your board.
If you would like to catch wave that has a peak, then start paddling for the wave with your board turned away from the peak at a 45 degree angle from the beach (instead of paddling straight forward). You will have to paddle stronger since you will have more friction from paddling at an angle.

Explanation
The surfer that is furthest out (furthest away from the shore) can catch any and every wave he or she would like.

Explanation
The peak of the wave is where the wave breaks first. This is where the whitewash is first visible. In the picture to the right, the wave has broken on the right side of the surfer. So, if any surfers were on the left of him, they would have to let him catch the wave.