It is a misconception that surfing is free from potential problems that can be a risk to the surfer. In truth, there are many surfing problems that can put your very life at risk if you’re not careful. Knowing these problems in advance can help you avoid them, or take necessary precautions to make sure that you get out of it without only a scratch or none at all if you’re lucky.
Not Knowing The Basics
One of the most common surfing problems is the lack of knowledge about the sport. Novice surfers are so excited with the idea of cruising the waves that they tend to forget to arm themselves with the basic skills and preparations to avoid getting into trouble when out in the water.
The best way to avoid accidents due to your inexperience is to enroll in surfing lessons first before heading out into the swells. If you want to get the feel of the sport then you can go for a 1-hour tutorial of the basics on many beaches in your area. You can enroll in more extensive lessons if you decide that you want to make a career out of it. Arming yourself with the basics, like how to balance on your board, using your equipment, and proper exercise can help you avoid lots of problems later on.
Drowning
Drowning is practically a common problem in surfing; especially for those who are not really skilled in keeping themselves out of the water after getting wiped out from their boards. Surfers are often expert swimmers and can easily keep themselves safe even after being trampled on by a towering swell. However, beginners might want to utilize a life vest or any floatation device to keep their heads out of the water just in case.
Physical Obstacles
Let’s face it; almost all surf spots in the world have their own share of physical obstacles that can be harmful to the surfer if they go unnoticed. For example, shallow reefs tend to hold an abundance of corals that can tear your skins off you if you manage to get wiped out over them and forced down to their reach. Sandbars and hidden rocks have caused many accidents among surfers as well. The only way to avoid this problem is to properly survey the location before attempting any waves or swells. Take time to paddle through the area to check the depth, hidden reefs, or any physical obstacles that can be a risk to your life.
Cramps
That’s right; muscle cramps are a major problem for anyone who delves into water sports, especially in surfing. You don’t want to suddenly get a cramp while attempting to get back on your board after being wiped out by a huge swell. The only way to avoid this problem is to do warm-up exercises on the beach before you plunged into the water. Don’t get too excited with the incoming waves that you neglect to keep your muscles in good condition.
