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Awareness
Make sure you're in safe waters. Like surfing or snowboarding and skateboarding, stand up paddlers sometimes lose their balance
and fall. Don't pass over any rocks or underwater debris shallow enough to hurt you if you fall in. If you plan a long trip, consult a
navigational chart to be sure that your path is clear of reefs, wrecks, rocks or other debris.
Wind Awareness
When standup paddling in windy conditions, a paddler's body will function as a sail. Paddling downwind is easy, but paddling
upwind can be challenging. Make sure you're comfortable in light winds before venturing out on a windy day. Be aware of the
forecast as winds can change unexpectedly while on the water.
Surfing Tips: Warm-Up
Always perform some warm-up stretches before entering the surf. This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp while you're
surfing.
Comfort Zone/Fitness/Food
You should only surf in waves that you are comfortable in. NEVER go into waves rougher than you can handle. NEVER lose sight
of the oncoming waves. NEVER exhaust yourself in the ocean.
It's always better to end the day early and safe than to push your luck when you're tired. Make sure you're physically fit when
surfing, you'll need to be able to swim back to shore if you lose your board at the end of an exhausting session. It is also a good
idea not to go surfing until 45 minutes after a meal, the same as you would for swimming.
Priority
Always make sure that you are not taking anyone else's wave. Remember, the surfer who is closest to the breaking wave has
priority. If you see someone already on a wave then the wave is taken and you'll have to wait for the next one.
When To Hold/When To Throw
HOLD onto your board when paddling out. You'll get back to the line up more quickly and you won't put anyone paddling
behind you at risk. THROW your board if you are about to wipe out. You are far more likely to sustain an injury if you and your
board are getting washed around
together.
The Buddy System
Bring a friend! Having a swimming or surfing buddy is a fundamental principle that shouldn't be ignored. Even though the Sea
Eagle LongBoard SUP is designed for solo use, we recommend going out with at least one other person while on the water. Not
only do we believe you will have more fun sharing this experience, we believe its a good idea to have someone with you in case
you need help and the same for your friend if they need help.
Rips & Currents
A rip is a strong undercurrent in the ocean. You can recognize rip currents by looking for a channel of churning or choppy water,
an area where the water is distinctly a different color, a line of foam, seaweed or debris heading out to sea or a break in the wave
pattern. According to the NWS (National Weather Service) wearing polarized sun glasses makes it easier to see the signs of a rip
current.
Escaping A Rip Current
If you are caught in a rip remain calm and conserve energy as you'll need it to swim back to safety. You may not realize you are in
a rip current until you are suddenly further away from the shore than you realized.
It is important that you DO NOT SWIM TOWARD THE SHORE. Swimming towards the shore is like swimming upstream in a river
and will tire you out before long. Instead what you should do is swim parallel to the shore in order to escape the rip current.
Practice
The best way to become a better at anything is practice, practice, practice. If you want to improve your abilities, then you need to
be in the water surfing as regularly as possible.
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