Surfing and Body-boarding are extremely popular on UK beaches.
Being an experienced swimmer is essential when doing these very demanding activities, knowledge of the behaviour of waves and tides also helps dramatically for more information on waves and tides click here.
Follow the advice of the lifeguards and surf between the black and white chequered flags if they are flying, find out where the safest place is to enter the water.
Surf between the black and white chequered flags
if they are flying
Body-boarding should be done between the red and
yellow flags
- Warm up before going into the water
- Be aware of and show consideration to others in the water
- Don't go out alone and know your own abilities
- Ensure your board has a leash
- If you are new to surfing, you should get lessons from the British Surfing Association Surf School or BSA approved schools
- When paddling out, avoid others riding waves
- If someone else is taking a wave, hold back get another one without anyone else on it
- Do not abandon your board
- Stick your hand in the air and shout for help
For Professional advice on surfing contact: www.britsurf.co.uk
British Surfing Association (BSA) on +44 (0)1637 876474
For surf reports use the BBC Surf website at www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast/surf