Surfing embodies the ultimate sense of freedom and adventure.

However, it is crucial to take necessary precautions to protect yourself from UV rays, ensure personal safety, and maintain environmental responsibility.

Here are key tips for a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.

1. Sun Protection: UV rays can be harmful even on cloudy days. Therefore, applying waterproof sunscreen on your face, ears, neck, hands, and feet before entering the water is essential. Additionally, using sunscreen mud on the prominent parts of your forehead offers extra protection. Surf clubs often provide this sunscreen mud, enhanced with coconut oil, making it water-resistant. It is important not to blindly choose sunscreens with the highest SPF, as they can increase the risk of skin allergies. Instead, pick a sunscreen that is comfortable for your skin and reapply it often, especially on areas most exposed to the sun like the face, shoulders, and neck. Frequent reapplication is key to avoiding sunburn.

2. Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses on the beach is not just for looking stylish; it is crucial for protecting your eyes from the glare of the sun reflected off sand and water. This glare can lead to the early onset of cataracts and cause fine lines around the eyes from squinting. To prevent this, invest in a good pair of sunglasses and make them a standard part of your beach attire.

3. Protective Clothing: Beginners or infrequent surfers should wear tight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. This attire not only prevents sunburn but also protects the skin from abrasions caused by contact with the surfboard. Foam boards, commonly used by beginners, can easily cause skin abrasions. When combined with prolonged exposure to seawater, these abrasions can become irritated and take longer to heal. Wearing protective clothing helps avoid these issues and keeps you comfortable while surfing.

4. Pre-Surf Nutrition: Avoid eating too much before surfing. The motion of paddling and the constant movement of the board can cause nausea if your stomach is too full. Eating light ensures that you remain focused and comfortable in the water.

5. Board Handling: When in the water, never position your surfboard between yourself and the waves. The board will float and can be pushed by waves, potentially hitting you. Always keep the board to your side or behind you to avoid injuries. If the board ends up between you and the waves, reposition it quickly to prevent accidents.

6. Safety Precautions: Avoid surfing too close to the shore, where shallow waters may hide coral rocks that can cause injuries. When falling into the water, avoid landing flat on your stomach. Instead, fall sideways or backward to reduce the impact. Once submerged, use both hands to protect your head.

7. Environmental Responsibility: Adopt the principle: "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures." Protecting the environment and the ocean is a responsibility that every surfer should uphold. Always clean up after yourself and respect marine life. Ensuring that our oceans remain clean and healthy is essential for future generations to enjoy surfing as we do.