The Top 5 Things to Be Wary of When Surfing on the Gold Coast
I love living on Australia's Gold Coast and I love to surf.
Often a new surfer, or someone considering surfing, will come up to me and ask "What about...
" and ask me about my experiences insofar as they relate to their greatest fears.
So I thought I'd put them down on paper, both the five greatest fears and my answers to them.
So here they are: The top 5 things to be wary of when surfing on the Gold Coast: 1.
Sharks So many people ask me "What about sharks though" when contemplating surfing.
I just get them to do a little bit of research and soon they will see that there has not been a shark attack for so long on the Gold Coast, it is ridiculous.
With all the shark netting, you'd be better to be afraid of driving your car.
There are many more car accidents on the Gold Coast than shark attacks - that is what you should be wary of.
2.
Shadows Despite point 1 above, many people new to surfing are totally freaked out by shadows, thinking they are sharks.
It's hilarious.
All the shadows in the water are, are changes in light on the bottom of the ocean caused by the movements of the waves and the clouds in the sky.
You're not afraid of shadows are you? 3.
Localism (I.
E.
Strong, mean surfers being nasty and telling you to "Get off my wave man!") I've heard some rumours about localism on the Gold Coast, but never experienced it.
If you are starting to surf though, I would not worry about it.
The waves surfers like this will be surfing will be much bigger and much more expert waves than the ones you'll be riding.
You will not meet these surfers in the water.
4.
Injury When you go surfing, it is a new sport to you and an extreme sport at that.
I strongly recommend you get a lesson.
It is the same with snow sports like skiing or snowboarding.
Most injuries occur due to a lack of understanding and technique rather than anything else.
Let me know if you are looking for a recommended instructor on the Gold Coast.
I can point you in the right direction.
5.
Drowning A valid fear.
If you can't swim, you probably should not surf.
Can you swim? If not, perhaps this is where you should start this year.
If you can, you may be wary of rips.
You know, surfers actually love rips.
They make paddling to the waves so much easier.
What you need to do is learn about, understand and respect the ocean so you know where the water is going out to sea and where the water is coming back into the beach.
Once again a surf lesson would be invaluable to help you with this.
If you are unsure though, speak to a lifeguard.
Ask them to explain to you where the rips are and why.
One of the beautiful things that comes with surfing is a greater understanding and respect for the ocean.
Learning this is all part of it.
So that is my top 5.
Personally I don't think there is anything to be worried about.
Surfing is a great sport which will teach you patience, (it is one of the most difficult sports to master) help build fitness, (the ocean is relentless, you have to keep pushing even when you are tired) build a greater love for the environment and ocean and leave you glowing with a deep and wonderful sun tan.
There really is nothing not to love about surfing.
Often a new surfer, or someone considering surfing, will come up to me and ask "What about...
" and ask me about my experiences insofar as they relate to their greatest fears.
So I thought I'd put them down on paper, both the five greatest fears and my answers to them.
So here they are: The top 5 things to be wary of when surfing on the Gold Coast: 1.
Sharks So many people ask me "What about sharks though" when contemplating surfing.
I just get them to do a little bit of research and soon they will see that there has not been a shark attack for so long on the Gold Coast, it is ridiculous.
With all the shark netting, you'd be better to be afraid of driving your car.
There are many more car accidents on the Gold Coast than shark attacks - that is what you should be wary of.
2.
Shadows Despite point 1 above, many people new to surfing are totally freaked out by shadows, thinking they are sharks.
It's hilarious.
All the shadows in the water are, are changes in light on the bottom of the ocean caused by the movements of the waves and the clouds in the sky.
You're not afraid of shadows are you? 3.
Localism (I.
E.
Strong, mean surfers being nasty and telling you to "Get off my wave man!") I've heard some rumours about localism on the Gold Coast, but never experienced it.
If you are starting to surf though, I would not worry about it.
The waves surfers like this will be surfing will be much bigger and much more expert waves than the ones you'll be riding.
You will not meet these surfers in the water.
4.
Injury When you go surfing, it is a new sport to you and an extreme sport at that.
I strongly recommend you get a lesson.
It is the same with snow sports like skiing or snowboarding.
Most injuries occur due to a lack of understanding and technique rather than anything else.
Let me know if you are looking for a recommended instructor on the Gold Coast.
I can point you in the right direction.
5.
Drowning A valid fear.
If you can't swim, you probably should not surf.
Can you swim? If not, perhaps this is where you should start this year.
If you can, you may be wary of rips.
You know, surfers actually love rips.
They make paddling to the waves so much easier.
What you need to do is learn about, understand and respect the ocean so you know where the water is going out to sea and where the water is coming back into the beach.
Once again a surf lesson would be invaluable to help you with this.
If you are unsure though, speak to a lifeguard.
Ask them to explain to you where the rips are and why.
One of the beautiful things that comes with surfing is a greater understanding and respect for the ocean.
Learning this is all part of it.
So that is my top 5.
Personally I don't think there is anything to be worried about.
Surfing is a great sport which will teach you patience, (it is one of the most difficult sports to master) help build fitness, (the ocean is relentless, you have to keep pushing even when you are tired) build a greater love for the environment and ocean and leave you glowing with a deep and wonderful sun tan.
There really is nothing not to love about surfing.