• Surfing a big wave can cause you to fall off your board, which is why you should have strong swimming skills.surfing image by bacalao from Fotolia.com
  
  Surfing can be a dangerous sport if you don't know the proper safety rules. If you do know the safety rules of surfing, though, it can be a lot of fun. If you are interested in surfing, or if you are a curious experienced surfer, you should make a point of knowing the surf safety rules in order to keep yourself, and those around you, safe in the water.
  
  

Strong Skills

• Knowing how to swim well is the most basic safety rule for any surfer. Should you fall off your board, or get caught in a current, being a strong swimmer will make all the difference. If you struggle when you swim, make it a point to strengthen your skills before trying surfing. Try taking lessons or swimming regularly at your local pool.
  
  

Have a Lifeguard

• Surf in areas where a lifeguard is on duty. Should you have an accident in the water, you'll want the lifeguard near to help you out. Lifeguards are also typically updated on water conditions and any specific dangers, so they can tell you if surfing will be safe on that particular day.
  
  

Know Conditions

• Avoiding surfing in dangerous conditions, such as in a storm. Many beaches have areas that post a level for conditions, such as "dangerous," "cautious," or "calm" conditions. Never try to surf when conditions are at their most dangerous, or when beach officials have advised against it.
  
  

Protect Your Head

• Keep your head protected when you fall into the water. Should you slip and lose your board, it can potentially hit you on the head, or you could hit something in the water. Keep your hands on your head until you can find your board and situate yourself on the water's surface.
  
  

Rip Current Safety

• Know how to handle rip currents. Rip currents often occur after waves break, but can happen anywhere at anytime, and they can catch you and pull you away from the shore. Should you find yourself caught in one, never swim against or into it. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline and wait until you feel it ease, then head back to shore. Or try and get the attention of a lifeguard for help.
  
  

Fall to the Side

• When getting off your board, never dive headfirst. Also, when you fall into the water, try to fall sideways with one arm extended down. Neck and head injuries can be serious and very dangerous, so going into water headfirst can lead to some devastating problems. Also, always try to survey the surface under the water for any objects that you could potentially land on, such as coral.
  
  

Skin Protection

• Since surfing is an outdoor sport, often done on sunny beaches, always wear SPF protection of at least 30 when surfing. Experienced surfers spend hours of their life in the sun, and without proper protection this can result in skin cancer and a bad sunburn.
  
  

Leash Your Board

• Always have a strong leash attachment on your board. These leashes attach to your ankle and will keep you from losing your board, among other things. If you get caught in a bad wave, you can use your leash as a guide back to the surface. Leashes also keep your board from floating away and hitting bystanders.
  
  

Surf in Groups

• Never surf alone. Always surf with at least one other friend out there riding the waves with you, to ensure you have help should you need it. When surfing with a friend, make sure not to surf too close together, or try to hit the same spot in a wave, as you could crash into each other and hurt one another.
  
  

Never Surf When Hesitant

• If you feel trepidation about surfing, due to large waves or weather conditions, then don't surf. Any nervousness or hesitation can cause you to slip up out in the waves, so if you feel like there are any dangers in your way, pass on surfing until conditions get better and you can go out on the water with confidence.