1.) Identify potential hazards such as currents, rocks, as well as entry and exit points.
2.) Respect the ocean and learn the culture of surfing. “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs.”
3) Know your personal limits of ability of your team, yourself and your physical form and adapt them to your session.
4) Allow your body to rest adequately between surf sessions, eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein and avoid fad diets, processed foods, drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
5) Warm up before surfing and stretch before and after.
6) Use surfing as an outlet to increase self-awareness and become a better person. Do not harass others or become a victim of the wrath of surfing, but take the opportunity to teach and learn in each session.
7) Stay hydrated with water, rather than soda, juice, beer, or other beverages.
8) Sleep through the night. Getting a full night’s sleep is important for a full recovery.
9) Understand proper technique. First understand where your balance or center of gravity is, then add rotations, flexions and extensions from that position. You can move as hard and fast as your balance allows.
10) Understand your team. Talk to your moulder to better understand your equipment and get maximum benefits.
11) Watch and criticize yourself on video. Technique is essential when it comes to learning new maneuvers.
12) Look at the professionals. When trying to learn new things, watch videos of top pros, try to see everything from the approach to the exit of the maneuver you want to learn.
13) Have fun! Don’t worry too much about crowds, wave counts, etc. Remember what you are there for in the first place: HAVE FUN!