Games Guy | January 30, 2012
Surfing is known to be the “Sport of Kings” – a sport for the adventurous, for the risk-taker, for the brave. Though it is a fun sport, it is not called an extreme one for nothing. There are many dangers lurking in the waters that could prove to be life-threatening, even fatal, to surfers.
Though you don’t have to feel as though you are invincible to learn the sport of surfing, you must understand the following dangers a lot of surfers deal with whenever they head out to the wide open water:
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Drowning
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Huge, strong waves
Surfers live for a massive, tricky wave, however the pleasure that comes with coming across one, particularly when you’re caught unprepared, can easily morph into fear in the event it wipes you out and pounds you upon the sea bed, or worse, a coral reef bed.
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Marine Life
When it comes to dangerous marine life, sharks come first on the list. Compared to the average number of 87 deaths due to drowning, an average of one shark-related death a year may not sound so alarming. But that number doesn’t include shark attacks that result in arms or legs getting chewed off. If you want your body parts intact, do not surf alone or at dawn or dusk, and in areas where sharks are known to feed. Aside from sharks, you keep an eye out for stingrays, sea snakes, urchins, and jellyfish.
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Riptides
A rip is a frequent peril to any sports activity that may place in the water. Swimming opposite a riptide can easily drain even a good swimmer’s power, which could result in sinking.
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Surfboards and Leash Tangling
Your surfboard is obviously a must-have, but incorrect handling of a board can cause minor or major bodily injuries. In case of a wipeout, fight to stay out of your surfboard’s way, otherwise, you might get badly injured by its pointed end or sharp fins. Buy surfboard online that you can easily control. A leash, on the other hand, though important to keep you from getting separated from your board, can also prove to be a danger if it wraps itself around a leg at a critical moment.
Wide open water, in itself, is a dangerous playground – even for the most experienced surfers. Surfing is a fun sport, but keep it safe to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.