Nestled along 37,000km coastline blessed with sugar-kissed beaches, reef, and point breaks, Australia is the paradise of surfing. It is one of the world’s best surfing destinations, with 2.5 million surfers in Australia, among which 14% of the population are active surfers.
According to 2011 reports, there are 107 affiliated surf schools in Australia, operating across 550 beaches. Additionally, there are 212 affiliated board-riders clubs and 2292 accredited surfing coaches in the country.
Despite of bountiful training facilities across Australia, 38.4% of 685 respondents to a survey conducted by Southern Cross University reported that they have sustained injury in the last 12 months. Of these, 389 reported injuries in head, neck and spine, shoulder, arm, torso, ankle and foot, hips, and knee. Considering the hazards of surfing due to lack of proper training and safety measures, here are some important tips:
- It is better to surf on a life guarded beach
- Protect your head
- Take adequate measures to protect against sun
- Use leash but don’t depend on it as a life saving device
- Don’t dive with your head first; protect your neck
- Choose your surfboard appropriately
- Seek training from an affiliated surf training school