Why is it Dangerous to Surf on Big Waves?

While surfing big waves, you should wear a helmet to protect your head from the dangerous stingrays, jellyfish, and kelp. Rip currents can be very dangerous as well and are not usually covered by a helmet. In addition to these dangers, surfers who are not careful can suffer internal brain injuries. Read on for more information. And if you still want to go surfing, learn about the best way to avoid big waves.

Stingrays

Stingrays live in coastal waters and can cause severe pain. Their tails are covered in sharp, venom-producing stingers. Stingrays sting humans, and the painful reaction may last for two hours. A stingray sting can cause nausea and muscle cramping, but rarely causes death - except in the rare case that it stung a heart or artery. The vast majority of stingray stings are on the foot or lower leg. Fortunately, stingrays aren't aggressive and would react only in defense, rather than in anger.

Aside from big waves, stingrays are found in shallow ocean waters. Some beaches have large stingray populations, which surfers encounter. Stingray populations are known in New Zealand's North Island, Nosara, and Southern California. These stingrays are closely related to sharks, but are not aggressive and prefer the bottom of the sea. Surfers must be careful to avoid them, because the venom they release when stung can be extremely painful.

Jellyfish

There are a number of risks to surfing on big waves. Unlike smaller waves, where helmets are more common, the big waves can cause internal brain injuries. You should be aware of marine jellyfish and stay clear of them during your surf. While marine life is beautiful and does not pose a direct threat, you should still observe proper etiquette when surfing in these conditions. Here are some of the most common risks to surfers:

First, it is dangerous to surf in a tsunami. While ocean waves are the same size as those on the shoreline, they may be many times larger at one beach than another a mile away. Big waves aren't found on all shores, but certain areas have been known to produce large ones. The bottom of the ocean causes these waves, so a surfer needs to react quickly or risk being swept out into the sea.

Kelp

While surfing is often compared to other dangerous activities, such as surfing in a washing machine or a falling coconut, there are some inherent dangers to big wave surfing. This article does not address any of these risks. While surfing is a highly addictive activity, there is always a possibility of injury or death. In fact, there are many reasons why it is dangerous to surf on big waves. Here are some of them:

As the sport of big wave surfing continues to grow, it has become more dangerous. At the current rate, any safety net will eventually fail. A prime example of this danger is the WSL Big Wave Awards. These contests blur the line between progressive and dangerous surfing. A safety-conscious big-wave surfer, Ian Walsh, has called for changes to the judging criteria for these events. If you want to continue to enjoy big wave surfing, it's best to save it for larger storm waves.

Rip Currents

There are many ways to spot rip currents when surfing on big waves. Some of the most common ways include looking for the appearance of ocean ripples, which are different from the surrounding water and are indicative of rip currents. They are caused by waves traveling in opposite directions, causing destructive and constructive interference. Rip currents often have a cloudy, sandy appearance. In addition, you might notice floating debris, foam, or sand. While these clues are helpful, determining rip currents in advance is usually not possible.

Another effective way to identify rip currents is to spend some time at the beach. Watch other surfers and look for signs of rip currents. Avoid panicking as this could lead to drowning. By taking time to analyze the situation, you will have enough energy to make it back to shore. If you are already stranded in a rip current, you should try to swim at least 45 degrees and diagonally toward shore.

Irascible Locals

Locals make it dangerous to surf on big waves for a variety of reasons, from being rude to breaking your board. Even if you know the rules of the surf, locals will still try to impose their own code of conduct, and disrespectful people are more likely to show up during the best swells of the season. A beginner surfer usually has no idea how to behave in such situations, and the result can range from a cracked surfboard to a broken body.

If you're going to surf in a big wave, make sure you're aware of the local wildlife. Seals bite like dogs, and their filthy teeth can lead to rabies infection. Sharks are also a common threat, and dolphins can save your life in a pinch. It is important to make sure you're protected in case a shark attacks.