Safety in Surfing
learning to surf & riding waves in a safe manner
Be sure to have fun with a surf course at the
surf school and surf camp Fuerteventura
Safety is our number one priority so no one is hurt in our surf lessons on #Fuerteventura and our guests can recognise dangers at an early stage or we can minimise them from the outset.
The right equipment, the lesson structure and knowledge of essential theory are important when surfing.
In our surf school we teach in general only
- …in small groups with no more than five people per surf instructor; if there are more than six people on the course, an additional surf instructor or surf assistant will be provided
- …with professional surf instructors and trained life guards
- …with the latest methods and combining a logical structure of theory lessons and practice
- …with equipment which is less likely to cause damage, i.e. soft boards, rubber fins and wetsuits from Xcel, Ocean&Earth or O’Neill
- …at surf spots which especially suit our beginners, with sandy beaches with a gently sloping bottom and the appropriate wind and wave conditions
Depending on our guests, the teaching style will vary. For our youngsters, we put a special focus on the fun side of surfing, whereas a workaholic on vacation will get to feel the relaxing side of the sport. An important factor is that we provide the right balance between exercises in and out of the water.
Every course starts with a safety instruction, which will cover the following:
Preparation for Surfing
Even at home you can prepare yourself for the next surf adventure! We can show you some good exercises to increase endurance, strength, speed and agility. In addition you get some dietary advice and a short introduction to self motivation.
Dangers during surfing
Different dangers may occur in different surf spots. We will give you a spot introduction which will cover wave formation, tides and currents. Furthermore we will explain the different composition of beach and reef breaks.
Equipment and set-up
We will explain the different materials and board shapes to you as well as how to check on your surf equipment before you go into the water: if your leash is fine, or if the fins are fastened. Your own preparation is important, too: A reminder not to forget to drink enough water and put on enough sun cream.
Safety in surfing: surf rules, right of way and the right handling of our own board
Just as in any other sport, there are some rules you have to follow when surfing. In particular you have to respect the island’s locals, as they share their beaches with us. We will teach you the rules of priority, how to respect the locals and some basic rules when out in the water so that you can communicate with other surfers.
Of course it is essential to know how to use your own surfboard correctly when out in the water, to avoid putting yourself or others in danger. We will explain the best ways to get into the water, how to hold your board, how to position your board or how to react when you are about to surf into another person. What do you do, if another board comes your way or a fallen surfer lies in front of you? What do you do if someone drops in on you, when you are already surfing the wave? You will find answers to all those questions in our surf lessons. You have to be concerned about your own safety and the safety of others as well.
Wipeout: How to fall and how to protect your head
We will show you what to do when you fall during paddling (hold on tight to the rails of the board) and how to protect yourself when losing control of the board during take-off. It is important always to stay calm and whether it is best to simply dive under the water or cover your head with your arms.
Behavior in an emergency situation
It is important that you know how to react when you are not feeling well or in the case of an emergency. Having said that, it is best to always remain on your board and stay calm and manage your energy. We will teach you how to behave when stuck in a current or offshore drift and show you the emergency sign which you can use to alert the lifeguards. Just extend your arm straight into the sky.