Beach Safety: Beachsafe is an online beach safety portal for all Australians and visitors to our shores proudly presented by Surf Life Saving Australia and partners / Body surfing & board riding

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Beach Safety: Beachsafe is an online beach safety portal for all Australians and visitors to our shores proudly presented by Surf Life Saving Australia and partners Visiting the beach Beaches near me Rips at the Beach Rock fishing First Aid Info Resources

Body surfing & board riding

Enjoying the surf is one of today’s most popular recreational activities in Australia. Learning to enjoy the surf safely will only come with practice.

SURFING ETIQUETTE
Before getting wet there are a few rules that surfers should follow. Cooperation will ensure everyone will have fun in the surf.
If somebody is already on a wave, don’t try to paddle around them. The person closest to the breaking wave has the right of way.
If there are local riders, pay them some respect as it is their break. Be patient and your wave will come. Share and surf and don’t steal other riders’ wave.  Please remember surfboard riders cannot come between the fl ags!

BODYBOARDING
There are three effective methods of paddling a board:
ARM PADDLING
Using your arms, position your body more towards the nose of the board and keep your feet together. When paddling with your arms use a freestyle swimming action (alternative arms) sliding against the rails.
KICK PADDLING
Slide your body to the back of the board until your legs are free to kick. Keep fi ns under the water when kicking.
COMBINATION OF BOTH ARM PADDLING AND KICKING
A combination of both will ensure you move quicker. Alternate between both methods.

BODYSURFING - HOW TO CATCH A WAVE
There are two ways in which to catch a wave, while you are swimmng or while pushing off the sand. When attempting to catch a wave - remember these points:
Kick vigorously to lift your body to the surface.
Start swimming until you feel the wave push you forward.
Place your head down and keep your arms out in front of you and keep your body stiff as a board.
Bodysurfing takes time to accomplish, so be patient!

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For more information on
any other matter relating to
aquatic safety, contact:

Surf Life Saving Australia
02.9300.4000 or 
slsa.com.au

Surf Life Saving NSW
(02) 9984 7188 or 
surflifesaving.com.au

Surf Life Saving QLD
(07) 3846 8000 or 
lifesaving.com.au

Life Saving Victoria
(03) 9676 6900 or 
lifesavingvictoria.com.au

Surf Life Saving SA
(08) 8354 6900 or 
surfrescue.com.au

Surf Life Saving WA
(08) 9243 9444 or 
mybeach.com.au

Surf Life Saving TAS
(03) 6223 5555 or 
slst.asn.au

Surf Life Saving NT
(08) 8985 6588 or 
lifesavingnt.com.au

... or contact your local 
surf life saving club.