THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO..

1. KNOW HOW TO SWIM!

If you are going surfing any place other than Hurricane Harbor At Disney, you absolutely must know how to swim. It's essential and basic - nothing screams kook louder than having to be saved by a fellow surfer because you can't swim. Well, maybe the only thing that screams that louder is a tragic death by drowning.

Sooner or later, your board will break, your leash will snap and a myriad of other things that can happen, do happen out there. I've heard from folks (girls and guys) that are new to the sport who love surfing, but can't swim worth a damn.  Put the surfboard down and get some swimming lessons.  You should be able to swim at least 100 yards (that's the length of a football field) unassisted.  The ocean is infinitely deserving of our respect - not being able to swim is very much like skydiving with a parachute full of holes.  Seriously. You are not only tempting the fates but you are foolishly laughing in the face of one of the most powerful forces on the planet; never wise.

2. BE RESPONSIBLE

Two simple words can mean so much; surfing means sharing the waves, the beach and the water.  It means living the golden rule. This can range to anything from don't litter (in fact, pick up a piece of trash or two as you're coming or going), to respect others in and out of the water. Be responsible also means know your equipment and your limits (see #1 know how to swim). If the waves are sending you "don't ride me vibes" - sometimes that's a healthy fear that needs to be listened to.

3. SURF WITH A BUDDY

It's always safer to surf with someone, in case the unforeseen occurs - but it's also a whole lot more fun as well.