Surfing and Bodyboarding

Where can I go surfing?

At a patrolled beach all surfers must surf outside the black and white quartered flags. These flags are sometimes used to create a buffer zone between the swimming area (between the red and yellow flags) and the board riding areas. No surfboards are allowed between the black and white quartered flags. Many of the best surf spots are found at beaches that are not patrolled, but if you are going to surf there, never surf alone! Surfers must take responsibility for their own and others’ safety. Always let someone know where you are going.

Surfing & Bodyboarding Safety Tips

• Always surf or bodyboard with a friend.
• Assess the conditions thoroughly prior to entering the surf.
• Continue to assess the conditions as they can suddenly change.
• When surfing or bodyboarding use the correct equipment – leg rope and nose guard for surfing, wrist strap and fins for bodyboarding.
• If you get into trouble, stay on your surfboard or bodyboard; it will keep you afloat.
• If you are caught in a rip, stay calm, stay with your board and paddle parallel to the beach, then catch a broken wave back to shore.
• Be aware of other people in the water and don’t surf or bodyboard too close to swimmers.
• Beginner surfers should always start with a lesson from a Surfing Victoria affiliated surf school at www.surfingaustralia.com