Degree 33 Surf Guide: How to Wipeout Safely
Wiping out is not a matter of if—it’s when. Whether you’re a beginner trimming down the line or an experienced surfer pushing harder turns, falling is part of the process. The difference between a good surfer and an injured one often comes down to how well they handle the wipeout itself.
At Degree 33, we believe surfing progression isn’t just about riding waves better—it’s about falling smarter. Learning to wipeout safely will build confidence, reduce risk, and keep you in the water longer.
Let’s break it down.
1. Accept the Wipeout Before It Happens
The most dangerous wipeouts are the ones you resist.
When you’re mid-wave and things start to go wrong—your rail catches, the section closes out, or you lose balance—your instinct might be to fight it. Don’t. Hesitation creates awkward falls, and awkward falls lead to injury.
Instead, commit early. The moment you know you’re going down, decide to fall well.
Think of it like this: a controlled fall is always safer than a panicked one.
2. Fall Flat, Not Headfirst
Your goal in most wipeouts is to spread impact across your body, not concentrate it.
Avoid:
- Diving headfirst into the water
- Landing stiff-legged
- Twisting awkwardly mid-air
Aim for:
- A flat, slightly relaxed body position
- Arms and legs bent, not locked
- Chin tucked slightly to protect your head and neck
Water might look soft, but at speed it hits hard. Flattening your body increases surface area and reduces the shock.
3. Protect Your Head First
Your head is priority number one.
As you fall:
- Bring one arm over your head like a shield
- Keep your chin tucked toward your chest
- Avoid extending your arms straight out (this can lead to wrist and shoulder injuries)
If you’re surfing a crowded break or over shallow reef, this becomes even more critical. Your board—or someone else’s—can come back at you quickly.
4. Always Know Where Your Board Is
Your surfboard is both your tool and your biggest hazard during a wipeout.
As you fall:
- Try to fall away from your board, not toward it
- Avoid kicking it or pushing it unpredictably
- Keep your arms close enough to protect yourself, but not flailing
After you hit the water, assume your board is being pulled by the leash in your direction. That tension can snap it back fast.
A good habit: surface with one arm still guarding your head until you locate your board.
5. Go Limp Underwater (Don’t Fight the Turbulence)
Once you’re underwater, especially in bigger surf, the instinct is to fight your way up immediately.
That’s a mistake.
Whitewater is chaotic and powerful. If you try to swim aggressively against it, you waste oxygen and energy.
Instead:
- Relax your body
- Let the wave finish its energy cycle
- Stay calm and conserve oxygen
The turbulence only lasts a few seconds. Once it settles, then you swim to the surface.
Calmness underwater is one of the most important skills in surfing.
6. Surface Smart, Not Blindly
When you come up:
- Bring a hand over your head as you surface
- Open your eyes early if possible
- Be ready for a second wave
Many surfers get hit not by the first wipeout, but by the next wave in the set because they surfaced unaware.
If you’re in a heavy set:
- Take a quick breath
- Prepare to dive under the next wave if needed
- Stay composed
7. Learn the “Starfish” vs. “Pencil” Strategy
Different wipeouts require different body positions.
The “Starfish” (spread out):
- Best for smaller waves
- Slows you down quickly
- Reduces impact
The “Pencil” (tight and vertical):
- Best for steep drops or late takeoffs
- Enter the water feet-first if possible
- Protects your head in shallow conditions
Knowing when to use each can make a big difference, especially as you progress into steeper or more powerful surf.
8. Respect the Ocean Floor
In beach breaks, reefs, or point breaks, the bottom matters.
If you’re in shallow water:
- Avoid diving headfirst at all costs
- Try to fall flat or feet-first
- Keep limbs loose to absorb impact
If you know the break has a reef or sandbar, adjust your wipeout strategy accordingly. Even a small wave can drive you into the bottom with surprising force.
9. Control Your Leash Tension
Your leash can snap your board back toward you like a slingshot.
To reduce risk:
- Fall away from your board when possible
- Don’t grab your leash mid-wipeout
- After resurfacing, locate your board before relaxing fully
A thicker leash (like those often paired with midlengths and longboards) has more pull—be aware of that recoil.
10. Stay Mentally Composed
Panic is the real danger in wipeouts—not the wave itself.
Training your mind is just as important as training your body:
- Expect wipeouts as part of every session
- Practice holding your breath calmly (even outside the water)
- Build confidence gradually in larger surf
The calmer you are, the safer you’ll be.
11. Match Your Board to Your Ability
The board you ride affects how you wipe out.
For example:
- Longer boards carry more momentum → bigger wipeouts if things go wrong
- Wider, more stable boards → fewer sudden falls
- Performance boards → faster, more critical wipeouts
At Degree 33, our midlengths (like the Easy Rider, Poacher, and Speed Egg) are designed to help you stay in control longer, reducing chaotic falls while still allowing progression.
A stable board doesn’t eliminate wipeouts—but it gives you more time to react and fall well.
12. Practice Falling (Yes, Really)
This might sound strange, but practicing controlled falls helps.
In smaller surf:
- Intentionally step off your board in a controlled way
- Practice falling flat and protecting your head
- Get comfortable being underwater briefly
The more familiar wipeouts feel, the less reactive—and safer—you become.
Final Thoughts
Surfing isn’t about avoiding wipeouts—it’s about mastering them.
Every fall is part of your progression. When you learn how to wipe out safely, you remove fear from the equation. And when fear goes down, performance goes up.
So next time you’re paddling into a wave, remember:
Ride it well—but if you fall, fall better.
That’s real progression.
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