Jun 09, 2025

Surf Safety Guide: Staying Safe While Catching Waves

Surfing is one of the most rewarding, exhilarating sports on the planet—but like any ocean activity, it comes with risks. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just starting out, understanding how to stay safe in the surf is non-negotiable. This guide walks through key safety practices, tips for navigating busy summer lineups, and how equipment like Degree 33's Hybrid EpoxySoft boards and the Perfect Foamie can help protect surfers from injury—especially beginners just getting their feet wet.

I. Ocean Safety Basics Every Surfer Should Know

1. Know Your Limits

Before entering the water, be honest about your skill level. Conditions like large surf, strong rip currents, or crowded breaks are not the place to experiment if you’re still learning.

Beginners should stick to smaller waves (2–3 feet).
Avoid reef breaks or rocky shorelines until you're confident in your control.

2. Read the Conditions

Understanding what the ocean is doing is crucial:

Check surf reports (Swell direction, wave height, wind, tides).
Learn how to spot rip currents, which can pull you away from shore. They often appear as a channel of calmer-looking water between breaking waves.
Be aware of tide changes, which can impact wave behavior and water depth.

3. Use the Right Equipment

Having the right surfboard, leash, fins, and wetsuit for your skill level and the day's conditions makes all the difference. Boards like Degree 33’s Hybrid EpoxySoft construction or the Perfect Foamie are specifically engineered for safety and ease of use—more on that below.

II. Managing Summer Crowds: Safety in the Lineup

Summertime means warmer water, better weather, and unfortunately, heavier crowds. It’s important to know how to safely navigate the lineup during peak season:

1. Respect the Right of Way

Surf etiquette exists to keep everyone safe. The surfer closest to the peak (the breaking part of the wave) has the right of way.

Don’t drop in (take a wave someone else is already riding).
Don't snake (paddle around others to take position).

Violating these can cause collisions and injuries—not to mention tension in the water.

2. Practice Controlled Paddling

Paddle wide around the break zone when heading back out after a ride. Don’t paddle into the path of someone riding a wave.

If you're caught inside a wave path, duck-dive or turtle roll (for longboards or foamies) to reduce impact and avoid being in someone’s way.

3. Be Hyper Aware

Crowded waters require extra vigilance. Keep your head on a swivel, especially when multiple surfers are paddling for the same wave.

Make eye contact to communicate intent.
Call “left” or “right” if you're sharing a wave with someone on the opposite direction.

4. Keep Control of Your Board

Never ditch your board unless it’s absolutely necessary. Loose boards in a crowded lineup are dangerous.

Leashes help, but soft-top boards like Degree 33’s Hybrid EpoxySoft or the Perfect Foamie offer a crucial layer of protection if boards collide.

III. Gear That Keeps You Safer: Why Board Choice Matters

1. Degree 33’s Hybrid EpoxySoft: Safety Meets Performance

The Hybrid EpoxySoft line from Degree 33 is a game-changer, especially for surfers who want safety without sacrificing performance. Board's in this construction range from fishes to longboards and everything in between.

Key Safety Features:

Soft Deck Construction: The soft top absorbs more impact if it hits you or another surfer. This is crucial in preventing cuts, bruises, and even concussions.
Rounded Rails and Nose: Reduces sharp edges, making the board less dangerous in crowded lineups or wipeouts.
Epoxy Core: Unlike typical foam boards, the EpoxySoft has a high-performance epoxy core, making it more responsive while still beginner-friendly.
Durability: Holds up better than standard soft boards—safer for the long run and less likely to break into dangerous debris during collisions.

Perfect for:

Beginner to Advanced surfers in busy lineups.
Surfers looking for one board to use in a range of conditions.
Surf schools or casual surfers who want to minimize injury risk without giving up feel.

2. The Perfect Foamie: Made for First-Timers

The Perfect Foamie by Degree 33 is designed with day-one surfers in mind. It’s not just a training board—it’s your best friend when you’re still learning the ropes and need all the safety you can get.

Why It’s Ideal for Beginners:

100% Soft Top and Rails: Ultra-forgiving design. If you bail or fall on it (or get hit), you’re far less likely to get hurt.
Extra Volume: Easier paddling, better balance. Helps new surfers catch waves early and get up more quickly.
Stable Shape: Wide outline and flat rocker make it stable and predictable in the water.
Strong Leash Plug & Handle: Designed with user-friendliness in mind. Great for kids, teens, and adults alike.

When you're just learning, falling off the board is part of the game. The Perfect Foamie makes that part safer and less intimidating.

IV. Dealing with Wipeouts Safely

Falling off your board is part of surfing—but how you handle a wipeout can reduce injury.

1. Fall Flat

Try to land flat and spread your body to avoid going too deep or hitting the bottom hard. Protect your head with your arms if you feel close to the seafloor.

2. Don’t Panic Underwater

Stay calm. You’ll resurface in a few seconds. Panicking burns oxygen and can increase the risk of injury.

3. Hold Your Head

If your board is tumbling near you, protect your head with your arms as you surface.

4. Leash Awareness

Your leash can wrap around limbs or drag you under briefly. Be aware of its pull and don’t yank on it hard while underwater.

Soft-top boards are much less likely to cause head injuries during wipeouts, which is critical in crowded conditions.

V. Teaching Kids or Friends? Prioritize Safety

If you're introducing someone else to surfing, especially a child or first-timer, here’s how to keep them safe:

Start on Small Days: Knee to waist-high surf.
Use the Perfect Foamie: Safe and forgiving, these are ideal for learners of all ages.
Supervise Closely: Stay near them, especially when waves are inconsistent.
Focus on One Skill at a Time: First paddling, then popping up. Don’t rush.
Teach Surf Etiquette Early: It’ll prevent accidents later.

VI. Bonus Tips for Long-Term Surf Safety

1. Take Surf Lessons

Even one professional lesson can make a huge difference in understanding ocean dynamics, surf etiquette, and technique. Surf instructors often recommend soft-top boards like the Hybrid EpoxySoft or the Perfect Foamie for new surfers.

2. Hydrate and Wear Sunscreen

It’s easy to forget how much energy you burn in the sun. Dehydration and sunburn can sneak up fast in the water.

3. Don’t Surf Alone

Especially as a beginner. Having others around improves your safety dramatically if anything goes wrong.

4. Avoid Wildlife Areas

Stay clear of known seal colonies or fishing spots—these often attract predators like sharks. Early morning and dusk are higher-risk times for animal encounters.

VII. Recap: Surf Safe, Surf Smart

Ocean safety is a mix of awareness, etiquette, and equipment. With crowds peaking during the summer, it’s more important than ever to stay alert, follow the rules, and make smart gear choices.

Your Takeaways:

Respect the ocean—understand its power.
Respect others—follow etiquette and communicate in the water.
Choose smart gear—boards like the Hybrid EpoxySoft and the Perfect Foamie offer real injury prevention features.
Stay aware—conditions, people, your limits, and your board.

Whether you're paddling out for your first wave or you’ve surfed for years, these principles protect you and everyone around you.

Looking for the safest boards for summer fun?

👉 Check out Degree 33’s Hybrid EpoxySoft for a high-performance soft-top hybrid.

👉 New to surfing? The Perfect Foamie is your best bet for safe, confident learning.