Is surfing dangerous?
— Tips to stay safe
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Introduction
If you’ve recently fallen in love with the idea of surfing (welcome to the club!) but find yourself wondering, “Is surfing dangerous?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions new surfers ask. The short answer? Surfing can be dangerous, but with the right mindset, precautions, and knowledge, it can also be a safe and incredibly rewarding sport to learn.
Let’s break down the risks—and how to handle them—so you can paddle out with some more confidence.
The risks of surfing, why it can be dangerous and how to stay safe
1. The ocean is powerful, but not your enemy
One of the most challenging things about learning to surf is that the ocean is always changing — waves, tides, currents and conditions can change in minutes. This not only makes learning to surf difficult, but it can also make it dangerous if you’re not paying attention and you’re not aware of what’s happening around you. The key is to respect the ocean, not fear it.
Safety tips:
- Choose the right spot. Only surf at surf spots that suit your skill level. You can find a big list of beginner-friendly surf destinations here.
Read the surf report. Always check the surf report before heading out and never surf in conditions that are beyond your skill level. You can learn how to read a surf report here.
Stay out of rip currents. Learn how to spot rip currents and how to get out of one (swim parallel to the beach, not directly back in).
Ask locals or lifeguards about the spot before paddling out.
Surf at spots that suit your skill level — beginners should opt for spots with sand bottoms and mellow, soft waves
2. Boards can bite, but you’ll learn to handle them
Your surfboard is your best friend, but also something to watch out for. Beginner wipeouts can sometimes lead to the board hitting you, especially if you’re not used to falling yet.
Safety tips:
Use a soft-top board if you’re new to surfing. Not only are they easier to surf — they also hurt less if you get hit (or if you hit someone else!).
Learn to wipe out (fall) in the right way and cover your head when you wipe out.
Always keep hold of your board in a crowded lineup — do not throw your board. You need to learn how to pass through the break and how to turtle roll when you are in the lineup or on your way out to the lineup. You can learn more about that here.
Use a soft-top surfboard if you’re new to surfing
3. Crowded lineups can be risky
In busy surf spots, especially where beginners and experienced surfers mix, collisions can happen. That’s why it’s so important to learn surf etiquette from day one. You might also want to consider not surfing at a spot that is too crowded if you have other options.
Safety tips:
Learn surf etiquette. Wait your turn in the lineup, observe “right of way”, and don’t “drop in” on someone else’s wave.
Stay out of the way. Don’t get in the way of other surfers when paddling back out to the lineup. You should not paddle straight out where the waves break — instead, paddle around them when you go back out so you don’t get in the way of those surfing breaking waves.
Apologize if you mess up — everyone was new once!
Learn and respect surf etiquette — this is especially important in crowded lineups to avoid collisions
4. Sharks and sea creatures: are they a real threat?
Some spots are “sharkier” than others and some have other sea creatures to look out for such as jellyfish, stingrays and sea urchins. Reef cuts are another danger to be aware of if you surf a reef break (which I do not recommend you to do if you’re a complete beginner).
Shark attacks on surfers are quite rare (although they do happen), and you’re more likely to get injured getting hit by your board than encountering a shark. That said, if it makes you feel uneasy, there’s nothing wrong with choosing surf spots that are known for having fewer sea creatures.
Safety tips:
Research if the spot you plan to surf at is known to have a lot of sharks or other sea creatures, and how common shark attacks are. If your findings make you feel uneasy, you can look for other surf spots. You can also check out Sharkbanz — they have developed shark deterrent products that can help you lower your chances of a shark attack.
Wear reef shoes. If you surf a reef break, wear reef shoes to avoid cutting your feet on the reef or stepping on sea urchins.
Shuffle your feet. Avoid stepping on stingrays hiding under the sand by shuffling your feet when walking in shallow water.
Be aware of sea urchins and rocky reefs — wear reef shoes to avoid cuts
5. Fatigue and sun exposure are often overlooked dangers
Long sessions in the water can leave you dehydrated, sunburned, and make you feel exhausted. And when you’re low on energy or not feeling your best, it’s easier to make mistakes — like getting caught inside, misjudging a wave, or forgetting to watch for others around you. Fatigue is one of the main things that can lead to small accidents or bad decisions, especially when you’re new to surfing and still getting comfortable in the ocean.
That’s why taking care of your body is just as important as learning how to paddle or pop up. Here are a few simple things you can do to stay safe and feel your best in the water:
Safety tips:
Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Here I have listed some popular sunscreen brands for surfers.
- Avoid peak sun hours. If possible, surf early in the morning or later in the afternoon to dodge the strongest UV rays and the hottest part of the day.
Hydrate before and after surfing. Drink plenty of water before and after surfing. If you are surfing a longer session you might want to consider drinking electrolytes before your surf session.
- Fuel your body well. A good night’s sleep and a healthy meal before surfing can make a big difference. Carbs are especially helpful before surfing (or any workout really) — they give you the energy your body needs to paddle, pop up, and stay focused in the water.
Know when to call it a day. If you’re feeling tired, cold, or just not as focused anymore, it’s totally okay to head in. Surfing is more about consistency than pushing yourself too far in one session.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen to stay safe from the sun and help protect coral reefs and sea creatures
So, is surfing dangerous?
So, is surfing dangerous? It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.
Like any sport, surfing has risks. But if you start slow, learn the basics, and stay aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy the ocean more safely and confidently. You can learn the basics with my ‘Surfing for Beginners’ Guide‘.
In fact, for many surfers, one of the best things about surfing is how much it teaches you to stay calm, present, and respectful of nature.
Don’t let fear keep you from getting started. Choose a beginner-friendly surf spot and board, take a few lessons, and learn surf etiquette. Most importantly: have fun. The stoke is real, and the rewards are so worth it.
Quiz: test your knowledge
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!