Surf Survival Training

Here you get some infos about the surf survival training for surfers. Especially in big waves, surfing can be very dangerous and that is why all big wave surfers regularly train the survival of a wipe-out in a giant wave.

And anyone who ever had a wipe-out in a larger wave knows why. Firstly, the force and power of the water masses of large waves should never be underestimated, but also not the height from which one can fall down. So many surfers, when falling down to the bottom of the wave, got a dislocated shoulder on the hard impact on the water, or even has broken something.

In addition, the water masses after the fall literally press you under water and can hold you there for some time, depending on how big the wave was and how much water it has transported. If the wave keeps you afloat for a long time after the fall, it's called a hold-down.

But with the right surf survival training you prepare yourself for these life-threatening extreme situations in surfing and train these scenarios specifically under water.

So a wipe-out in big waves can be very dangerous and therefore you should have dealt with the most important survival rules, before you really want to surf big waves.

The most important basics to survive a violent wipe-out

Do not be afraid of a wipe-out (fall) or the height of the wave. Fear is never a good companion while surfing!
Just before you dive into the water, try to take extra deep breaths to fill your lungs with enough oxygen for the diving session.
If you fall over a hard surface such as a reef or rocks, then try to enclose your head sidewards with both arms when you dive into the water, to protect your head from an impact on the ground.
If you're underwater after the fall, stay calm and do not panic! Hustle and panic lets you consume significantly more oxygen at the moment. So stay calm and let it pass over you and wait as relaxed as possible in this situation until the water masses have finished throwing you through.
Now you can quickly swim back to the water surface with strong arm pulls. But stay calm again and do not get hectic when surfacing.
After emerging from the water, you can finally take a deep breath again.
Look around immediately and orientate yourself after surfacing. Watch for the next oncoming wave, react in time and get yourself back to safety first.

This is what a wipe-out looks under water

In the following short video, you can see what happens when you fall underwater in a big wave. A washing machine for people is still understated!