How to Surf With an Artificial Leg

The challenge of surfing with a prosthesis does not arise from having an artificial leg, but rather the inherently difficult nature of learning how to surf. A prosthesis should not keep you out of the water, nor should it prevent you from experiencing the pure joy of surfing. As long as you can swim, are sure to take the appropriate precautions and are ready to be challenged, you can surely have a great experience surfing.

Things You'll Need

  • Surfboard
  • Waterproof prosthesis or prosthesis cover
  • Wetsuit (for cold water)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your artificial leg can be fully submerged in ocean water before you go surfing. Check with your doctor and/or prosthesis manufacturer. Saltwater is very corrosive and can damage materials not meant to withstand its corrosive nature. If appropriate, you may also consider using a waterproof prosthesis cover.

    • 2

      Ensure your artificial leg is well attached and will not detach due to water turbulence or falling off your surfboard. It could be both dangerous, and ultimately costly, to lose your prosthesis in the surf.

    • 3

      Be sure that your prosthesis can support a considerable amount of weight. You will be placing considerable weight on it as you begin to stand on your surfboard.

    • 4

      Practice standing up. A good way to do this is to set your surfboard on a very soft surface (e.g., sand) and go through the motions of standing up: begin by doing a push-up on your board and then bring one leg forward as you pivot the back foot. You should end standing up on both legs and facing sideways in relation to the board.

    • 5

      After you feel comfortable with the standing-up process, enter the water. Always make sure your surfboard is oriented perpendicular to the waves, otherwise waves will propel the board towards you. Either walk out to where the waves are breaking, or paddle by deeply digging your arms into the water and pulling backwards on both sides of the board.

    • 6

      To catch a wave, paddle perpendicular to a wave and in the same direction that it is moving. Paddle hard so that you build momentum before the wave reaches you, otherwise the wave will hit you and continue past without carrying you along.

    • 7

      Once you feel as though the wave is carrying you across the water, stand up in the same manner you practiced before you entered the water.