The Technique of Falling Off a Surfboard

If you are a surfer, you're going to fall off of your surfboard at least occasionally and perhaps a lot more often than that. owever, there are ways to fall off that won't result in injury.

  1. When Falling is Inevitable

    • When a fall is inevitable and you know it, cover up; place one arm over your face and the other arm across the top of your head; this prevents the surfboard from banging your head and face and protects your head if you have a collision with another surfer's board.

    Fall Backward

    • Try to fall backward and into the wave rather than diving in head first. You may not know the depth of the water that you are in and you don't want to injure your head or neck. If you are going in headfirst, throw your arms out in front so that they will help break your fall. When you fall backward, the surfboard will propel forward toward the beach and won't be behind you; therefore, it cannot be pushed into you or on top of you.

    Close Your Eyes

    • Close your eyes when you fall, but open them as soon as you are oriented so you can figure out which way to swim to get to the surface of the water.

    Under Water

    • When you are under water after a fall, keep your head and face covered until you have resurfaced. When you are in the process of resurfacing, put your hand up first to see if the board is above you. If you collide with it, the fins on the board can cut you. Wait until the wave has fully or at least partially passed and look to see if another wave is coming or a surfer is coming toward you. Find your surfboard.