Mahalo Surf School
Rest assured that the first thing we teach our students is safety, and that isn’t just some mumbo jumbo we throw out there to make you feel better. If somebody gets hurt, then they aren’t having fun. And if they aren‘t having fun, then what is the point of going out that morning?
For the well being of our students and those around us, all of our instructors are fully qualified in both CPR and First Aid, and are proficient swimmers capable of ensuring safety out in the water.
That being said, here are a few safety tips that we teach at the school that we recommend you and/ or your child brush up on before taking the class.
1. Respect the environment.
Always be aware that although surfing can be fun, it can also be dangerous and has the potential to harm you if you become too comfortable with your surroundings. Don’t turn your back on the surf, and never go out in a swell beyond your skill level. (Don’t be a hero!!)
*Also, respect the beach and keep it clean. Always leave it cleaner than you left it.
2. Maintain a positive attitude.
This goes along with the unofficial 10 commandments of surfing. (if you want to look it up search 10 commandments of surfing on Google). One of the biggest dangers in surfing is the surfer who takes things personally. We don’t want to teach students who have bad attitudes and try to pick fights with others. That, to us, is the biggest surfing sin, and we wont tolerate it. Surfing is a way to have fun, relax, and enjoy the blessings we have, and if it becomes something that causes stress, then we need to take a step back and examine our motives.
3. Maintain positive awareness at all times.
Always be on the lookout for other surfers. When paddling out and taking a wave, always avoid other surfers. Also, learn who has the right of way and observe it. Be considerate to those around you and everyone will have a good day.
4. Always wear a leash.
It doesn’t matter if you are just beginning or pro surfer Kelly Slater, you always need to have a leash on your board out in the water. Even the most experienced surfer can sometimes lose control of his board and it can proceed to hurt someone else, so always make sure your leash is on and strapped securely.
5. If you see a fellow surfer in need of help, yell for an instructor.
There is always at least one instructor out there in the water with the students, however their eyes cannot be everywhere at once, so if you encounter another surfer in need of help, we are always ready and able to be there. If you or someone around you needs help, make sure someone is notified.
6. NEVER abandon your board.
We will teach you how to turtle dive, so don’t ditch your board when a wave comes. This becomes a danger for those closer to shore and doesn’t help you learn. If you feel the waves are too big for you, then tell an instructor and they will help you learn closer to shore.
7. Call “Right” or “Left” when dropping in.
This is for the more advanced surfers. Once you learn to ride the shoulder, that is the edge of the wave, then you need to call right or left to designate which direction you will be turning. This helps people avoid running into each other or unintentionally snaking a wave.
These are the major rules involving safety out in the water, but there are always new situations in which each individual will need to exercise good common sense, and, moreover, a good attitude to accommodate it so that everyone can have a good session out there in the water. Be safe and have fun.
Other tips when surfing outside Mahalo Surf School:
1. Be aware of changing weather conditions.
2. When in doubt, ask a lifeguard, they are there to help.
3. If you are a beginner, don’t surf in crowded areas.
You will be a danger both to yourself and those around you.
4. Never surf waves too big for your skill level!
At Mahalo Surf School, we will determine if the swell is too big for a learning environment, but if you’re out there alone or with friends, then you will have to consider yourself if the swell is too big for you.
For the well being of our students and those around us, all of our instructors are fully qualified in both CPR and First Aid, and are proficient swimmers capable of ensuring safety out in the water.
That being said, here are a few safety tips that we teach at the school that we recommend you and/ or your child brush up on before taking the class.
1. Respect the environment.
Always be aware that although surfing can be fun, it can also be dangerous and has the potential to harm you if you become too comfortable with your surroundings. Don’t turn your back on the surf, and never go out in a swell beyond your skill level. (Don’t be a hero!!)
*Also, respect the beach and keep it clean. Always leave it cleaner than you left it.
2. Maintain a positive attitude.
This goes along with the unofficial 10 commandments of surfing. (if you want to look it up search 10 commandments of surfing on Google). One of the biggest dangers in surfing is the surfer who takes things personally. We don’t want to teach students who have bad attitudes and try to pick fights with others. That, to us, is the biggest surfing sin, and we wont tolerate it. Surfing is a way to have fun, relax, and enjoy the blessings we have, and if it becomes something that causes stress, then we need to take a step back and examine our motives.
3. Maintain positive awareness at all times.
Always be on the lookout for other surfers. When paddling out and taking a wave, always avoid other surfers. Also, learn who has the right of way and observe it. Be considerate to those around you and everyone will have a good day.
4. Always wear a leash.
It doesn’t matter if you are just beginning or pro surfer Kelly Slater, you always need to have a leash on your board out in the water. Even the most experienced surfer can sometimes lose control of his board and it can proceed to hurt someone else, so always make sure your leash is on and strapped securely.
5. If you see a fellow surfer in need of help, yell for an instructor.
There is always at least one instructor out there in the water with the students, however their eyes cannot be everywhere at once, so if you encounter another surfer in need of help, we are always ready and able to be there. If you or someone around you needs help, make sure someone is notified.
6. NEVER abandon your board.
We will teach you how to turtle dive, so don’t ditch your board when a wave comes. This becomes a danger for those closer to shore and doesn’t help you learn. If you feel the waves are too big for you, then tell an instructor and they will help you learn closer to shore.
7. Call “Right” or “Left” when dropping in.
This is for the more advanced surfers. Once you learn to ride the shoulder, that is the edge of the wave, then you need to call right or left to designate which direction you will be turning. This helps people avoid running into each other or unintentionally snaking a wave.
These are the major rules involving safety out in the water, but there are always new situations in which each individual will need to exercise good common sense, and, moreover, a good attitude to accommodate it so that everyone can have a good session out there in the water. Be safe and have fun.
Other tips when surfing outside Mahalo Surf School:
1. Be aware of changing weather conditions.
2. When in doubt, ask a lifeguard, they are there to help.
3. If you are a beginner, don’t surf in crowded areas.
You will be a danger both to yourself and those around you.
4. Never surf waves too big for your skill level!
At Mahalo Surf School, we will determine if the swell is too big for a learning environment, but if you’re out there alone or with friends, then you will have to consider yourself if the swell is too big for you.
