Max Perrot
With some of the loveliest and cleanest beaches in Australia people from all over the planet come to enjoy the Byron Shire.
The area is becoming know for having one of the most diverse populations of surfers in the world, as on any given day you will see all types enjoying their water time with a mashup of ages, genders, surf craft and fashions on display.
Visitors looking to enjoy a surf should follow these helpful tips to make their stay a safe one, as the most easterly point on Australia the Bay is exposed to ever-changing conditions and strong currents and swells:
Are you and all your family good swimmers? If not then you should only swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach where the professional lifeguards and volunteer life savers can keep a watch, and offer safety advice.
If you are an experienced and fit swimmer or surfer you still need to proceed with caution. Be aware that near headlands and outcrops of rock there often hidden rips and currents.
Trying to swim or paddle directly against these rips and is almost impossible even for the fittest person so watch the experienced surfers and observe their entry and exit points before paddling out.
It is crucial to remember that a surfer riding a wave always has right-of-way over those paddling out.
Don’t paddle for a wave and ‘drop in’ if someone is already riding it.
Use a legrope and hang onto your board rather than throw it behind you when caught inside by a set; loose boards can kill.
If you are a beginner you should first get a few lessons with an accredited surf school and following that you should be in the whitewater zone rather than where all the experienced surfers are, as you will have much more fun and avoid a nasty injury.
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