1.) Identify potential hazards such as currents, rocks, as well as entry and exit points.
2.) Respect the ocean and learn the culture of surfing. "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures."
3) Know your personal limits of ability of your equipment, yourself and physical fitness and adapt them to your session.
4) Allow your body to rest adequately between surfing sessions, eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein and avoid fad diets, processed foods, drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
5) Warm up prior to surfing, and stretch before and after.
6) Use surfing as an outlet to increase self awareness and become a better individual. Do not harass others or become a victim to feeling surf rage, but rather take an opportunity to teach and learn in each session.
7) Stay hydrated with water, rather than soda, juice, beer or other beverages.
8) Obtain a full night's sleep. A full night's sleep is important for full recovery.
9) Understand the proper technique. First understand where your balance or center-of-gravity is, then add rotations, flexions and extensions from that position. You can move as hard and fast as your balance allows.
10) Understanding your equipment. Talk with your shaper to better understand your equipment and obtain maximum benefits.
11) Watch and critique yourself on video. Technique is essential when attempting to learn new manoeuvres.
12) Watch the pros. When you are trying to learn new things watch videos of top pros, try to watch everything from the approach to the exit of the manoeuvre you want to learn.
13) Have fun! Don't get too uptight about crowds, wave counts etc. Remember what you are there for in the first place: to have FUN!
