Surfing Waves

Just curious as to what folks generally think of when defining a competent swimmer - with respect to reasonable safety to engage in surfing. Of course, I realize this depends on conditions to include currents, wave height , etc. But generally speaking, lets say for the sake of argument we're talking a beach break that's typically in the wave height range of 2-4'. What do you think the average persons swimming competency/ability should be before venturing out?

Using myself as an example, I have tremendous respect for the ocean and its power and know my limits. I'm a bit of a geezer (53) in good health and can swim 500 yards or so (various strokes) without a lot of difficulty.....having said that, I find myself pretty much sticking within the parameters I outlined in the above (beach break/2-4') as I'm only two seasons into the sport.

Interested in thoughts......

My opinion about a competent surf swimmer has only somewhat to do with pool ability.
It is about being able to deal with the extremes of the surf as it is on any given day.
Having the knowledge to be able to marry a good aerobic fitness, to be able to get to shore.
To be able to body surf to get to shore.
To understand the rips and currents of a beach and know the way to avoid struggling against them and to get to shore.
Being able relax in a wipeout or challenging situation
I really think it is more about being a competent waterman, as I've seen very good swimmers just reduced to babbling wrecks by surf panic.
Knowing your own limits in size and type of surf and last but not least being self sufficient in the surf. ( there aren't always lifeguards and your leash is not unbreakable).

Where I live on the island of Kauai there are lots of swimmers who have skills for swimming in a pool that get into trouble in the ocean off Kauai. What makes one ocean competent is 3 things (maybe more) but basically 1) ability to swim 2) knowing the ocean, waves, currents, shorelines, hazards, 3) knowing your own limits within the context of the current ocean conditions. In a pool you are not exposed to currents and can easily get to the side if you are a competent swimmer in the case of a cramp or whatever and if nothing else you can feel confident that someone will rescue you if you float around and scream for help. In a pool they have smooth edges and no waves so climbing out is a piece of cake and there are even ladders to help you get out.

You can swim the distance of 5 football ( sorry Jaffa, not soccer ) fields ?? I don't think I could make it to the 50 yard line without a small dog paddle in between. You in my opinion are a very competent swimmer. But I know a Olympic swimmer that surfed at the break I was at and he wasn't very good at catching waves. Again knowing the ocean, knowing the wave, your technique, position and timing are more important than raw power.

Good discussion.... totally agree with the fact that there are those who are amazing swimmers in the pool who can swim great distances but fail miserably in the ocean environment when exposed to waves, currents, chop, varying water temps, etc.

As I mentioned initially, I have tremendous respect for the ocean and because I only get to surf 10-20 times per year I tend to really pick my days....Upon arriving at the beach breaks I frequent I'm still at the point of hoping to find ankle slappers to knee to waist waves. For me, (I think) at this point its more about becoming more comfortable in my ocean surroundings so I don't freak if my leash breaks or I find myself in a situation requiring a cool head. Because I only surf a few weeks a year (I'm really gonna try more this year) I find myself having to slowly acclimate to the surf/ocean. I'm blown away by people who paddle well offshore and sit outside great distances from the beach....I could never even begin to think about doing that at this point even if it was flat calm. Hopefully with more time in the water I'll develop more comfort, capability, and technique.

Well some of the people who paddle way off shore probably shouldn't. I think you should never go surfing at a place that you coudln't get back in without your board because you never know what will happen. I grew up in the ocean learned to swim initially in the ocean. My mom took me to a tidepool. But from there I took swimming lessons and joined the swim team and took Junior lifeguard classes. I also bodysurfed fairly huge waves and then body boarded even bigger waves and then did kneeboarding. By the time I was surfing I had an incredible amount of ocean experience but still I wouldn't go if I felt uncomfortable there. Now if the ocean is rough I spend a little time looking at it and planning what what I would do if worse comes to worse before I go out. I occaisionally paddle out to a break that is 500 to 600 yards out. More often I go to one that is 400 yards out. I am 61 years old and where I go surf is the same place I grew up and has been my home break for 57 years. I am not really sure if I can swim 500 yards easily in the ocean but I am sure if needed I can swim miles (but maybe suffer for it later)

"I am not really sure if I can swim 500 yards easily in the ocean but I am sure if needed I can swim miles (but maybe suffer for it later)"

This statement (to me) rings loudly, and is what I strive for......to have 100% confidence that is something whacky happens I can find my way home. Somewhat akin perhaps to getting lost in the woods with visibility, or snow, temp drops, flahshflood, etc., and knowing if need be, you'd be okay. That confindence (not arrogance or ignorance) is what I strive for!!

waikikikichan wrote:( sorry Jaffa, not soccer ) fields ??

Rugby Union was my game, and that is about as much football as NFL more running ball really

Australia has reached the semifinals of the Asia Cup in football Football.

"You can swim the distance of 5 football ( sorry Jaffa, not soccer ) fields ?? I don't think I could make it to the 50 yard line without a small dog paddle in between. You in my opinion are a very competent swimmer."

Ahhhh no! The simple fact that I swim in a 25 yards pool gives me an artificial (very close) horizon - not to mention lane lines. Only way for me to feel more "competent" would be to complete an open water swim from 100, 200, or 300 yards from offshore the beach of continuous swimming.

.......in various conditions!

"Competent" obviously depends on conditions and as others have noted, open ocean swimming and pool swimming are different beasts.. But IMO at a bare minimum you should be able to swim several times the paddle out length at your break at a steady pace without stopping - so if it is 400 meters, you ought to be able to swim a mile in a pool without major difficulty. If waves are big or there are significant rips, more than that. Sooner or later you are going to break a leash or your board - better be ready when that happens.