Surfing Waves

if one comes accross a spot where theres a wave that looks somewhat barrely n hollow over a reef, how can you tell whether its surfable without surfing it? i dont want to mash up my board trying to surf a spot that isnt surfable!

cheers,

james

should be able to tell from the shape of the wave and the way its peeling if its surfable, if its barreling it should be surfable, just go down and look for any signs of rocks that are likley to stick up out of the reef making it dodgy to surf

Stating the obvious but make sure you go down at low tide so that you have the best view of whatever is lurking underneath the surface!

If you're not sure, then you're not experienced enough to try surfing it on your own.

If you are sure, you know what is under the water, and what board you need to go out with. You also know if anyone has tried the spot and gotten bang up doing so previously. You also know to bring someone you know along so that if you do end up being wrong and getting into trouble, they are there to pull your ass out, or you are there to pull their ass out.

borrow a sponge and a gath and go belly board it first?

Wait for a nice day and snorkel it?!?!

cheers for all the replies!!. im gonna go have a closer look at the place next time the swell and tides seem to line up. everyones suggestions seem pretty sensible. ive only seen the place from the top of a cliff as yet n im just curious really. im not even sure you can get to it without paddling for miles!


i like the sponge and gath idea best i think!

If you aren't in too much of a hurry wait for a flat day and paddle out on a longboard. Then you can check it all out in intimate detail.

If you are in a big hurry the sponge and lid (and a lot of guts) might be the best shot.

-doug

just paddle out and have a look at it...

Paddle out and surf it! More hollow, the more fun!!

Always worth a try...what's the worst that could happen? (apart from death!)

JMHO. I would hate sponging it with a jagged reef inches below and get hammered into it. I like the ideas of checking it out on a low tide and flat day and to paddle out and see what it is all about.

i like the brin a buddy idea, maybe go htere on a smaller day first to get the hang of the wave.

[quote"Dec"]what's the worst that could happen? (apart from death!)[/quote]

yeah i think death would be the worst thing that could happen. maybe not so likely from the wave but trying to find a way down the cliff.

gdude335 wrote:i like the brin a buddy idea, maybe go htere on a smaller day first to get the hang of the wave.

And I thought my typing was bad after a couple of pints!