Rip question

[scuba steve]

I was just reading up on rip currents and now know how they are created and can be spotted. I was wondering though, is there any way of knowing when they are useful to take you out back and when they are just plain dangerous.
I read they can span from a width of 20-100 metres and can travel up to a kilometer out to sea, is there any way of knowing from the beach where it stops?
They seem useful on heavy beach breaks but in an unknown environment is it dangerous to use a rip current if you do not know the strength of what you are getting into?

Any help would be great

[Surfing-Innovation]

How long is a bit of string??

Depends on the break, the conditions, tide state and height, how good your paddling is, etc.

Just watch other people paddle out - if it looks like the rip is helping them and they aren't having problems getting out of it, then fine - if in doubt, stay out of it!!

Ask the locals - they tend to be helpful in the main.

Always make studying the conditions part of each surf trip - especially on a new break - and if that means wasting an entire day just waiting for low tide to study the potential hazards, then so be it.

If you just jump into the sea without any forthought, then you're asking for trouble........

[dougirwin13]

Yeah, watching/asking the locals is best...

Otherwise ask a lifeguard - they KNOW their beach, man.

Failing all that go to one side clear of the rip and slowly paddle into the edge of it... Not too far! Then, when it's taken you out paddle back out of the edge.

-doug

[scuba steve]

Yeah cool, I was'nt planning to jump into rips, I was thinking what's the best way to know whether or not it is safe, I suppose if no-one else is using it, stay away!