Before you paddle out

Thirty seconds, then you're in the water. Same water safety rundown every surf school in the country gives you — worth a read even if you've seen it before.

Risk warning

Surfing is dangerous. You can be seriously injured, permanently disabled or killed.

  • Waves and dumping surf — they break with real force and can drive you into the sand.
  • Shallow water and sandbars — hitting the bottom head-first causes neck and spinal injuries, including paralysis.
  • Rips and currents — these change daily and can take you out fast.
  • Your own board — being hit by your own board or leg rope is one of the most common surfing injuries.
  • Other people — collisions with surfers, swimmers and their boards.
  • Marine life, including bluebottles.
  • Cold, sun, exhaustion and dehydration. Winter water is around 17–18°C.

Before you go out

  • Check the board, fins and leg rope now. If anything looks damaged or doesn't feel right, don't use it — bring it back and we'll swap it, no charge and no argument.
  • Wear the leg rope. A loose board is a danger to everyone in the water.
  • Not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Surf outside the flagged area. Boards aren't allowed between the flags — that water is for swimmers. Keep clear of them, follow the lifeguards and the beach signage, and don't lend the board on to anyone else.

This is a risk warning for the purposes of section 5M of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW). It covers the inherent risks of surfing — not the condition of our gear. Nothing here excludes any right you have under the Australian Consumer Law. Full terms of hire.