Surfing, swimming and other outside activities are great fun and relaxing; however, when you’ve finished with these activities or taking a break from them, you need to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreen, towels and swimsuits protect your body but you also need sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful rays of the sun.

Often, some of us forget how dangerous and harmful the suns (UV) rays can be to our eyes. The damage that can occur is usually gradual and not noticeable for a long time. Over exposure to the sun can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. Some also feel that overexposure to the sun’s rays can contribute to a kind of growth on the surface of the eye—known as pterygium.

Buy Quality Sunglasses

So, to prevent damage to your eyes, purchase sunglasses that block out 99-100% of the UV rays. Make certain that they are quality glasses and not an inexpensive brand that are ineffective and put your eyes in danger. Too much exposure to the eyes can also cause sunburn of the eyes and that can be painful. When this happens one will experience pain for a few hours after exposure from the sun. This condition is often temporary and goes away within a day or two but if it persists, a physician should be seen.

Protect Yourself from Reflecting Water

Another point to keep in mind when you’re surfing is to be aware of the sun—and its reflection off the water. This reflection of the water on the eyes is intense and puts additional strain on the eyes; especially if the exposure goes on for too many hours. Other things you can do to protect your eyes when not surfing is to wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and when you swim protect your eyes by wearing goggles. Goggles will protect your eyes from the sun and from chlorine—especially if you’re swimming in a pool. Chlorine can make your eyes puffy and red. And, if you swim or surf in a lake, bacteria can get underneath your contact lenses and bring on inflammation of the cornea.

Looking to get 3D glasses with a bit more personality?
 

In this day and age many parents are starting early with instilling morals and values in their children like respecting children of all races, helping others and saving the planet but what about loving the ocean?

Instilling a love for the ocean in children at an early age is important because the ocean faces more and more challenges every single year and as civilization progresses there will be a need for more people to step up and fight for the health of the world’s oceans.

How To Get Started

Many children first fall in love with the ocean and marine life during their school age years thanks to field trips to their local aquarium, instruction from teachers in their science classes and more.

When children come home a parent can keep up their children’s love of the ocean by planning weekend trips with their children to the ocean to explore tide pools and to the local library to rent DVD’s and check out books about the ocean too.

Encourage It

Once a child expresses a love for the ocean it’s important to encourage it every way possible by making regular trips to the ocean, encouraging children to collect seashells, study sea creatures that have washed up on the beach and take pictures of birds and other things that they find on trips to the ocean so they can remember their experiences for years to come.

With the Internet age parents have a huge asset at their disposal and have the ability to literally bring the ocean into their homes unlike ten or twenty years ago. Every parent who has a child that loves the ocean should make an effort to sit down with their child on a regular basis to watch videos about the ocean, study conservation websites and make every effort to insure that their child is up to date with the latest information to save the oceans.

When the time comes to take a family trip to the ocean, don’t forget all the supplies you need life jackets, towels. Also remember the after day at the beach supplies, such as soap and dream baby bath spout cover.

Many surfers are dedicated to getting in a surfing session whenever they can and will spending all the money that they have to go where the waves are but as surfers age the harmful effects of spending so much time in the salt water and open air begins to have an adverse effect on their skin.

How Surfers Can Protect Their Skin

People who love surfing and don’t want to stop enjoying it as they get older must take protecting their skin more seriously by investing in a heavy duty full body sunblock plus lip balm that’s at least a 30 SPF and then rubbing that sunblock on the parts of their body that will be exposed to the sun before their next time out in the water.

Many male surfers who are losing their hair as they grow older should consider investing in a cap with a brim that they can wear in the water because the cap will protect their head and shade their eyes as they wait for their next wave.

Another thing that surfers should consider investing in is a rash vest or rash guard. These are excellent for protecting surfer’s shoulders and back from getting sunburned.

Skin Care Routine At Home

Once a surfer comes home from another surfing session they can feel as greased up as their surf boards and the first thing they usually do is take a shower. To insure that all traces of sunblock are removed from their bodies, surfers should invest in a flannel wash cloth and good over the counter shower gel to insure that all traces of sunblock, salt and other pollutants from the water are removed.

Older surfers who had one to many sunburns over the years and are noticing that their faces are beginning to show the effects of time should consider skin care treatments like Dermal Fillers or Juvederm UK to reduce facial lines, lift sagging skin and keep their youthful appearance for years to come.

Fundraising can be great fun and help many in need. A surfer themed fundraising website can be especially fun but planning for it must be detailed and organized. To ensure that your surfer themed fundraiser is effective and great fun, think first about the invitation. You can choose from such patterns and titles as: Beach Resort: Surf, Seaside Palms, Bright Boards: Light Turquoise or Birthday Surfari: Khaki.

How about Sending out Celebrate Cards?

You can also send out Let’s Celebrate Cards, Reply Cards or a Welcome Letter for Out of Towners with this kind of event. You will also need to buy some surf party table linens. There are many options to choose from. If your budget is limited, try a classic solid linen such as a cream linen or complimentary white linen. If you are hosting a surfing them party in your home, most color schemes will work. Always plan your table décor around your linen colors. Place mats can also work and give a creative and fun look. You can also use place mats as place cards by making a page for each guest. Keep in mind, too, your place card table buffet tables, your gift table and other tables when deciding on your linen count.

Centerpieces are a Must!

For centerpieces that can make this event stand out, think about pouring sand in the middle of table. Then, place a palm tree on the sand—a little bit off center and a sculpture in the center. Tropical flower arrangements add beauty and charm to surfer themed fundraisers. You can have fun and add color and zest to this kind of event by choosing a different sculpture for every table. Once the party is over, you can give to special friends or family, certain figures or donate them to charitable organizations.

If you like to surf, don’t be concerned about wearing glasses. There are plenty of options for people who like to play sports and for people who like to be in the water. You can now get eyeglasses that are more like goggles, so you can still see while you surf. They won’t come off in the water and you won’t have to worry about damaging them because they’re built very strongly. While they can cost more than regular glasses, they’re very important for anyone who’s into water sports.

Surfing Safely Means Being Able to See Danger

Some people just leave their eyeglasses behind when surfing, so they don’t risk losing them. Unfortunately, that can keep them from seeing the dangers that exist. Surfers can be harmed by sharks, boats and personal watercraft, other water sport enthusiasts, and obstructions in the water like sand bars and reefs. Wearing glasses doesn’t guarantee you’ll see everything in time to avoid a problem, but you’ll have a lot better chance of seeing things clearly and correctly.

Make Sure You Get Good Glasses

Whether you choose actual glasses or elect to get a goggle-style lens that you can easily wear while surfing, make sure you get something that’s going to hold up well. You don’t want your lenses to get damaged, scratched, or broken, and you certainly don’t want to lose your glasses – no matter what style they are – to a rough wave that you weren’t expecting.

Overall, wearing eyeglasses should never stop you from surfing. Just investigate the possibilities and determine what you need in order to handle your surfing safely. There are only so many dangers you can protect yourself from, but being able to see well while you’re out on the water is something you can do to help avoid problems and have a better time.

Big-wave surfers are mental. 40-knot winds and sheeting rain do not deter them from riding big swell. When the buoy readings get into the 7, 8, 9 meter-range, then big-wave surfers grab their gear and head out to chance that the wind and sea will cooperate just long enough for them to get a few glorious rides.

That’s exactly what happened to Alfy Carter and Dave Delroy Carr last week off the southwest Australian coast. The swell was predicted to be big, so they were hoping to get some waves. Everyone else stayed home due to the gale-force winds and terrible weather. When the two surfers arrived, the water was freezing, the wind was howling, and the upset water was a deep chocolate-brown.

As they hoped, the wind died down and they got a chance to snap some photos of the monstrous waves. Alfy caught one wave that will put him in contention for Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards to be judged in February 2010. He also got one that tossed him like a rag-doll towards the limestone reef below the black water. He had too much speed, stalled too hard, and was pulled up the face before being thrown toward the reef.

This was Dave’s first session with Alfy and he thinks they got pretty lucky. He’s hoping to get to the spot again on another big day. Competing for the $35,000 prize up for grabs is a big incentive to catch the biggest wave surfed in Australian waters for the season.

All it takes to become a surfer is a board, a beach, and some determination. Anyone new to surfing that doesn’t have a friend or mentor to introduce the sport needs to learn the rules. Knowing the dos and don’ts will prevent injuries, fights, dirty looks, and maybe even save your life. Surfing is fun, but the ocean needs to be respected.

First, know your limits. “When in doubt, don’t go out.” If you are uncomfortable with the conditions, then stay on the beach. There is no shame in watching a swell as it comes into your local beach. The more you watch the more you will learn about the ocean and her moods. Study the waves, how the current moves, where the rips are. You may find that after some time watching you feel confident and want to try. This rule also implies that you are fit and comfortable with the ocean. People that are fit and have good stamina can push their limits, while fair-weather or out of shape surfers should really make sure they are ready for the conditions.

Next, always tell someone where you are going or bring a buddy. The buddy system kept you alive on field trips in first grade and it will keep you safe while surfing. Whether the waves are small or huge, having a friend around to keep an eye out for each other is helpful. If no one will surf with you or you prefer to be alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look for the lifeguard tower if there is one, any dangerous rock outcroppings in the water, and locate rips. If the is strong current, watch a few sets come in and determine the best way to paddle out before you get wet. Notice the crowd and judge the skill level. Beginner surfers are less able to control their boards and crowds increase the risk of injury. Remember, most surfing injuries are caused by surfboards striking surfers.

Don’t paddle out if you are drunk, extremely hung-over, or in any other fashion intoxicated. It is unsafe for you and those around to not be in control, especially when the waves are big. Save the drinking for after your session. Give yourself 45 minutes to digest food before paddling out.

Once you are ready to paddle out, observe the basic rules in the line-up. Give priority to the surfer closest to the peak or first on his feet. Learn how to duck dive and don’t throw your board in a crowd. If you can’t control your board, keep practicing and avoid endangering others by avoided crowds in serious conditions. Respect locals and the pecking order, especially if you are visiting. Just because a friend invited you to surf a new spot, doesn’t mean the locals are going to like you in the line-up. Show respect and surf well. Nothing gains respect like surfing well.

The ASP World Tour may experience a few changes in the near future. Held recently on the Gold Coast, a summit of ASP “stakeholders” discussed a single tier ranking system that would open WT events to WQS surfers.

In the past, surfers have had to compete and rank high on the qualifying tour to be able to compete on the Championship Tour the following year. The trouble for surfers not in the top ranks of the WT is that they will have to qualify for the tour again next year. Essentially, all but the absolute top surfers have to surf the WQS and the WT simultaneously.

Other significant happenings at the summit involved a “substantial” increase in WT prize money and a declaration of loyalty to the WT by event franchisees. There is a proposed new super-tour threatening the long-standing and prestigious WT. The summit sent a clear message that the surf industry will not back the super-tour and the promoters will need to elsewhere for support and money.

The ASP also discussed the problem with inconsistent Internet coverage of events. There is no uniform way of distributing video of the events, especially live feeds from multiple sources. The ASP would like to develop a plan to bring continuity and valid information the fans around the world that tune into the Internet for live event coverage.

The ASP is facing an exciting time with so much happening. They know they have a supportive fan and sponsor base, and now can work on improving the competition. The surfers and event reps that make up the ASP governing body will vote on the changes presented at the summit in October.

When you are sitting at home watching surf videos of the best surfers in the world, it all looks easy enough. When you finally decide to give it a try, it feels a lot more difficult.

The first thing to do when deciding to take up surfing is get fit and get comfortable in the ocean. Assuming you are ready, the first real part of learning to surf is learning how to catch a wave.

The physics behind catching waves is really quite simple. In order to catch a wave, you need to be traveling at the same rate the wave is breaking. This is why you see surfers patiently waiting for a wave turn around and start to paddle before the wave is near them. Slower surfers sit out a little further so they have more time to build up momentum. Strong surfers seem to be able to sit in the critical spot and catch a wave with just two strokes.

Timing and wave selection take practice. The best advice is to sit in the line-up near another surfers of your same fitness and experience level. Mimic the ones that catch waves and simply do as they do. The more ocean knowledge you have going into the sport, the faster you will experience success.

There are several different types of waves, even at the same beach with different tides. Beginners do better learning at breaks where the waves break soft and don’t barrel. Longer beaches tend to have mellower waves, and tide can affect the shape of waves. Most reefs should be saved for surfing once you get better.

The Beachley Commonwealth Classic has become an important event on the women’s ASP tour. Previously held at Layne Beachley’s home break Manly Beach, the event held September 30- October 5, 2009 will move to Dee Why Point.

The Beachley Commonwealth Classic is the third stop of seven for the women on tour this year. The move of this event to Dee Why should provide an extra challenge for the women. Waves and currents are stronger, so competitors need to be at the top of their athletic game.

Two-time ASP World Women’s Champion Stephanie Gilmore is currently rated number one. She is hoping to win this event and says she is ready for Dee Why. Stephanie has spent the past few months exploring California and surfing point breaks there. No current is going to keep her from a third title.

The 17 women on the tour this year are just getting done with a long break. The Commonwealth Beachley Classic will be difficult for that reason. This year it is made even more difficult for seasoned pros like Stephanie Gilmore and Layne Beachley because there are 5 rookies this year. It’s like having 5 wild cards; anything can happen.

Last year, everyone was surprised when young Tyler Wright won the event. She is just 15 this year and ready to win again. She is the youngest surfer to ever win a prestigious ASP women’s event, and the pressure is on. She’s hoping to get past the nerves and just be excited to surf against the elite female surfers.