So, in an ever changing world here is the latest position. I know a lot of people don’t agree, but then some NHS staff are still surfing and don’t see it as high risk. So first the statement, then some suggestions about how we can self regulate and keep everyone safe. Feel free to chip in!

“The NPCC guidelines does not say whether you can or cannot drive to do your exercise.

“I am telling my officers people can surf and some may well drive to surf.

“In addition, people are being warned to exercise alone or with people they are already isolated with. We don’t want to see groups of friends from different households gathering at beaches.

“Government advice remains the same, and it is expressly to prevent the spread of coronavirus, to save lives, and to protect the NHS.

“There has been much discussion around what the legislation does and doesn’t specifically prohibit. The legal aspects of the legislation are based upon whether a person’s actions are reasonable or not. Officers will continue to make individual judgements based on the specific circumstances presented to them.”

So there has been a lot of chat on social media with everyone falling out about who should and shouldn’t surf, if anyone. Surfers are being arrested, shot at, and abused worldwide. The problem being compounded here in the UK by mixed messages from Police – (“You can swim but can’t surf”, “You can surf if you can walk”). Also, firm opinions on both side of the argument.

So, I’m just going to chuck a few opinions out there. Feel free comment and get off your chest. We all love surfing, and we are all in it together.

So let’s break it down.

Non-essential travel.
The crisis hit with surf and sun and the first thing everyone did was hit the road. Hundreds and thousands of people went out to self-isolate, together. Beaches and parks were packed. No one took isolation seriously.

Non-essential travel was banned for a scientific reason, i.e. to reduce the spread of the virus. No one took any notice, so he police took action. Even if you think you take precautions, travel alone, go into the sea alone if there are 5 million people who feel the same. I mean do the maths. It isn’t going to work, is it? People will die because of your actions.Now we are seeing holidaymakers and second homeowners ignoring rules flocking to the coast. Most have surfboards of some sort.

The message is Do Not Travel. So don’t

Surfing is a low incident, low-risk sport.

It is, and if an expert surfer is surfing two-foot waves on their local beach, chances are nothing is going to happen. But the problem here is that we are all kooks and we all push limits and none of us like being told what to do.

Last week I saw surfers of intermediate ability and questionable ocean knowledge paddling out into waves they clearly couldn’t surf very well. Learners were rescued right around the country. Meanwhile, at the expert end, some people were still going for it and pushing performance limits in crowded surf which in itself increases the risk of injury.

The common thread here is that we all want to surf, but no one I’ve ever rescued or treated for fins cuts or injuries thought they were a problem before they became one.

Beginners are all like “Oh I didn’t know if I jumped into a rip at low tide with fifteen-foot waves, no leash, shitty Tesco wetsuit mid-winter and smashed my face into my board repeatedly I’d need rescuing.” Intermediates usually make basic a mistake. Experts get unlucky, or don’t kick out/drop-in/get dropped in on. That’s the way it goes.

So, how do you tell someone they are a problem when everyone thinks they are Eddie Aikau?

In my area, most of the top surfers have chosen to lead by example and not surf. I’d say try to do the same otherwise everyone will want to go in and we will face proper bans.

If you look at it objectively, you can draw several conclusions.

Travelling distances to the beach by car or van is out. No argument as it is unreasonable non-essential travel.

If you can walk to the beach should you surf? (Based on risk)

Given certain caveats (i.e. you really know what you are doing) surfing, in general, is probably lower risk than all the oldies jumping on bikes or even jumping around their lounges, pulling muscles or falling off things painting gutters, and certainly lower risk than the public going sea swimming.

Based on this, I’d offer the following for discussion.

If you are a beginner – no surfing. Too much risk, no lifeguards, big tides, and swell coming.

If you are an intermediate,  (You are paddle fit, experienced at your local and can handle your board, do half-decent turns) – Up to 2-3 feet (up to head high) if there are no crowds, you are ultra-careful and not on your own in the lineup. Above that no.

Experts. I’d propose if you surf at 60% of your ability, just cruising and having a laugh, in anything below four feet. But no throwing yourself over low tide ledges. Above four feet, I mean we can deal with it day to day without incident, but if everyone goes, and something happens you won’t be anyone’s best mate and we will all be banned. No surfing alone.

What do you think?