Closeout Surfing Safely

Taking Off on a Closeout: A Guide to Surfing the Seas Safely and Respectfully

As a surfer, you've likely encountered those moments when you're racing to catch a wave as it closes out. It's a thrilling feeling, but also requires attention to safety protocols. In this post, we'll explore how to take off on a closeout safely and respectfully, with a special focus on gear considerations for choosing the right surfboard.

A Scenario:

Let's say you're surfing at a popular break in the Pacific Ocean, known for its consistent waves and strong currents. You spot a closeout, where a wave is breaking over a rock or a reef, just as it's reaching the shore. The water is calm, with clear visibility, but you know that this will be a challenging situation to navigate.

You position yourself at the back of the lineup, waiting for the optimal moment to take off. As you spot the break, you feel a surge of adrenaline and anticipation. But then, disaster strikes – a wave starts to lift you up out of the water, and you're left struggling to stay aloft.

The Importance of Gear:

When it comes to taking off on a closeout, your gear plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety. Here are some key considerations:

• Fins: Make sure your fins are securely attached to your feet, with the correct size and shape for the type of fin you have (e.g., thruster or single-fin). Over-sized fins can cause you to lose control or become exhausted.
• Leash: A leash is essential for attaching yourself to your surfboard. Choose a high-quality leash that's designed for saltwater use and suitable for your board size.
• Surfboard Speed: When taking off, aim to catch the wave at its peak speed (around 5-10 knots). Avoid paddling hard or trying to paddle to catch the wave too early – this can exhaust you quickly.

Choosing the Right Surfboard:

When selecting a surfboard for closeout surfing, consider the following factors:

• Volume: A higher volume board (around 23-24 liters) is best suited for closeouts, as it provides more stability and buoyancy in choppy conditions.
• Width: A wider board (around 21.5-22 inches) will provide more lift and maneuverability when taking off.
• Length: A shorter board (around 7-8 feet) will help you catch the wave at its peak speed, while a longer board (around 9-10 feet) may require more power to propel yourself forward.

Some popular surfboard options for closeout surfing include:

• Soft-top boards: Soft-top boards are ideal for beginners or those who want a softer ride. They're also great for kids' lessons.
• Funboards: Funboards (around 8-10 feet long) are versatile and suitable for most beginner surfers.

Conclusion:

Taking off on a closeout requires careful consideration of your gear, board size, and technique. By choosing the right surfboard and adhering to safe paddling and taking-off protocols, you'll be able to enjoy the thrill of catching those gnarly waves while minimizing the risk of injury or exhaustion.

Remember, always practice surf etiquette and respect the ocean's power. If in doubt, err on the side of caution – it's better to be slow and safe than rush into a potentially hazardous situation. Here is the information in a table view:

Taking Off on a Closeout: A Guide

Category	Key Considerations
Fins	Securely attached fins with correct size and shape (e.g., thruster or single-fin), avoiding over-sized fins that can cause exhaustion
Leash	High-quality leash designed for saltwater use, suitable for surfboard size
Surfboard Speed	Aim to catch wave at peak speed (around 5-10 knots) to avoid paddling hard or too early
Board Size	Higher volume boards (23-24 liters) and wider boards (21.5-22 inches) for stability and buoyancy in choppy conditions
Length	Shorter boards (7-8 feet) for peak speed, longer boards (9-10 feet) may require more power to propel forward

Popular Surfboard Options

• Soft-top boards: ideal for beginners or soft-water conditions
• Funboards: versatile and suitable for most beginner surfers

Note that this table view provides a concise summary of the key considerations for taking off on a closeout, along with some popular surfboard options.