What is a Wipeout? How to Survive a Wipeout? And How to Overcome a Wipeout?

What is a Surfing Wipeout?

Wipeout is a vintage surfing phrase that refers to being thrown off the board by a wave. It is not uncommon for surfers to get wiped out on occasion. In fact, if you’re not getting wiped out, you might not be pushing yourself hard enough. Nature may be rather unpredictable at times, and a wave can throw you around in a variety of ways. As a result, it makes sense to understand about the different types of wipeouts that can occur in turbulent conditions.

Going face-first into the reef, feeling helpless, confined, and unsure of which way is up, is the ocean’s way of reminding us that we are nothing more than mortals. Being trapped under the waves for much longer than you would like can be traumatic, and it might call into question your entire dedication to surfing.

A bad wipeout can result in injuries, crashes, shattered boards, and even death. Wipeout occur in a variety of waves and for a variety of reasons. The risks are minor in 3-4 ft (1 m) waves, but the bigger the waves, the more likely you’ll get wiped out.

How to Avoid Getting Wiped Out?

There are a few things you can take to reduce your chances of being wiped out or having something horrible happen to you while you are being held down:

1. Don’t go out when the conditions are out of your comfort zone. If you think you’re going to get into trouble, you probably will. Don’t paddle into waves that are too big for you.

2. Before you enter the water, evaluate the conditions. Make a note of the position of razor-sharp reefs, underwater rocks, and rip currents. You can push yourself out if the surf place has a sandy bottom. If there is a jagged reef, be cautious of the edges and fissures that could catch your ankle.

3. Be patient, especially in big waves. Take some time to study a couple sets of waves and absorb the rhythm of the ocean. Spend at least 15 minutes watching the surf.

What Could Happen During a Wipeout?

Broken boards: contrary to popular belief, the force of the wave’s lip, not the rocky bottom, can break your surfboard. That is how forceful waves can be.

Cuts: The spiky fins of the surfboard may sever your flesh, and the nose of the surfboard may puncture it. If your board breaks, you could be hurt by the jagged edges and exposed fiberglass.

If you hit the bottom head first, you may become unconscious or possibly paralyzed while being trapped under water. The worst-case situation is drowning. This is not an everyday occurrence, all thanks to the lifeguards. However, there are still unpatrolled surf beaches around the world, and although it is rare, surfers do drown.

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What to do during a Wipeout to Minimize Damage

In many cases, especially while surfing a shallow break, there is no way to prevent getting wiped out. You can only protect your face with your hands and tuck yourself into a fetal position. Apart from that, you can do a few additional things to avoid the ocean’s fury.

1. Jump Away from Your Surfboard

2. Jump Butt First

When you know you’re about to get wiped out, the greatest method to enter the water is butt first, as in a cannonball jump. By bending your legs, you reduce your chances of collapsing and spraining an ankle. Never, ever dive in head first!

3. Cover Your Head

Our heads are the most delicate and crucial parts of our bodies, and we must do everything in our power to protect them. Cover your head with your arms.

4. Stay Calm

Panic is generally accompanied by a sense of absolute helplessness. When you feel the wave drawing you in, this is the worst thing you can do. Teach your mind to remain calm. While you’re stressed, your body utilizes more oxygen, which means you’ll have fewer resources when you’re trapped beneath the waves. Even if you’re trapped underwater, remaining calm will help you keep your air supply going for longer.

Don't Let the Trauma Stop You

You’ll probably feel a little unsteady after getting up close and personal with the wipeout and being pinned down for a few sets of seemingly endless waves. Don’t worry, even the best surfers experience this. Get out of the water and relax on the beach until your strength returns.

It’s most likely occurred to you if you’ve been surfing for a while. You took off too late on a wave that was possibly out of your league. You missed your drop, skipped down the face of the wave like a smooth stone in a pond, and were then scooped up and flung over the falls as if you weighed nothing.

1. Don’t Worry

You may now approach the water and each wave with confidence, knowing that your hold downs aren’t as long or as dangerous as they once looked. Use your self-assurance to keep calm in the water. Don’t waste energy and oxygen fighting the wave; instead, relax and wait for it to pass. When you relax, you’ll discover that most wipeout and hold downs aren’t such a big deal.

2. Examine the Break

One approach to avoid bad wipeout is to be familiar with the break you’re surfing. Make an attempt to get to know the spot before simply showing up and paddling out. Keep an eye on the wave, study the tide, and make mental notes of all rocks, reefs, and other surfers. Look for channels to help you get out on the water. Only paddle out once you feel like you have a firm understanding of the spot.

3. Keep in Mind Why You Surf

When you’re terrified, nervous, or anxious on the water, it’s easy to forget that surfing is something you choose to do. It’s just you and the ocean, so it’s pure relaxation. Nothing beats the feeling of floating down the face of a wave. We sometimes forget how much fun surfing is meant to be. So, unwind, have fun, and get out there.