Do you have to know how to swim before you learn how to surf?

Question

Watched the animated movie Surf's Up, and it's really awesome! Just wondering if swimming skills are required in order to surf, since the board floats on the water and it's tied to a foot....answers, anyone?

Answer 1

yes cause if u fall off your board you need to no how to swim

Answer 2

if u watched a cartoon movie and u wanna learn to surf try watching a real movie with real ppl in it on big waves u idiot, as to swimming skills if u dont know how to seim u should go die everyone needs to be able to swim, occassionally the leash breaks off in big waves or ur board becomes half the size that it was if ur not a good surfer then what do u do???? if u cant swim

Answer 3

yeah, of corse you dont need to be the greatest swimmer ever, but if you try to surf without knowing how to swim at least where a lifejacket or have alot of lifeguards around, but its the best idea.

Answer 4

Uh...of course. I love surfing and sometimes you kinda fall off so, yeah, you need to know to learn how to swim.

Either learn how to swim or, tie a floaty to your stomach and surf. And I don't think you want to do that...it might be uncomfortable. lol.

But, yeah, you need to know how to swim. I wouldn't want you to drown...even if I don't know you!!! :)

Answer 5

YEAH!! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DROWN!!!

Answer 6

This the the stupidest question I have seen yet! YES

Answer 7

You have to be able tread water well... especially in times like when you're gettin pulled by a rip current ... or you bail and you're board is still getting pulled by the wave. you have to be able to withstand the forces of nature in water that you generally wouldn't be able to stand up in.

Answer 8

lol yeah surfs up is cute  but ummm yeah surfing is a lot of work in my opion and you are totally required to know how to swim  takes some lesson if u  dont know how ! GOODLUCK hang ten <3

Answer 9

I think it would be a good idea, like learning to drive before you race at Indy

Answer 10

Uhhh, yeah!  Doesn't help if you know how to fly a plane but forget how to land it?

Answer 11

lets see do i need to know how to drive before i race do i learn to walk before i run YES please we don't want to wast waves pulling your body in

Answer 12

OH YES YOU DO!!!! Do you know how much bicep muscles that you have to use to paddle out and in??? it's not as easy as it looks!!!

Answer 13

SWIM QUIMBY SWIM!!!

Answer 14

yes because if your surfing and you fall off your board you will drowned so don't try it unless your able to swim or else you will probably drowned

Answer 15

You should definately learn to swim before you surf because your bound to fall of of your baord or get knocked over by a wave, and swimming skills will be required

although, you don't have to be an amazing stroker or anything (unless your surfing bigg waves, which you shouldn't just starting out) so if you can hold your breath, breath out your nose, and sirvive if someone threw you in the deep end then maybe you could surf some of the medium to small sized waves

start out on your belly to get used to it then gradually stand up

Answer 16

You should be a confident swimmer.  The board is tied to your foot so you don't lose it when you fall off, but it is not a flotation device - your body can still sink, and you can flip your board in a panic trying to use it as a rescue tool.

Answer 17

yes, badly

Answer 18

If you have no fear of drowning, don't worry about learning to swim.

.......

Answer 19

Since you will be in water over your head...yes, I think learning to swim first would be the smart thing to do.

Answer 20

If you can't swim, you will drown.

Answer 21

Yes, you need to know how to swim before you do any water sport or activity. You should also take surfing lessons.

You can't surf with a life vest on because it interferes with your ability to laydown on your board and paddle and most beaches do not have lifeguards. So, you need to not only learn to swim but you need to learn about ocean/water safety.

A lot of things can happen depending on where you are surfing. You need to know how to deal with animals that live in the ocean like jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks. You need to know what to do if you get caught in a rip tide and are being swept out to sea.

The board is strapped to the ankle of a surfer for 2 reasons. The first reason is that you don't want to lose your board and have it drift away from you. The other reason is that it helps surfers find their way to the surface if they get pushed deep underwater by a wave. They know which way is up by pulling on and following "the leash" until they reach their board.

A surf board is not a personal flotation device and surfing is a very dangerous sport. Never surf alone or at night. Even really strong swimmers and champion surfers have drowned but many more are alive because they do everything they can to stay safe. :)

Answer 22

.Yes, you should be a strong swimmer.  You need to be comfortable in the ocean in all conditions.  There are many things that can go wrong in the ocean and YOU need to get your self out of a bad situation.  That is why you might see "Locals only" written on a sign in wax or people sending others in from the water.  There is nothing more dangerous than a person who does not understand surf etiquette and becomes a danger to themselves and everyone else in the water.  The leash that attaches the board to your foot is not a sure thing.  Its just a convenient way of not loosing your board.  Just because you have a leash does not mean you might not loose you board.  Its also not a life preserver.  Sure it helps, but if you are not able to swim to shore with out it, don't paddle out.