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The Daily Horizon

What to do if a huge wave is coming at you?

Author

Isabella Harris

Updated on January 08, 2026

Don't fight it. As the turbulence lessens, push up to the surface and be ready to deal with the next wave. If there's another wave on top of you, grab a quick breath and dive under the wave. Sets of big waves tend to number around 5, but there might be a few more.

How do I get over my fear of big waves?

Acknowledge your feelings and move on. Focus on maintaining proper form and visualize yourself riding bigger waves. The best thing you can do at this point is to actually catch a wave. You'll get a sense of freedom and accomplishment that will wipe out your deepest fears.

How do surfers deal with big waves?

5 Tips For When You Take on Bigger Waves feat. Mark Visser

  1. Want to surf heavier waves or no what to do in a wipeout to avoid injury? ...
  2. Know the Set Up. ...
  3. Before Paddling Out, Drop Your Heart Rate With Some Breathing Exercises. ...
  4. Remember, Don't Kick. ...
  5. Bail Facing The Wrong Way. ...
  6. Learn the Skills to Be Efficient.

How long can a big wave hold you under?

That time underwater can feel like an eternity, but in fact, most hold-downs last only five seconds. In large surf, that may stretch to 12 seconds. Even a big-wave surfer subjected to a two-wave hold-down will be underwater only for about half a minute.

Can you drown in a wave?

Tides start in the ocean and move towards the coast, where they appear as the regular rise and fall of the sea surface. But the water levels do changes over the day depending on where you are and what day it is. These waves can be high enough to be cause a risk factor and potential drowning.

How To Survive the Wave Impact Zone! (Hawaiian Shorebreak)

How do surfers not get hurt?

Consider purchasing a board with flexible fins and a blunt nose or protective nose guard. Fit existing surfboards with nose guards to minimise injury risk. Wear a wetsuit for buoyancy, sun protection and to prevent seabed abrasions. Wear leg ropes, especially in large surf.

What is the fear of waves called?

Cymophobia is an abnormal fear of waves, sea swells, and other wave-like motions. In studies, it has been found that people who fear water, perceive any type of H2O as dangerous, or experience unpleasant memories regarding waves, swell, oceans or rivers are likely to suffer from cymophobia.

How do you get a surfer body girl?

Steal it: Add 30-to 45-second high-intensity intervals eight to 12 times throughout a steady-state cardio workout. Legs and Butt Pro move: Keep a low center of gravity to stay up on the board. Steal it: Do as many staggered squats (one foot in front of the other) as you can in 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds.

How big is a big wave?

For it to be considered big wave surfing, a surfer must tackle a wave of at least 20 feet (6.2 metres) high.

Should you kick when paddling for a wave?

Don't paddle; simply kick your feet. Are you moving forward? Yes, you are. If you still can't see yourself splashing water while paddling out or fighting for a fast-moving wave, then, at least, give it a go when you're really tired or entering your 40s.

How do you get out of a strong current?

swim parallel. The best way to survive a rip current is to stay afloat and yell for help. You can also swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip current. This will allow more time for you to be rescued or for you to swim back to shore once the current eases.

How do you act in a riptide?

If you do get caught in a rip current, the best thing you can do is stay calm. It's not going to pull you underwater, it's just going to pull you away from shore. Call and wave for help. You want to float, and you don't want to swim back to shore against the rip current because it will just tire you out.

Can you turtle roll big waves?

LONGBOARD WAVE DODGE TECHNIQUE: THE TURTLE ROLL

Longboards are too big and buoyant for duck diving to work effectively. However, there is a wave-dodging technique specific for bigger boards like longboards that will work well in small and big waves.

What should you not do while surfing?

Try not to get in the surfer's line on the shoulder.

As you paddle back, you might find yourself in front of a surfer riding a wave towards you. You must try to avoid getting in his way, by either paddling for the whitewater, or further out on the shoulder if that is possible.

Why does the ocean scare me?

There are various reasons why someone may develop a fear of the ocean. A bad experience with water may lead to a fear response and phobia. For instance, if you nearly drowned while swimming in a lake or saw a shark in the ocean, you may develop an intense fear. Phobias can also develop without any experience or trauma.

Why are waves so scary?

The sound of crashing waves against the shore can ignite panic in some people's minds, even though it may look crazy at a first glance. The power of Nature, translated into water, is capable of scaring people suffering from this phobia.