Coronavirus: Surfing Australia’s eight pieces of advice as Sydney beaches reopen

As a number of Sydney beaches are reopened after a long closure due to the coronavirus, Surfing Australia has eight pieces of advice.

Authorities keep an eye on surfers at Bondi Beach around 7.30am on Sunday, 19 April 2020. (Image / Monique Harmer)

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Surfers have been told to wait their turn patiently and not to go out

at all if a break is overcrowded while strict shutdown measures are in

place due to the coronavirus crisis.

The sports governing body has issued eight simple steps to surfing

during the COVID-19 crisis.

People surfing in MacKenzies Bay, in Sydney, Saturday, March 28, 2020. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

The advise comes as eastern suburbs beaches in Sydney – including Coogee,

Maroubra and Clovelly – are reopened for exercise only after being

closured for more than a month to prevent people from gathering amid

lockdown restrictions.

Bondi is set to reopen next week under strict guidelines.

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Surfing is considered exercise and is consequently allowed. However

Surfing Australia said it is imperative to continue observing federal,

state and local authorities while respecting all beach closes.

Advice from Surfing Australia also includes preparing for a surf at

home and not hanging out after a rude to catch up with mates.

EIGHT STEP SURFING ADVICE

1. Surf the spot closest to your home ONLY.

2. Wax up and prepare at home. Put on your wetsuit, boardies and other

gear at home before driving to the beach.

3. Follow physical distancing at all times coming and going to the

beach. For example, if you have a narrow path to the beach wait an

extra minute for it to clear before you walk down.

4. Have a surf and leave immediately, don’t chat with mates in the car

park. Call them on your phone.

5. If the surfing spot is overcrowded – don’t go out.

6. Don’t paddle next to someone like you would normally. Give them more space.

7. CRITICAL CHANGE – take it in turns. Do not paddle back over to the

peak after catching a wave. Wait your turn patiently on the shoulder.

8. Don’t change in the parking lot. Wrap your towel around yourself and go home.

Surfing Australia said decisions made by local councils to close a

beach for various reasons “need to be respected by the surging

community”.