Page 12
Sample book
Qld Transport
Surfing
Surfing is one of the few sports that has no government
regulations. Surfers have to learn how to paddle out to avoid
being run over; how to ride a wave towards the shore without
colliding with other surfers; and catch a wave without wiping
out, as shown in Figure 12.1. Surfers practise these skills each
day, gradually mastering the basics before venturing out into
the bigger swells.
Most surfers use a leg rope or leash, so their boards don’t
get lost, and wear protective clothing to prevent skin cancer
(Figure 12.2). Surfing requires a high degree of physical fitness
and most surfers maintain this by eating healthy foods and
exercising regularly. Some surfers wear helmets and wet suits
in colder weather to prevent hypothermia (see Chapter 2).
Fishing
Commercial fishing operators need a licence and are controlled
by many safety rules. Recreational fishers who use a boat,
follow the boating safety guidelines but recreational shore
anglers may use common sense safety rules, such as making
sure hooks are not going to harm other people when casting,
using gloves when handling fish with sharp spines and not
fishing off rocks where waves can wash them out to sea.
Canoeing
A basic canoeing certificate, life jacket and sun protection are
requirements for canoeing. Dangers can include submerged
rocks, overflows and broken glass on the river bank. If you
want to learn advanced skills you should join a canoe club or
association.
Figure 12.1 Surfing requires a high degree of skill.
Brad Neilson
Figure 12.2 Lycra shirts and arm leashes
are used by body boarders.
Wet Paper
Figure 12.3 Hooks, knives, fish with
spines all create safety issues for fishers.
Figure 12.4 Canoeing and safety gear
Jan Taylor
