At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, one of the first topics we address with our students is sea safety. Among all the situations that can arise, there is one that we take very seriously: knowing how to act if you find yourself caught in a rip current.
Most people who start surfing don’t imagine that the seemingly calm sea can hide water channels that drag us in without us hardly noticing. It’s not necessary to be on a day of big waves for this to happen. That’s why learning to read the sea and react with a clear head is an essential part of surf training.
Índice
What is a rip current?
A rip current is a water channel that forms when waves that have broken on the shore return to the sea at a specific point. This flow creates a constant and sometimes very powerful push that drags us out to sea.
The important thing to understand is that the current doesn’t pull you under, as many believe. What it does is drag you horizontally, away from the shore, quickly and often silently.
How to identify a rip current before entering the water
One of the keys is to observe the sea before getting in. At the school, we always recommend our students spend a few minutes analyzing the water conditions. What are we looking for?
- Areas where waves don’t break, in the middle of areas where they do.
- Water that is darker and deeper.
- Presence of foam, suspended sand, or seaweed being dragged out to sea.
🟦 Peña Txuri Tip: choose a fixed point on the beach (an umbrella, a sign) and use it as a visual reference to avoid drifting too much without realizing it.
What to do if you find yourself caught in a rip current
1. Stay calm
The most dangerous thing about rip currents isn’t the water, but panic. If you start to stress out and waste energy trying to get out frantically, you’ll exhaust yourself. Keep a cool head and remember: you’re not alone, and there is a way out.
🟦 If you see that you can’t get out, raise your arm to ask for help. Don’t shout excessively, conserve your strength.
- Never let go of your board
Your board is your best lifesaver. Even if you’re not on it, hold onto it. It floats with you, keeps you visible, and gives you rest. Only let go if you’re in an extreme situation that forces you to submerge.
- Don’t fight against the current
It’s instinctive to paddle towards the shore, but it’s a mistake. Going against the current only serves to exhaust you.
🟦 Instead, paddle parallel to the beach, looking for an area where waves break. That foam will help you return to shore with the sea’s momentum.
- Use the energy of the sea to your advantage
Once you reach a breaking area, take advantage of the push of the waves. Don’t rush, wait for good foam, get on your board, and let it carry you.
At Peña Txuri, we teach our students not only to read the wave to surf it but also to return with it to the beach if they need to.
What do we teach at Peña Txuri about currents?
From the first classes on our beaches, we work on these key points:
✅ How to read the sea before entering.
✅ Visually recognizing currents.
✅ Staying calm in the face of any unexpected event.
✅ Using the board as a flotation tool.
✅ Asking for help correctly.
We also perform practical exercises on calm days so that our students feel safe if they ever find themselves in that situation.
The sea is not an enemy, it’s a teacher
Currents are not something that should frighten you, but something you should know about. Learning to coexist with them is part of growing as a surfer. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we not only teach how to catch waves but also to respect the sea, understand its movements, and respond intelligently.
🌊 If you ever find yourself caught, remember: you’re not in danger if you keep calm, understand the current, and act with a clear head.
See you in the water, prepared and safe!