Surf safer signs coming soon
by Jennifer Dart, Westerly News, May 24, 2007


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Anyone who has surfed local beaches for a while has probably experienced having their wave snaked (stolen) or worse, being hit by a flying board or an out of control surfer.
New signs to be installed at three beaches this week are aimed at curbing this kind of dangerous, and sometimes just plain rude behaviour in the water.
Surf etiquette signs, developed jointly by the Tofino chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and the District of Tofino, will be put at Chesterman Beach access points, Cox Bay and Mackenzie Beach.
Six blue-and-white signs have been made, one of which will be saved for the public beach access trail planned for the LeFevre development currently under construction at 1441 Pacific Rim Highway.
The signs give a basic code of conduct related to right of way on waves and where to paddle out. They also caution against dropping in (taking a wave another surfer has started to ride) and ditching your board (jumping off without holding onto it), both of which can result in serious accidents.
"We know there have been some conflicts in the surf," said Parks and Rec director Sally Mole. "It's just getting busier out there on the breaks."
Louise Rodgers, from Tofino's Surfrider chapter, developed the signage along with local artist Marion Syme. The non-profit organization is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans, beaches and waves, and Rodgers said the signs will further that mission.
Similar signs are in place at popular surfing destinations worldwide.
Local surf shops do give basic safety instructions when they rent gear to beginners, but etiquette is something that is dealt with more by surf school instructors.
"[The signs are] targeting people who don't take lessons," Rodgers said. "But everyone should take lessons."
—Westerly News, Tofino/Ucluelet