Ok I know this is a kook question but hay I'm happy to be a kook rather than be dead but cool.

Over in NZ the east coast is fairly average for surf but is real safe while the west coast is pretty consistent but has allot of rips and holes. I'm now just about at the stage of being able to pick my waves and ride them well on the east coast and need to head over to the west coast for some more action and reliable conditions.

Ok to my Q. Who has experience with SUP surfing near rip currents and what's the best plan of action other than to avoid them I've read all about them and watched a few UTube demo's but was hoping for some firsthand experiences from fellow stand up paddlers

Cheers from Sheepland
(I'd better get that in before someone reminds me of my place in the line-up )

Swanie said...

HI

The rip and hole can be your friend in any surf. The rip will normally only go out just past the waves. This is often what you want for an easy way out the back. Off to the side of the rip you can surf the bank back into the rip giving you an easy way out again. The rips can be your best friend when surfing beach breaks.

The holes often in my area cause the wave to fill up and reform again. If it is suckie then surf towards them to prevent getting dredged up.

I am not sure of your area or conditions so it is always better to ask a local before you head out especially if you are new to the surf sport.

Take care

Swanie

Good advice from Swanie. Thats how it works here in Qld/Northern NSW, not sure about further south as I haven't surfed down that way. When it's got a bit of size, trying to punch through the shore break on a sup is like banging your head against a brick wall. If you can find a rip it will help you get out the back a lot quicker.

Thanks Guys! Some great advice and much appreciated.

West it will be