Please bring warm clothing for cool days and SunSmart clothing for hot days.
Appropriate swimwear and goggles are recommended.
Appropriate swimwear includes wetsuits, Speedos, skins, boardshorts for boys, and one-piece or two-piece bathers or board shorts and vests for girls.
Long-sleeved rash guards are encouraged to prevent chafing from the softboards.
West Bay Nippers will wear high-visibility yellow rash guards as the outer layer of clothing during the surf lessons.
Please ensure that swimwear fits the body snuggly. Oversized/baggy swimwear may cause untimely adjustments in the surf impact zone.
Two-piece costumes with skirts and baggy frills tend to come off in the surf zone.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below that needed for normal metabolism and body functions, defined as 35.0 °C (95.0 °F).
The coach must:
- Be aware of symptoms such as shivering and mental confusion.
- Ensure wetsuits and other adequate warm clothing are used during the surf lesson.
- Monitor the length of time spent in cold water conditions
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is the opposite of hypothermia. Hyperthermia happens when the body creates or absorbs more heat than it can disperse.
The coach must:
- Look for visible signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Avoid extended exposure to the sun during surf lessons.
Dehydration
Dehydration is the extreme loss of body fluid.
The coach must:
- Check to see if participants bring their water bottles with them to the beach.
- Ensure participants have access to proper hydration during the surf lesson.
- Take compulsory breaks to hydrate.