These spiny little buggers that can often be found at low tide in the southern UK waters.
They are incredibly difficult to spot as they dig themselves into the sand, leaving only their poisonous spines protruding!
The Cure
1. Pee into a wet suit boot and place the affected foot into the warm soothing liquid.
2. Carefully hop to a local café and beg to use their weaver fish bucket, which are specially kept in Cornwall and other surfing areas. Fill the bucket with very hot water and keep the foot in the water for as long as you possibly can until the pain subsides.
3. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol will also help to relieve the pain.
Both sea water and perspiring will wash sunscreen off your skin, so you won't have the same amount of sun protection after swimming, surfing or exercising. Choose a waterproof sunscreen to maximise your protection. Typically, water-resistant sunscreens lose their SPF after 40 minutes in the water; waterproof sunscreen after 90 minutes, this varies brand to brand so remember to read your products instructions and re-apply as needed.
Also expensive sunscreens are not necessarily more effective than the inexpensive brands.
WARNING
For surfing in the UK,
30+(spf) is strongly recommended.
When surfing abroad, particularly in the tropics, remember to put sunscreen on the top of your feet and the back of your legs. When surfing in boardshorts, it is important to apply higher than your shorts, as they will ride up your legs when lying on your surfboard.
Everytime you use your wetsuit rinse it out with fresh water and hang it up to dry. Do not hang it on wire hangers or in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Do not machine wash, Always store your suit indoors in a cool dry place.
SURF, WASH, DRY, SURF, WASH…
Keep paddling until the wave is about two or three seconds in front of you.
Grab the sides, or "rails," of your board just in front of your shoulders and push board downwards.
Raise your torso over your arms and nosedive your board, in one movement, as deep as you can make it go
Once you have felt the wave go over you push your body away from the board as you surface
Paddle your board with all your strength as soon as you can regain control upon surfacing. Keep up your efforts until you're beyond the breakers