TIPS TO AVOID GETTING INTO TROUBLE

[luderick -angler]

1. Have a look at the chosen spot is there a safe escape route in the event of trouble

2. Are the highest rocks o the ledge dry? Is there some discarded rubbish around (most popular ledges have rubbish left by the unthoughtful) Is there dried salt in divots on the rocks after a long dry spell(IE no rain) These can be signs of whether a big set has bee nthrough or not? Regardless......

3. Follow on from 2 watch the ledge for 15mins at least before you fish it

4. If unsure don't fish it

5. Is your ledge close to the water and in close proximity the cliffs or higher ledges behind it? The backwash of this can be worse than the actual wave on its return slapping your knees from under you and washing you towards the water!

6. Study the wave action, are the waves close together is it a wind or ground swell, wind swells that are whipped by days of a big blow become powerful as do ground swells built up by a pressure system thousands of miles away. All swells are dangerous learn to read weather maps and loka t recommended sites for weather and surfing. Always study the way the come across the ledge do they come straight at you or from the side be prepared to look over your shoulder ofeten to keep an eye out

7. Have a paln of escape and leave an itinery wit ha releiable person on your plans it could just save your life.

8. Read the other helpful info here and alwyas take the proper foot wear and a PFD

9. If in doubt go elsewhere and live another day