STUCK BETWEEN A RIP CURRENT AND A SET WAVE EXPLAINED, BEN GRAVY NEAR DEATH SITUATION ANALYSIS

[@BenGravyy]

haha thanks for the kind words dude! stoked I made it through that one, pretty heavy scenario

[@NathanFlorence]

Yeah ben!! Stoked you made it outa that death pit!

[@RockSolidStudios]

Glad you're ok brah!

[@georgebugarin1078]

You've realized my fear when out surfing by myself...its so relatable when I see heroes struggle. Let's me know im not alone 🤙🏾

[@mattgurin6168]

@@georgebugarin1078 hey George, surfing alone is a whole another element... This particular section of reef is almost never the same one day to the next... And as this winter has brought such a horrible rip at that time and especially in that part of the reef inside of off the wall and back door. Nate and Ben stories are real, and just think they have the benefit of lifeguards and water patrol but they can't be everywhere at the same time. That piece of rip in that lineup is dangerous, however when you know it well and can read how the waters moving at least you can identify. Even in the crowd you're out there on your own

[@johnscatcherd9928]

Cant lose you Ben glad your safe.

[@Lucababy]

I was saved by a surfer at the New Jersey shore. I went in the water early in the morning before the guards were on duty. Caught in a rip and panicked. I could swim and was taught how to get out of the rip but it took me a few minutes to calm down. The surfers came as soon as they saw me struggling. I wasn’t taking a beat down I was just drifting to Europe.So much respect for surfers.Your content is going to save lives. Thank you

[@jonoedwards4195]

Natural selection comes in many forms. Lol!

[@Lucababy]

@@jonoedwards4195 🤣😂indeed

[@scottcaie7214]

I was in seaside Park and at the end of my journey in the water and my leash broke and I had to ask a surfer to help me in as well. No shame admitting when you're tired and can't do it alone 😊. Never broke a leash before so I had to admit that was a very creepy feeling

[@jonoedwards4195]

@@scottcaie7214 Our Freakshow Bros Know! Love You Scotty. Stoked You are in Our workd.

[@75Vinnie]

As soon as You are in Europe, ring me up. I can bring You to the airport.

[@grakkerful]

Nathan, these are really, really cool. Thanks for putting them out.

[@NathanFlorence]

glad you are enjoying man! thanks!

[@helimax]

Bro. Nobody does this type of breakdown. Serious dedication. Now a major fan. Cheers !

[@calebwskvaril]

21:43 - 22:40 Maybe the most important minute of surf advice you can ever hear, thanks for sharing your hard earned wisdom Nate, we all appreciate it

[@matthieu6887]

FACTS one of the things that everyone new to surfing need to learn first, so crucial. Even in small conditions watch for the others.

[@eganc1976]

Yewwww

[@andyblevins2440]

Love the cross-posting here Nathan Florence, really cool to see you interact with other guy's content. Also - guaranteed these types of videos you make will help people take the ocean more seriously and will save lives!

[@billbradleymusic]

Lessons in all of life. Never ever give up.Always go until you pass out or physically fail. You're way tougher than you know.

[@GoodLuckLive]

Nate, bless you for your humility and honesty. It's so important to remove ego from this environment and you are giving such wonderful wisdom to this sport!

[@Clarklawnj]

Great PSA video Nathan. Same thing happened to me in Jersey at Jenks 13 years ago. And yes, we do get super heavy, cold surf in Jersey, with no reef channels to paddle out in.

[@noahketterle]

These are actually genius nobody’s done these breakdowns before, you gotta make it a series!!!

[@coachwilson5967]

Wow. Great insight. I had the "leash break" experience in 10+ ft Table Tops (Cardiff CA). I found out face down, starfish float position into the wall of white-water helped launch me up and over the undertow and pushed me to the shore. Cheated drowning that day. 👍

[@giuseppe2395]

I watched this video in 3 parts. Internalizing the scenario and how Nathan tells it, relating it to a hairy situation I had on a 6ft day at my local, was just too exhausting to get through it in one sitting. I was verging on panicking imagining what you and Ben went through. Excellent material Nathan

[@gregoryloehr6870]

Exactly. I know I’m old but we surfed backdoor without leashes. The only chance you had in that situation was to stay on top, just take the beating and let the white water wash you in. Ducking the whitewater just kept you in the same spot with your breath running shorter on every duck. Great info.

[@PatioMendino]

you made my first board.

[@PatioMendino]

which was a used 6'7" kinda gunnish orange bottom I got from Nomad in Delray Beach 1977ish. I was a skinny 13yr old and it was a longboard to me. thanks.

[@phuzzo1]

I found that you can semi relax during the whitewater beatings. Once you get a rough idea of how long they will hold you, they can even seem peaceful.

[@lavapix]

These types of videos are very interesting. Yes, panicking kills.

[@ripstickish]

Love the breakdown of these situations. Keep them coming mate.

[@NathanFlorence]

stoked to provide more of these for the subs!

[@alexdubois6585]

@@NathanFlorence Yes great idea. Very interresting. build up the community others will copy but it will create great discussions.

[@kanaiharvey1494]

Epico

[@anakisurf]

Awesome video Nathan. These sort of videos have the ingredients to literally safe some lives, not just in Hawaii but in other heavy, rippy waves in the world. That trick of putting yourself / board in the high energy white wash ball on the surface and avoid that under tow that drops you right back in the impact zone... definitely going to use that one. Thanks man 👊🏼

[@oogaboogabooga1442]

When my leash breaks I always try to swim in backstroke. It feels like lying on my back helps keep my heart rate down and makes it easier to keep my head above water, and I also don't have to turn to see if a set is coming behind me. Not sure if it's slower than freestyle, but it makes swimming in less stressful for me.

[@tnkmch]

100% me too for same reasons. I have been surfing since was a kid and never had a leash break until a few years ago at 44. It was January on the East Coast and I was wearing a 5/4 hooded. I started swimming in freestyle and quickly realized it was not the way to go. Between the suit and being blind sided by waves I was taking on water shall we say. I flipped over to my back and backstroked it. I could see the waves coming and time them to ride in. The buoyancy of the suit kept me nearly on the surface. At that point it was almost like I was rowing a boat in. It is my go to method now for getting in the event of a leash break.

[@supremespanker]

@@tnkmch It is a very good technique. Freestyle is only more efficient with perfect technique, which is very hard to pull off in rough sea. Otherwise backstroke is more efficient. And as you say you have much wore awareness with backstroke.

[@ericsummers1230]

Same same. Backstroke is the way

[@magiccheeseball]

I have done that too

[@phuzzo1]

Head-up freestyle also works, like how water polo players swim, constantly looking around. But you need to train for it. It's not entirely different to board paddling so the training is not wasted.

[@Dlydford]

The day you posted the original video I had woken up after a nightmare of you drowning in this very scenario, although i hadn't realised it was a dream, as i woke up in the dream and started seeing all the tributes online and i couldn't believe it, it was like inception, then i ACTUALLY woke up absolutely devastated, and somehow convinced myself it must be real as i was so shaken. Logged online and was so happy when i realised it was a damn nightmare. Stay safe brother, we need you doing this for many more years to come!

[@tommathews3964]

That's the nuts and bolts, brother! Thanks for great stuff I haven't seen or heard before! I remember watching this video and thinking how heavy it was for you, and how freaking toasted most others would be in that situation. The Ben content was timely, and really drove home that point!

[@claytonkr05]

This happened to me at pinballs one time in '09. Outside set came in and first wave broke my leash, 6 wave set. It was horrendous. Just complete washing machine you can't get out of. Your explanation of where it's not even an impact, it's just the struggle to escape that gets you is spot on. I thought for sure I was either done for or wake up being resuscitated on the sand if I was lucky. That one messed me up good. I didn't want to get in the water for a little while after that.

[@sunnydylan8034]

Same to me , mexican pipeline

[@jerryk-wi9vl]

" . ,zero td#was up 😊

[@barukyou2001]

Man you were born to do this brah. Not only are you a naturally gifted surfer, but using your experience & knowledge & gifting it to the surf community, this stuff really helps. 💯😎✊🏼🤙🏼

[@georgebugarin1078]

My friend was out surfing chuns on a relatively big day and got caught in the rip after he lost his board. He said he got all disoriented and lo and behold Coco Ho paddles aup and casually offers her board and help. He gladly took it...how often do surfers rescue other folks and it goes undocumented? Self awareness and awareness of your surroundings cannot be overstated enough

[@NathanFlorence]

So much more often then is seen in public!

[@chriscroteau4793]

@@NathanFlorence As a lifeguard I can say that we see experienced surfers as duputies because of how often they help us out!

[@NathanFlorence]

@@chriscroteau4793 haha perfect analogy!

[@Ogt92]

You could be saving life's with this content!! Good on you Nate.

[@keithallison3756]

Frickin sick break down!! Had me holding my breath. I remember watching Ben's eppie and scetched for him. Much respect brother. Hopefully these insights keep people smart and safe in the water.

[@sonofabeachent]

Good explanations and necessary for others seemingly ready for Pipeline. I've told numerous surfers it's usually best to just go in and paddle around at backdoor because it's iffy paddling back out on a larger day. Being pulled in by the whitewater and lying flat is great technique. No one wants to get sucked through that rip on the left. It can kill you. Keep the stoke going.

[@cooliestguy45]

Definitely make more of these, the way you articulate your thoughts in these stressful situations is very insightful.

[@ODL957]

This episode is pure GOLD, thank you so much for sharing

[@dkschrei]

Bro your vids now compared to 4 years ago are night and day. So much maturity now enjoying these breakdowns and how you articulate technique and strategy.

[@amthatmusic]

Best surfing channel out there by far! You keep putting out exactly the content we wanna see.

[@lonlloyd2589]

everyone who surfs gets in a bad situation at some time , either form not knowing a spot or just bad decisions , to much aggression , not enough respect, etc. , but it happens , so its great to see these kind of helpful videos . they can save someone's life.

[@trentmason009]

This guy is a natural teacher. Awesome video!

[@coreydrozdowski8503]

I had a very similar experience my last session in Hawaii. I went out early at Rockies on a 6-8ft day. Was by myself and was stoked cuz I was getting a bunch of waves. Caught my last wave and on the paddle back out a big double up came in. I tried to duck dive it but it picked me up and slammed me so hard I was dizzy when I popped up. My board was snapped in two and I was really tired from the beat down. I figured I could quickly paddle past the break and float down to gums and try to get to the sand bar instead of getting pounded on the reef. Bad idea. The current Pulled me to between chambers and rocky rights where I was stuck. It was too gnarly to body surf but I couldn’t make any progress down the beach because of the broken board. Then a 10ft+ set came in and I got demolished. Was able to swim under the first two but the third picked me up and slammed me. Took a few more on the head and somehow got pushed on to the reef away from the break. I managed to grab my board and body surf the rest of the way picking up some cuts on the way. Definitely the scariest moment I had on the north shore considering the size and that no one was out there to save me or call for help. Always have respect for the ocean. She’ll win every time.

[@paubarrull5278]

Great explanations. I often take hard beatings because of my low surf level but still I think your advice can also be aplied for less experienced people who are learning to read the ocean and also struggle when waves aren’t huge. Thank you!

[@jrudmanjr]

Most don’t realize the juice in Hawaii’s waves. Seen ankle slappers rolling tourists walking on west maui beaches. So much energy. Thanks for sharing this. Great advice on how to try and use the whitewater to escape rips

[@keaganluttrell1687]

Thanks for the insight on how scary backdoor can get by just falling or kicking out of a wave! It would be awesome to see you do the same breakdown at other big waves like Puerto, Jaws, or Mavs.

[@NathanFlorence]

Will be working on those!

[@DubbyAdub]

You do a great job of explaining what's happening step by step brother. No greater skill than experience. Guys who are in the water their whole lives really have an advantage in tough situations bc of those instincts you speak about. Super happy Ben made it home.

[@phucue887]

Man......I'm in my fifties but thanks to your hard work in documenting surfing and life in general from a "stoked" point of view is truly inspirational to make an old disabled surfer make another run at getting healthy enough to get wet again ! Thanks brother ........may our Creator bless you and your family !

[@DirtClown909]

Dude, thanks heaps for these vids. Guarantee you have saved lives with this video. Cheers man

[@nicolehaug7806]

Loving these in depth break downs. Awesome to see a pro break down some ocean safety for the masses as well. I spend quite a bit of time on Oahu- almost drown when I was a kid there-luckily I have used it as training myself..... so many tourists doing dangerous stuff just not realizing the gravity of the sitch. Glad Ben made it out of that...that was wild!

[@johntandres]

Thanks for being a kind surfer and this deep analysis and info. I just recently went surfing on a rough day in Florida on family vacay. I am an out of shape beginner/intermediate from St. Louis, MO. Took me a long time to get out there with long board and had to continue to paddle to battle the current. I tried to catch a wave just to get in since exhausted. Pulled back last minute but wave ripped my board away. Way out there with no board so I turned to the only other surfer nearby and let him know I lost my board just in case I was unable to get in. He ignored me! Luckily I was able to calmly make it in by letting the waves push me in. My kids saw me and followed me down the coast. Luckily current just pushed me down the coast and not a rip current back into waves! Looking back on it and having had a near death experience like this about 20 years ago with rip current really made me upset at the other surfer, who ignored me. Thanks for looking out for others!

[@magerapstar]

This is so helpful. As a surfer who works and juggles family, I’m not as strong as I’d like to be and I have been struggling a bit when the days get a little bigger than I’m used to here in west oz. These are great tips especially the one about riding the whitewater in that specific way. Thanks Nate!

[@mmpprr]

Nathan, I hope you understand how important is all the tips and orientations you give to people like me (just a guy enjoying surfing), as well to surfers who are professionals. Thanks for taking so much time to show with so many details in all your videos. I am sure you have helped many surfers to enjoy more their surfing, as well saving lives. Tks and keep up the good work. Marcio from Brazil

[@MrWinger1951]

This video should be highly recommended to anyone who is not only a beginner, but also especially for experienced surfers.

[@dvfallon6345]

Nathan, thank you for your calm, considered insight into this life threatening situation. Definitely gives a lot of pointers that will help save lives . Keep up the great work. Much Appreciated

[@redflametech]

Thanks for sharing this, I know my limits and would never go out there probably even in just a ripple, but you guys--Jon Jon, JOB, Kai, Ridge, and the other vloggers who surf all over Hawaii (and the world) make it look so fun and easy and it's very likely that someone not familiar with water and waves and currents could decide oh Pipe is only 4', that's nothing, I can handle that. I know you guys talk about how dangerous Pipe is, but showing this, gives a very REAL perspective on how easily you could die out there. Ben didn't wipe out and get rolled along the reef or held down, he had a great ride, he kicked out the back, and then it all went bad, so it's good to give some context and talk about just how scary Pipe is, how scary the Ocean can be, and how quickly you can drown. Glad you and Ben are OK, scary stuff...

[@dylansmith4046]

This is actually giving me a lot of validation in some of the heavier situations I was in this winter doing that half duck dive white wash board ride trick and just how much that helped me get away from bad currents and back to the beach to reset. The other thing I noticed people need to do more is to rarely ever ditch your board unless it’s a life and death type of wave. You’d be surprised how long you can hold onto your surfboard for even doing flips and twists under water as long as you hold onto the thing eventually you will cork up without a broken leash and a way to stay mobile and afloat.

[@jerrykellerman9725]

Intelligent conversation for those of us who need to know the specifics of the rips, topography actual comments of someone like you who lives on these brakes therefore have a more broad perspective of how it's going down kudos to you Nate

[@frothymilksmiles]

thanks for kicking down the knowledge guys. Ive been lucky enough to have the presence of mind in some heavy situations here in santa cruz and helped out some folks in trouble...such a good and positive reminder that we have to all watch out for each other...never know when it could be you needing that extra hand...peace boys

[@luizfelipeantonelli7015]

Nathan, you just explained me how to go out of a situation that i've been through last year here in Florianópolis - BR. This kind of tips are really nice for us amateurs! Really apreciate!! Peace broo

[@NathanFlorence]

stoked i could help!

[@joshfenners8354]

A plethora of knowledge. Unbelievably valuable. Thank you it’s a privilege to hear your perspective.

[@deltabravo4589]

I recently went to this beach that had a very steep entry and short wave period. I tried to time the paddle out by waiting for the lull and exactly what you described happened, the sets started to come in just as I was halfway out and it took me what felt like 5 min of paddling to finally break through. Additionally something I’d never seen was the water from the shore was rolling back into the surf and causing an opposite directional wave that would merge with the swells coming in and it created the such confusing conditions. I just learned thats called backwash from you! I’m only 5 min in and I’m learning so much.

[@Kstross90]

These breakdown videos are great. I’m 32 and just moved to Long Beach, NY last year and only started surfing last summer. So all of these pointers and tips really help. Your videos + Koas and Jamie’s make me want to move to Hawaii lol

[@joeblogs54321]

What an amazingly well explained, educational video. I've grown up in the water too but i feel like, after watching this video, in stead of knowing the ocean I probably just know my local breaks really well. Big eye opener, thanks. Also ever since I started surfing I have always done the exact same thing as you were describing, the whole keeping an eye out of everyone in the line-up. When it's big, I sometimes don't care if I get a wave, I just stay out there and make sure everyone else is ok(especially the intermediates). Great vid.

[@nadiemderweduwen2928]

Man, I learned so much from this. If you did not grow up surfing these conditions as a kid, like me and so many others, this is super good (and possibly life-saving) to know. Please keep making these video’s. Thanks!!

[@hellogoodbye4894]

Hey Nathan, super thankful for these videos man. You are doing a great service to wave riding humans around the world. Your paddling and general surf knowledge is pure gold (the tip about the second impact for duck diving was interesting). I was wondering if you ever plan on covering some of the fundamentals of board riding for the novice surfer? I think there is allot of people like myself that get stuck in the do a few pumps and maybe a good turn on a good day stage and remain there for many years.

[@moshehillygram9106]

This is the best surfing instruction video ever made. This video highlights the greatness of Nathan's experience

[@hubertschol1483]

Your level of psychology is outstanding. Your concepts in dangerous situations, are the same we use as trained airline pilots. Focus on how to get out of the situation without panicking until the point where the game is really over. You help us part time surfers getting mentally prepared and that will keep us calm if we get into something uncomfortable put there. Thank you

[@610melo]

Nate man your videos are great. Super authentic guy and willing to give good tips. Have a good day

[@justjackman]

I’ve been surfing my whole life but not in waves like that. I would never paddle out at pipe. A lot of respect for these guys. Awesome video dude!

[@Lloydbolsagrande]

Great video Nathan. Maybe one of the greatest lessons yet from you. So very much appreciated. Huge thanks ! I got destroyed hammered there in 1986. Still kicking. Love your stuff.

[@killbill5486]

This is awesome content. It's also very important knowledge for those who haven't been in gnarly situations. Nothing worse than all those rips and undercurrents that won't let you go. Shows how badass those older watermen really were without vests, skis, etc...

[@PaulEGlot290]

Very good video! You have a unique ability to put the viewer in the moment and show them your thought process. You have a great channel.

[@TheKmpec]

Thanks Nathan for breaking it down. 20 years ago I was in a similar situation in Maroubra. Instinct got me out too, but I never analysed it like you did. I always thought it was me, being not good enough, while it surely was probably a little over my head, I understood that even if you feel comfortable in the water and with the size, it still can get you in a bad spot. Thank you

[@Jimnamba]

Great insight on a break that requires so much respect and preparation to take on. Hope people learned from this video. You got Ben who has surfed huge waves and taken many beating. We have all found ourselves in this situation but maybe not this sever but the story remains that same, we got beat! Surf within your means and if it's too big, don't go out just because you drove X miles to surf.

[@tehasi4535]

I got reccomended this after snapping my leggy out the back at a local beach today. Luckily I was with some mates and they helped me get my board back after hanging for a few sets. You filled in a lot of the "what if's" that I was left sitting with. Thanks so much!

[@bennigouls]

Thanks for this new type of content and this new approach on how to share surfing experience with others. It reminds me that often, when I get caught inside or having a very bad session, I am thinking to myself "I am looking out for the days I will be good enough to not be caught inside or have bad session anymore". Seeing this kind of video is reassuring in a way that getting caught inside and having bad session is a whole part of a surfer's life no matter their level and that knowing how to handle yourself in those situation is as important as knowing how to turn on a wave. Surf being a sport you can access easily, people tend to forget how strong the ocean is and how dangerous a situation can become. Thanks again

[@georgemckeag8402]

Love the analysis! Super useful tips and awareness, you’re the man - will be recommending this channel to the boys!

[@myplcrew]

It’s amazing how grounded and kind you are. Appreciate the videos and the information.

[@tnkmch]

You give the best tips for intermediate to advanced surfers on the internet hands down - for free. Thank you for sharing!

[@ToddOlivas]

Love these POV recap videos, dude. Even as a super noob, who's never going to get to try Pipe... this is awesome!! Learning tons. And inspired!

[@augustin5555]

Good stuff Nathan! Thank you. I believe your videos like this could actually be saving lives through awareness, prevention, knowledge and techniques.

[@steve-g-]

These commentaries are the best surfing vids on KZbin right now. Thanks Nathan!!

[@drivesurfcamp]

Every surfer should be more like Nathan. Such a cool kind dude. Thx man, great videos. Really appreciated it.

[@MrWinger1951]

This is the best explanation of what being in the wrong places, wrong time means when in heavy wave surfing. Not only in heavy Hawaii surf but this can occur anywhere. You can imagine how much panic is involved with someone who isn't familiar with the dynamics and forces in waves breaking, whitewater and rip currents.

[@TheHypefi]

Thank you for making safety videos out to the public, these can save lives !!

[@longboardmed]

Mahalo brother for the awesome analysis. Staying calm and not panicking is the hardest thing to do. Doesn't have to be big to get your ass kicked.

[@jimmyloe7780]

Really good video. I remember in the 80's at a very big pipe contest Micheal Ho just getting drilled and being swept so far down twords Pupukea that I was in awe that a human could be in that type of shape . He never stopped and eventualy got back to the line up. It took him most of the heat to do so. The other day I saw a video where at 64 he had an incredible wave at backdoor. Hats off to all of you. What you guys and gals are doing now is just incredible.

[@felixvonessen7466]

Nathan! This video got maybe the strongest emotional response! Great content! Good to hear you explaining stuff like that! Great that you put Bens video in yours and the seriousness of his experience!! Its like you are a surf professor explaining all the surfers, what happens, so they can be aware of it! Keep the great content up!

[@mrchristiangoss]

priceless knowledge from a world renowned waterman, and top shelf surfer. keep on, keepin’ on… and thanks for sharing.

[@ameanouar581]

Hey Nathan! I really appreciate this great instructive content. But 17:24 min it’s just hilarious 😂Yeeeww!!

[@jeffpieper1]

Wow, what amazing insight here! Absolutely blown away with your perspectives and breakdowns Nathan. Your analysis makes it very relatable that many of us can take to our home breaks. These vlogs are gold, there is no content out there providing this type of detail. Keep them coming bro!

[@AimeeNolte]

Learned a ton. Thank you.

[@spacecowboy13b]

Another one of my favourite KZbinrs!

[@Maybewellmeetinanotherlife]

Love you 💝

[@chrisbarker8513]

I’m hooked on this . Great articulate description of the situation. I’m not a surfer by any means at all but I truly appreciate you spending the time to teach us 👍

[@norbertdijkphoto]

Nathan...these type of vids really help! Even less experienced surfers in smaller waves get into these type of situations. Just talking about it and sharing tips helps. Regards from Curacao!

[@matthewwillis4892]

People don't understand the huge difference between your basic weekend surfer and the dedicated waterman, There is so much more to the ocean than just the waves. Thanks for your dedication mate.

[@thomasloomis8995]

Very cool to hear your breakdown and giving respect to Ben Gravy and NJ in general.

[@ralphiewigs2208]

Thanks for posting these informational videos. I'll watch the second half as soon as my panic attack subsides. As you said, the GoPro downplays the immensity of the whole situation but still, the urgency is there.

[@thomasrebotier1741]

Awesome sharing video. Got that at Blacks 25yrs ago. A wind swell, big for Blacks but nothing like the North Shore, 9~11 secs intervals very consistent, wave after wave was breaking in a half circle centered on the rip that kept me there...

[@johnscatcherd9928]

I am so glad you used that situation with Ben I always known that past backdoor is pretty gnarly. So glad you took it frame by frame also stated the buddy system. Also never ever turn your back on waves especial in Hawaii. Your a true ambassador of the sport Nathan not many get to understand this point of view. Ben got a good wake up call! the whole not panic thing is one of the tricks too.

[@gonewitdawind]

These are my favorite, thanks for the insight dude you're a legend so is Ben gravy!!! 🏆

[@tobinbh3940]

real locals take carer of everyone at the break..big up @Nathan Florence for this break down and your insight, bens the man!!!

[@eddie.moonshine]

This is a great video. huge eye opener to us guys that just watch for entertainment. we don't feel the power of the water on our monitor. You north shore guys have alot of info due to your normal surf sessions that guys around the world could really benefit from. Your teachings today could very well save someone's life one day because they are now aware. GREAT JOB GIVING BACK.

[@sl101d5]

Thanks so much! Having ocean safety videos like this is so important and helpful, there is not nearly enough information out there for scenarios like these, that are more common than one might think and I’ll try to remember the starfish trick when I go to places with bigger waves or even when my local break gets a little bigger/ practice it even in the smaller stuff.

[@andrewiangillies]

I'm a non-surfer (surfed just a few weeks in my life), and I still found that fascinating. Thanks.

[@Bigmountainmurda]

Happy I found this video. Got caught in a rip out in fort Bragg being a beginner surfer I had no clue what to do after trying to paddle in and not moving forward and getting tossed by incoming waves. I literally just held my board and road the white water in and was an extremely crazy moment for me. Great life lesson

[@bereal4peace8]

Amazing!! One of the most important and influential videos that could easily save your life as a surfer also a potent podcast esc combo from Nathan, he dropped us all into the situations

[@santadam]

Great of you to share the pipe-wisdom, could save someone's ass out there. Poor Ben will have nightmares from that one.

[@natebrandt8074]

Nate! These are sooo good. Super informative and helpful especially for those of us who aren’t in the water as much as you all. Epic vid. Many thanks!

[@dwooman_art]

I love these play by play breakdowns. Keep em coming. Super informative for people like me who want to progress up to bigger surf.

[@markchandler7089]

Great discussion from real experience. To solve ocean problems like big surf, rips, and extreme fatigue, it takes discussions like this. When Hawaii's cross themselves at Sandy's shorebreak or pros talk about nearly drowning, I hope people recognize the power of waves and current. Yes, swimmers and divers can pass out from hyperventilation and hold-downs. Thanks for pointing this out. Driver's can have sleep attacks and crash if they are sleep deprived. Will-power cannot prevent these physiolgic responses. The more we learn about fitness, psychology, and severe tests, the better. I am checking my gear more carefully these days but know it still might fail. We all need a bit of life guard training to stay safe and help others. Thanks for posting!