Rapid Surfing Safety Manifesto
Surfers and representatives from the following European rapid surfing spots have agreed on a base set of safety rules every river and rapid surfer can agree on with the aim of conducting our sports in a safe way.
Augsburg, Pforzheim, Hannover, München, Nürnberg, Prag, Thun, Wien, Cunovo
We invite other community, waves, initiatives, organizations to sign our manifesto.
Preface
The author’s of this manifesto share a mutual understanding and philosophy in following overall aspects of Rapid Surfing:
Rapids := River waves and other stationary waves in natural, semi-natural and artificial setups
Rapid surfing is a nature sports. It derives originally from surfing in the sea and particularly from surfing in natural rivers. Rapid surfers, while practicing their sports, always deal and are confronted with dynamic and complex situations facing the element water. This applies to open rivers, as well as to more domesticated spots, like operated wave ramps in channels, or pump driven indoor waves.
The author’s of this manifesto share a mutual understanding and philosophy in following overall aspects of Rapid Surfing:
Rapid surfing is all about self responsibility!
With this manifesto we want to help rapid surfers at all skill levels, beginners and ambitious ones, to be ready and have the awareness to surf safely at all different rapid surf spots.
Safety Rules
1. Be prepared.
Get information in advance about conditions, water level, weather, temperature, wind and local practices and laws. Adapt your personal surf and security equipment to the conditions. Make sure that life safing equipment is available on-site.
2. Know the spot.
Make yourself familiar with the spot you’re about to surf at. Get to know the local site: upstream, near the wave, downstream; wood, floating debris, shallows, bridge pillars, iron beams; currents, eddies; whirlpools and gyres; quickly changing water levels; possibilities to enter and exit the water; water quality. After getting to know the site, reassess it.
3. Never surf alone.
Make sure that when you surf on a rapid, a buddy always watches you.
4. Know your limits.
Always act within your physical and mental capacities and conditions.Make sure your swimming skills are sufficient for the spot and you would be able to help yourself and others in a risky or dangerous situation.
5. Never use a fixed leash.
When using a leash, make sure it has a quick release function. Never use a fixed leash, which does not release you when tangled and pushed under water. Certain operated waves might require you to use a leash. We recommend not to use a leash at all. If necessary though, always use a safety leash with a release function.
6. Protect your head.
Always protect your head! Impact on your head might knock you out. When surfacing always protect your face with your hands, because especially your board might hit you (in particular when using a leash). Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries.
7. Fall and stay flat.
The water might be shallower than you think. Bottom impact breaks bones. Fall flat and swim on the surface. Foot entrapments break legs. Current pins you to the bottom to drown. Keep your feet up in fast water and swim to slow water.
8. Have a plan if something goes wrong.
Know the basic first aid and water rescue principles and always refresh them. Where can you exit the water? How can you rescue yourself and somebody else? How can you reach out for help? In case of an emergency call 112 immediately.
9. Spread the manifesto.
Tell others and all rapid surfers about these basic safety rules and this manifesto to make rapid surfing safe at all spots.
Nürnberg, June 8th 2025 / Prague, October 2026
The rapid surfing communities of Augsburg, Pforzheim, Hannover, München, Nürnberg, Prag, Thun, Wien, Cunovo
Add your community by signing the safety manifesto!