Byron Bay surf beaches in the state of New South Wales, Australia, are among the finest in the world. They stretch right along the headlands of the northern coastline. Many are protected from the harsh southerly winds and offer fantastic surfing breaks. Every beach is pristine, undeveloped, and there are no high rise buildings to spoil the amazing atmosphere.
The ocean water is crystal clear and turquoise in color and the sand is fine and white. The water is only sullied when the summer storms spew their debris. In addition to surfing, these beaches are great for swimming and sun-tanning. During the summer months, each beach is patrolled.
Temperatures in this part of the world average at 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) in winter and 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) in summer. The ocean water is ideal for swimming and surfing throughout the year. It is, however, slightly cooler in winter but never cold. The sun is fierce in Australia and the water conditions can sometimes be unpredictable, so here are some tips if you are planning a surfing trip to Byron Bay.
When you're not surfing, be sure to wear a hat or cap. The sun is dangerous even in winter. In the height of summer, surfing is safest in the early morning or the late afternoon. A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more should be used. To illustrate just how strong the sun is in Australia, the locals often use a sunscreen lotion with a SPF as high as 50.
Even if you use a waterproof sunscreen, it should be re-applied whenever you get out of the water, especially if you have dried your body with a towel. The UV rays are at their strongest between 10h00 and 15h00 so, if you must go surfing during these hours, wear a wetsuit. Before surfing, ask the lifeguards about currents, rips, and stingers. Don't be deceived by calm-looking waters.
If you are on prescription medication, speak to your doctor and tell him or her that you are going to spend time in the sun. Some medications cause a condition called photosensitization which is increased sensitivity to UV rays. These include certain antibiotics, heart and blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and anti-depressants.
Never take to the water at any of the Byron Bay surf beaches if you have consumed alcohol. Also, read and obey any signs especially ones that indicate that surfing is not safe. If a beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, never surf alone. Child surfers should always be accompanied by an adult.
The ocean water is crystal clear and turquoise in color and the sand is fine and white. The water is only sullied when the summer storms spew their debris. In addition to surfing, these beaches are great for swimming and sun-tanning. During the summer months, each beach is patrolled.
Temperatures in this part of the world average at 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) in winter and 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) in summer. The ocean water is ideal for swimming and surfing throughout the year. It is, however, slightly cooler in winter but never cold. The sun is fierce in Australia and the water conditions can sometimes be unpredictable, so here are some tips if you are planning a surfing trip to Byron Bay.
When you're not surfing, be sure to wear a hat or cap. The sun is dangerous even in winter. In the height of summer, surfing is safest in the early morning or the late afternoon. A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more should be used. To illustrate just how strong the sun is in Australia, the locals often use a sunscreen lotion with a SPF as high as 50.
Even if you use a waterproof sunscreen, it should be re-applied whenever you get out of the water, especially if you have dried your body with a towel. The UV rays are at their strongest between 10h00 and 15h00 so, if you must go surfing during these hours, wear a wetsuit. Before surfing, ask the lifeguards about currents, rips, and stingers. Don't be deceived by calm-looking waters.
If you are on prescription medication, speak to your doctor and tell him or her that you are going to spend time in the sun. Some medications cause a condition called photosensitization which is increased sensitivity to UV rays. These include certain antibiotics, heart and blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and anti-depressants.
Never take to the water at any of the Byron Bay surf beaches if you have consumed alcohol. Also, read and obey any signs especially ones that indicate that surfing is not safe. If a beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, never surf alone. Child surfers should always be accompanied by an adult.
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