![]() Our knowledgable surf instructors help you to locate, identify and avoid the strong rip current here while still catching some amazing waves. If you would like to surf when the waves in Kona are big, we recommend taking a surf lesson with us. In the United States, more people drown in rips annually than are killed by hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning. These dangerous currents are the most serious hazard that threatens bather safety on the world’s surf beaches. We strongly advise beginner surfers to use extreme caution when surfing here. Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water that flow offshore from beaches. The rip current at Kahaluu Bay in Kona, Hawaii can be very dangerous during periods of high surf. Not even the strongest swimmer in the world can swim against a strong rip current. This will only use up more energy and decrease your chances of safely paddling out of a rip current. From this point you can swim towards the beach. Eventually you will swim out of the rip current and into a safe area where the current is not so strong. You have a better chance of getting to safety paddling with a surfboard than without.Swim or paddle parallel to the shoreline. If you are on a surfboard, stay on your board. The most important thing to remember when caught in a rip current is not to panic. These usually indicate that a strong or dangerous rip current is present and you should exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult for the average beachgoer to spot a rip current.Surfers and swimmers should check for any “High Surf” or Strong Current” flags put up by local lifeguards. ![]() Usually rip currents are the biggest and strongest during high surf conditions. This channel can be very narrow or very wide depending on the size of the surf. Rip currents can be identified by a channel of choppy water with little to no breaking waves. Swim toward the waves, and be sure to move parallel to the shore instead of directly towards it. Look for the nearest breaking waves they indicate the current’s edge. Most rip currents are between 30 and 100 feet (9.1 and 30.5 m) wide. How to Escape a Rip Current How To Indentify and Avoid Rip Currents Swim parallel to shore to escape the current.
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