As surfers we have an advantage over swimmers and Bodyboards. We can use rip currents to our advantage and get into the line up a lot faster. Becuase we are on surfboards it is also safer to use a rip current than for instance a swimmer. The trick is to be able to spot a strong rip current and to know how to use it effectivly.
Generally you just want to jump into a rip current and start paddling out. It will pull you out past the waves and then you can paddle into the line-up. The biggest thing is to not ditch or loose your surfboard. But as long as you have floatation (surfboard) than you should be fine. At first when you start doing this it might be a little scary, but you will learn that using rip currents to your advantage will help you get out past big waves. Also remember to never go out in waves bigger than your abilities.
