ZOCO SURFING ADVENTURES

SURFING HOLIDAYS IN HAWAII

The hazards

BOX JELLYFISH

Box Jellyfish "Carybdea alata" are common in all water bodies and regularly swarm to Hawaii's South and West Shores 8 to 10 days after the full moon. Don't go into areas where sighted, or if dead ones are seen on the beach. Observe all posted warning signs. Symptoms of a sting include stinging, burning, redness, swelling of lymph nodes and in cases of severe reactions may result in difficulty with breathing and symptoms of shock.

SEA URCHINS

Sea urchins have globe-shaped bodies covered with spines. Because they are not aggressive, human contact with sea urchins is accidental or intentional. Common on reef breaks, booties will provide you with basic protection, but we've all been 'urchined' through our booties at one time or another. Removing the spines from your feet can be very difficult as the spines are barbed, I usually allow the wound to become infected and then squeeze and dig them out. For more a more medical approch see the Emedicine website.

LOCALS

To avoid trouble in the water, please respect the local surfers, don't surf the big name spots at the busiest times of the day, don't paddle out at breaks beyond your skill level. Don't leave valuables in your car.