Budding surfers planning to take advantage of big waves in Australia are urged to buy
worldwide travel insurance in preparation.
Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world for surfing but it can be a risky business, especially for novices who have little or no experience in local waters. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the University of New South Wales (NSW) has warned surfers about the dangers of underwater rips, which contribute to the majority of surfing deaths each year and yet can often not be identified by even seasoned surfers.
Dr Rob Brander, a senior lecturer at the university, told the website: "This level of ignorance is particularly frightening when you consider rips are involved in the vast majority of the 80 surf drownings and more than 15,000 rescues that occur on Australian beaches each year."
Ocean rips are perhaps the biggest hazard in Australia's oceans, and surfers with
backpacker travel insurance should seek local advice before heading out into unfamiliar waters.
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cheap travel insurance to Oz.
