Dangers and safety in adventure sports

Seabed: a falling surfer is tumbled downwards; at reef and beach breaks, especially at low tide, hitting the seabed can cause serious injury or death.

Rip currents: channels flowing away from the shore that look like calm water and can carry swimmers out; escape by paddling parallel to the shore.

Paragliding safety: be certified and skilled; fly only with licensed supervision; carry a variometer, GPS and radio; wear a helmet and guards; check brakes and lines; practise before long routes.

Surfing safety: learn to read currents and the steep face of waves; practise in artificial waves before going into the deep sea.

For both, physical and mental fitness are key to quick, calm decisions when something goes wrong.