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The British Surfing Association is the official governing body for the sport in the United Kingdom. Becoming a member has many important benefits. Firstly, you're doing something for surfing. The more members the BSA has, the more money can go into sending our national team into competitions all over the world, raising the profile of British surfing and in turn helping to attract more funding from Government and private sponsors. With breaks all around the country becoming ever more crowded you need third party liability insurance in case you injure someone when you're out surfing. BSA membership gives you cover up to £2 million worldwide. You also get free information and advice, discounts and newsletters. If you're good enough, you could make the British surfing team and represent your country. Click on the British Surfing Association logo for more information.

It's important to remember that while surfing is fun, the sea can be a dangerous place. Before you venture out you need to be able to spot any potential problems - it could save your life or that of someone else. Many beaches have safety information or lifeguards in the summer, but here in Britain we surf all year round and often in remote locations. Never surf alone. If you can't swim 50 metres in the sea, don't even think about going out. Always spend a few minutes checking the surf before you think about going in. It's just as important for people to be safe on the beach, and as regular water users we need to be responsible towards those who aren't. Don't just turn your back. If you can't help safely, get to a phone and dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Whether there's danger on the beach, or in the water, always stay calm. If you get into trouble at sea, stay with your board. The volunteer crews of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have been saving lives around the British coast since 1824. They're a charity and one day they could save your life. Click on the RNLI logo for more on beach safety and how you can help.

The sea has long been seen as a bottomless pit for the waste us humans produce, but it's one of our most precious resources and needs protecting. Surfers Against Sewage campaign group were formed in 1990 to do just this. They've had many big successes but the fight still goes on and they need your help. The Museum of British Surfing is proud to be a Two Star sponsor of SAS, showing our ongoing commitment to fight for the fragile environment that we all enjoy so much. If you're a surfer, you should care. Whether it's picking up some litter from the beach, reporting pollution to the Environment Agency, or being a member of SAS - we can all do something to help. SAS is not just about surfers or sewage, it's about protecting the sea from the worst excesses of human nature - toxic chemicals, nuclear waste it's all out there. You can find out more by clicking on the Surfers Against Sewage logo.

If you want to learn to surf, or you want to get better quickly, then take lessons with a British Surfing Association approved school. You can find approved surf schools at most major beaches and by visiting the British Surfing Association website. Here are some basic rules to remember when you're out in the water. Don't drop in - this means if someone's already riding the wave don't even paddle for it - not only is it bad manners to drop in, it's dangerous and could cause a collision. Don't let go of your board, especially if it's crowded, always try to hang on to it - surfboards hurt. Always show respect to local surfers when you turn up at their beach. If in doubt, don't go out. Surfing is fun - don't forget to smile! To find surf schools and book surfing lessons just click on the picture to the left.

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