Part-time paddle-boarders urged to play it safe on the coast

The boards have proved popular with holiday makers who may be hesitant to try surfing or to venture into popular surf beaches.

Glenn Hall, who teachers beginners through his school Surf the Bay, said it was best for paddle-boarders to steer clear of surf breaks unless they were experienced and familiar with beach etiquette.

"They are more dangerous out in the surf and there is a culture of surfers frowning upon them," he said.

"When they see a paddle boarder coming out they will sit there and grovel between themselves, but if they see you can handle your equipment they tend to relax a bit."

"Paddle-boards are also about three times heavier than a short board so they can do some serious damage and you have to be aware of your surroundings"

Andrew Edmunds, director of far south coast lifesaving, said beginner paddle-boarders were often unaware of surf beach etiquette.

"It's the same we see every year with people who are not experienced and do not know the surf etiquette," he said.

"They get a bit of strife with surfers as the first person on the wave has the right to it, which is something they may not realise"

Mr Hall said he was teaching close to 20 people a day during summer with he majority coming from Canberra or Melbourne for a holiday.

"They are attractive because people are realising it's much easier to learn than surfing and some people think they are beyond that level of skill and youth," he said.

"Then again there is a new generation of people who have a background of surfing and have embraced it, a bit like myself."

Mr Edmunds said it had been a relatively safe season on the beaches so far, although 39 people have required assistance at Broulee since September.

"It's mostly been a few cuts and grazes and stings but we had a 70 year old woman who was also taken to hospital for heat stroke," he said.

Conditions at the beach are set to improve this week with temperatures rising to the high 20s and winds easing.

Lifesavers have also urged people not to swim at the beach while intoxicated, with many beginning to plan their new year's celebrations.