Big Wave Surfing Ocean Safety Program
Professional big wave surfer, Eric Akiskalian is leading a new global water patrol and safety program to help ensure that big wave surfers are safer in the future.
Eric’s safety crews will be running water safety during the big wave seasons at well recognized big wave locations throughout the world. This program will also assist in providing safety equipment to other safety crews that are in need of support. Water rescues and assists during big swells are critical in today’s world of extreme big wave surfing.
Eric’s personal big wave surfing experience of 25 years, has lead him to create an ideal program for the sport. His water rescue expertise, international logistics, and training provide the necessary components to mitigate the inherent dangers involved. His public speaking and global outreach capabilities make Eric an ideal facilitator. The primary goal is to allow surfers to more safely push the limits of big wave surfing around the world. With the assurance that there will be ample safety crews in the waters to assist with rescue and pickups the level of surfing will continue to be pushed above all current levels. This is the evolution of our sport and all safety measures have to be in place.
“I have known Eric Akiskalian of Towsurfer.com for over 15 years and I have traveled to many global big wave destinations with him as well. Over the years, he has demonstrated his dedication, expertise, time and passion to promoting our sport and keeping surfers safe with assisting in water safety and rescue. As of recent, I have personally had him work with me in Nazare, Portugal and Mavericks, CA for water safety, assist and rescue for our crew. I trust his abilities and level of experience with my life in any situation that he is willing to put himself in. He’s very calculated and confident, but he also knows that mistakes and bad situations will happen to the best. He’s mentally and physically prepared for the worst-case scenarios. He’s a great friend with a big heart and very easy to work with.” – Garrett McNamara / Current Guinness World Record Holder for Biggest Wave Surfed
