Ever wondered how well you need to swim to surf? In today's episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked but critical questions in beginner surfing. From the myth of "you'll be fine in waist-deep water" to the real risks of wipeouts, rip currents, and leashless boards, we talk about what "water competence" actually means. I share why I skipped my first surf lesson in Malibu, what lifeguards recommend, and how even strong swimmers can struggle in the ocean.