Stay safe out there

Resurf is a place to connect. We don't check, vet or supervise members, so meeting anyone from Resurf, in or out of the water, is at your own risk. Use your own judgement and look after yourself.

Before you meet

• Keep chatting on Resurf until you feel comfortable. Be wary of anyone who pushes to move to another app quickly.
• Check their profile and how long they've been a member. Be careful with brand-new accounts.
• Don't share your home address, workplace or financial details.
• Tell a friend or whānau where you're going, who you're meeting and when you'll be back.
• If something feels off, trust your gut and don't go.

Meeting up

• Meet at the beach, carpark or a café in daylight, with other people around.
• Get yourself there and home. Don't rely on a stranger for a ride the first time you meet.
• For carpools and road trips, share the plate number and route with a friend before you leave.
• You can leave at any time. You don't owe anyone a session.

In the water

• Surf within your ability. Never paddle out somewhere because someone else is pressuring you.
• Check the forecast and conditions yourself, and look for local hazards and signs.
• Stay where you can see each other, and agree on a plan if you get separated.
• Caught in a rip? Relax and float, raise your hand for help, and ride the rip out or swim parallel to the beach.
• Someone in trouble? Call 111 and ask for Police. Don't put yourself in danger to help.

Buying and selling

• Inspect boards in person where you can, and check for dings, delam and soft spots.
• Never pay with gift cards, crypto or wire transfers to people you don't know.
• Check money has actually landed in your bank before handing over gear. Payment screenshots can be faked.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good, or sellers who won't let you see the item.
• When shipping, use tracking and keep proof of postage.

If something goes wrong

1. Get yourself safe. Leave, go somewhere with other people, and call someone you trust.
2. If you're in danger or have been hurt, call 111.
3. If it's not urgent but should be reported (theft, a scam, threats), report it to Police on 105.
4. Report the person on Resurf. Use the ⚑ Report button on their post, profile or listing. Reports are private and we review every one. We can remove posts and ban accounts, and we'll cooperate with Police.
5. Keep evidence. Screenshot messages, listings and payment details before blocking anyone.
6. Online abuse or harassment? Netsafe, New Zealand's online safety organisation, can help: netsafe.org.nz.

See also our community rules.