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Enrico’s Saturday surf routine
Most Saturdays, Enrico makes the same journey. Canberra to Sydney, three hours on the road, heading for Urbnsurf's wave pool. He's 51, works as a software developer, and is teaching himself to surf.
And almost every single Saturday, he makes the same $7 decision: turn on his Flip cover for the day.
'It's more peace of mind than actually expecting anything to happen,' Enrico explains. 'But it's inexpensive for that peace of mind.'
Over the past two years, he's bought Flip cover 29 times. Twenty of those have been Saturdays. It's become part of his ritual, as automatic as packing his wetsuit and board.
This is the story of why a beginner surfer chooses to get covered (almost) every time he hits the water, and what he's learnt about surfing insurance along the way.
Why a 51-year-old beginner needs surfing insurance
Enrico moved to Australia almost three years ago with his family. His experience with surfing was limited to a couple of unsuccessful attempts, but something about it called to him. The challenge. The skill. The fact that at almost 50, he could still learn something completely new.
'When I was younger, insurance never crossed my mind,' he admits. 'But now you know that things can happen. I think it's more about experience and age.'
He started in a wave pool, which made sense for a beginner. Controlled conditions. No crowds fighting for waves. A predictable bottom, not hidden rocks or reefs.
'Getting to the beach and not finding the best conditions for my level was pulling me back,' he says. 'The ocean is serious stuff. Too many variables when you're learning.'
But even in the relative safety of a wave pool, Enrico felt the need for cover. Not because he's reckless, but actually because he's not.
'At this age, I did everything that I had to do, like being as prepared as possible,' he explains. 'Nobody can say you're acting reckless.'
It's a perspective many older athletes share. You're past the invincible stage. You've got responsibilities, people depending on you. The $7 isn't about expecting disaster, it's about doing what you can.
'If something happened and I didn't have insurance, I’d feel silly for not spending the $7,' he says. 'This way, I did my best. If things happen, they happen. That's life.'
How weekly surfing insurance actually works
Enrico discovered Flip online when he was researching insurance to cover surfing accidents and injuries. What caught his attention was the broad coverage and one-day option.
'I found it hard to find insurance that covered surfing,' he recalls. 'With Flip, it was covered, and I was able to pick it for a single day. That was interesting. I hadn’t seen that before.'
When he first started surfing, he bought cover every single session. The anxiety was higher then. Every level progression felt risky. But as his confidence grew and he settled into intermediate level, something shifted. 'I'm not so anxious anymore because I feel more confident,' he says. 'That's why sometimes I forget now.'
It's an honest admission. When you're a beginner, the what-ifs loom large. As you progress, they fade. But Enrico still chooses to buy cover about 90% of the time, and his reasons have evolved.
'Even if not major, I've had a couple of close calls,' he shares. 'After those, having the cover gives me even more peace of mind. I say, okay, I’ve done all I can.'
What makes good surfing insurance: Enrico’s Flip Insurance review
Through two years of regular use, Enrico has developed a clear view of what matters in surfing insurance. Here’s what he said was important to him:
- Flexibility is everything: 'You don't have to commit to anything. You buy it for that day, and that's it,' he says. 'Usually you do something and then you always have this ongoing thing. So it's very convenient.'
- Purchase must be easy: 'Sometimes I forget and do it while I'm on my way to the wave pool. The process is fast and easy,' he notes.
- Actually covers the activity: 'Many insurance companies are afraid of extreme activities,' Enrico explains. 'Flip covers a lot of activities. That makes it different.'
Why it matters: The bigger picture
Enrico's story isn't really about insurance. It's about giving yourself permission to try something new. It's about the careful balance between pushing limits and managing risk responsibly.
'I would not initiate a conversation about insurance myself,' he laughs. 'That's not me. But if I heard someone say they're afraid or can't get into surfing because of risk, I'd immediately say: there's this product. It's one day. It's $7. You don't have to commit to anything.'
He's moved from cruiser level to intermediate now. The progression has been gradual, and having Flip cover has been part of the journey.
'As I said, touch wood, nothing has happened,' he says. 'But that gives me peace of mind in the sense that I say, okay, I did everything. Even if something happened, I don't feel dumb. I did my best.'
Next goal? Keep progressing. Maybe try more ocean surfing when he feels ready. Perhaps bring his kids to the pool. And yes, keep buying that Saturday cover.
Because for $7, peace of mind is worth it. And for a weekend surfer learning something new at 51, that confidence to carve without worry is priceless.
Ready to write your own surfing story?
Whether you're a beginner like Enrico or a seasoned surfer, Flip's flexible surfing insurance lets you focus on the waves, not the what-ifs. From single-day cover to longer-term options, find the plan that fits your surfing life.
About Enrico
Enrico Cerroni is a software developer based in Canberra. When he's not coding, he's working on his cutback at Urbnsurf Sydney. Connect with him at Tap Water Surf.
