Surfing and Bodyboarding Buying Guide
Ask any surfer ''why'' he or she surfs, and you will always get a unique answer: "because it's fun," "because it's cool," "I like thrills"... and to each to his or her own. To some it is a passion and to others it is something to do when they have a week in the sun. To many, it is simply because there is nothing else like it. It is one of the few sports that directly connects with nature. So if you are thinking of giving it a go then we say YEStry it out! Surfing can be a whole lot of fun and that is ultimately the bottom line.
Surfing Essentials
When you hit the surf shop or the beach, you will find that your equipment options are endless. We are here to help you understand the essentials and find the right gear for your needs.
Boards
The sport is obviously not the sport without the board.
Know that different boards will suit different skill levels and different water conditions, so buying the right one is vital. As one of the most important pieces of equipment that you will need, check out our guides to figure out all of the details!
* '''
Surfboards''': The bigger, the better. We think that you should invest in the
6' board should do.
** '''Novice:''' The best boards for beginners are those that are soft, often called "foamies." These
soft foam construction means that the boards are incredibly buoyant, enabling the beginner to catch waves easily. Their dimensions ensure that they are very stable in the water, making it much easier for the novice to stand up. The foam also protects against some serious potential injuries. Remember that, as a beginner, you will be falling off of the board pretty frequently and a head bump to a harder material can be dangerous.
** '''Intermediate:''' The "popout is affordable, durable, and practical for the average surfer.
** '''Advanced:''' Most surfers will know what they like at this point, and finding a
Bodyboards''': Bodyboards are a whole different story. Catch a wave on your stomach, rather than on your feet! A bodyboard may be a perfect fit for those who are looking to get in the water, but aren't quite confident about surfing just yet. Browse through the guide to find a model that works for you.
What to Wear
What you decide to wear into the water largely depends upon your climate and budget. Read through our guides to find the right options for your needs.
Accessories
So you know what you'll wear and you know that you will need a board, but what else? There are so many other components to surfing, and all are equally important.
* '''
Sex Wax being the most popular of manufacturers) and they all do exactly the same thing; they stop you from slipping off of the surfboard when you are either paddling or up surfing. At the beginning of a surf, wax is applied to the deck of the board in the positions where the feet will be placed, and it can also be applied to the rails where the hands will be gripping.
** Application is easy. You rub it on your board and you go surf. For a great tutorial, be sure to check out
this video!
** After a surfing session, all of the nice wax you applied at the beginning of your surf will be smoothed out, and your board will have become slippery again. Instead of applying wax each time you go out, you can revitalize your old wax with a
surf wax comb. A quick comb will see that wax becomes much more effective again.
* '''
hard case.
** These board bags come in two types: the
permanent glasses fins.
** Fins have a curved appearance, much like a shark's dorsal fin. The depth is the measurement from the tip of the fin to the base of the surfboard (or how far the fin goes into the water). The fin depth effects how the board "holds" in turns. The deeper the fin, the better the control in the turn. Fins that are closer together will help your board with sharper turns, whereas if the fins are father apart the board will be more stable. Rigid fins are better for directional purposes but the flexible fins are smoother in the water.
** There are a variety of fin shapes, sizes, and materials; choosing the one that works for you is all a matter of personal preference. Things to consider are the base length, depth and rake. The base length is measured from the widest part of the fin by the connection to the board. The depth is the length from the surfboard to the tip of the fin. The rake is the angle created by the curve between the base and tip. The different dimensions will affect your ride.
* '''
Surfboard Repair''': If you go surfing often your board is going to get a little banged up. And hopefully you steer clear of any coral reefs or rocks because you'll end up paying for more than just surfboard repair.
** You can purchase
touch up paint to fix any superficial problems. This would be anything from needing a new layer of wax to paint scrapes and minor surface level damage like fading.
** If your board has scratches, cuts, or gashes you can use
dough.
Related Guides
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