Surfing is an extreme sport with the possibility of sliding on the waves on the board. Surfing is known to be one of the most ancient sports. It became the basis for sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing and became a central figure in active youth lifestyles.
Surfing is pretty natural and despite the rapid development of surfboard manufacturing technologies and the parallel invention of other sports based on surfing, the essence of surfing has not changed in a hundred years.
Surfing, unlike its counterparts, does not require significant equipment costs, all you need to have is a board, and the rest is optional.
Surfboard
Nowadays, surfboards are divided into two main types: shortboards and longboards. The longboard is more significant than its competitor, and the length fluctuates in the aisles of two and a half meters, which is far from the limit and has a rounded nose and tail.
The shortboard is much thinner, about one and a half meters long, and the ends of the board have a pointed shape. Also, a longboard is longer than a shortboard and has less manoeuvrability.
One of the most popular varieties of the longboard is the Malibu board, the best place for longboard fans to ride. Fan boards have earned well-deserved popularity among beginners in surfing.
There are also other subspecies of surfers: to board, gun and funboard. Fan boards are a cross between a shortboard and a longboard. Its length is 2-2.5 meters, obeys the wave better than a short one, and is more manoeuvrable than a longboard.
Fan boards are best for beginner surfers. Most surfers are made of foam, processed with shapers, and covered with a couple of layers of plexiglass. Because of this, the surfboard is not very durable and often breaks.
Fan boards are usually made from more flexible and softer materials, which makes them easier to conquer, and reduces the number of possible injuries when hitting the board in a fall.
Lish
A leash is a rope attached at one end to the back of the surfer and the other end to the surfer’s leg. The task of the leash is not to lose the board when falling. When choosing, you must understand that its length should be no less than the surf itself.
Wax
Wax increases the grip of the feet and the board. It repels water and leaves the board dry. Wax differs in the temperature of the water in which it will be used, so you need to check the temperature of the water in the place where you plan to ride.
Surf clothes
The rip curl will keep the surfer’s body from hypothermia during extended skiing. A wetsuit is divided into two types: wet and dry, depending on the degree of water penetration under the suit.
Aesthetically, they differ in the thickness of the fabric. Often inserts from thinner layers of materials are used, so you need to look at the combination of thickness.
Reef slippers
This is, without a doubt, a handy accessory that will protect your feet from cuts on the reef and sea urchin needles. But, you must understand that riding in slippers is justified only on spots where the reef or stones are shallow and sharp.
Even in such conditions, if you can get to the lineup by swimming and not by walking along the firm bottom, many surfers prefer to ride barefoot: I cut my legs during an unsuccessful fall. It’s my fault, be careful.
Probably, such a stereotype has developed because, in the photographs, a surfer in slippers looks ridiculous, but everyone needs fantastic shots.
If the experience of riding on a spot where it is small is not enough, it is better to put on shoes. And you generally need to learn to surf on safe beaches with a sandy bottoms, and you don’t need slippers there!
Panama or Cap
The midday tropical sun is merciless, even a dense layer of surf zinc does not permanently save the skin of the face, and the eyes from surfing at 12 noon can become deficient.
Where the water is especially blue and transparent, the sun’s rays are reflected from the water and the reef and burn the eyes with a vengeance, causing them to squint strongly.
Surfers don’t need tired eyes or wrinkles around them, so when riding at lunchtime, make sure to hide your face in the shade of a cap or Panama. And so that the headgear does not fly away during the kneading, the surf versions have a fastener under the chin!
Life jacket: according to the situation
Yes, surfers wear life jackets. But not all, but those who surf on big waves. A ton of waterfalls on these guys in the event of a fall and keeps them underwater for up to several minutes, so a shockproof vest that inflates and pops up is a must for them.
In addition, these guys usually do not paddle into the waves but accelerate on them behind a jet. Therefore they do not complain that rowing in a vest is very inconvenient. For everyone else, this accessory is useless. Remember that small waves knead no more than 10 seconds, usually 3-5.
For such a time, everyone can hold their breath. You don’t need to learn to surf in a vest, and it’s better to spend money on a subscription to the pool and classes with a swimming coach.
Surf poncho
Mainly it will come in handy in cool weather and when riding in a wetsuit. After leaving the ocean, removing the wet wetsuit as soon as possible is better to avoid overcooling. Throwing on a surf poncho, you can change on the beach and walk around in it for a bit to keep warm!
Also Read:
Surfing Vacations & Planning A Surfing Trip in 2022
Find The Right Surf Charter For Your Fishing Needs & Surfing
