What Do I Need To Start Surfing?
The obvious purchase and definite piece of equipment are your surfboards and surfboard leashes, after all you can’t surf without a surfboard. If you are at beginner level it is best to start off with a large surfboard, that way you can improve your stability and balance as time goes by. Surfboard leashes are a must have, excellent piece of surfing equipment. A bonus is they are inexpensive but serve a truly life changing quality.
What Do I Need
To Start Surfing?
The Obvious
The obvious purchase and definite piece of equipment are your surfboards and surfboard leashes, after all you can’t surf without a surfboard. If you are at beginner level it is best to start off with a large surfboard, that way you can improve your stability and balance as time goes by. Surfboard leashes are a must have, excellent piece of surfing equipment. A bonus is they are inexpensive but serve a truly life changing quality. A decent leash should be at least as long as your surfboard, to ensure enough room for you to move around even when you fall off. Leashes should be used with swivels, which makes it hard for the leash to get tangled around your legs. Another obvious purchase would be your surfboard bags, if you are investing in a decent quality surfboard, keeping it safe during transportation is key.
The Essentials
The essentials for surfing are similar to the obvious but a bit more knowledge worthy – if you are an avid water sports enthusiast, you will know that one wetsuit does not fit all and does not suit all disciplines. Surfing wetsuits are designed specifically for surfing and come in a variety of different thicknesses depending on the weather and temperature of the water. Again, depending on the weather you can either choose a full length wetsuit which covers your legs and arms or a shorty wetsuit which is often cropped at the upper arm and lower thigh.
Another essential would be your surfboard wax & wax combs, if your new surfboard has a traction pad, you will also need some surfboard wax. This is to stop you from slipping around on your surfboard by adding texture below your feet. This is extremely inexpensive stuff and will greatly improve your surfing skills. Finally, sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen! We cannot stress the importance of applying sunscreen when partaking in water sports. Since the water is cold and cools you down, the actual temperature might be deceiving to you. You are also more susceptible to burning when on the water.
The Luxuries
The luxuries are often what make the trips so easy and enjoyable for all involved. If you tend to travel (quite far) to your surfing location then purchasing high quality surfboard transport equipment is key.
Surfboard transport equipment may include the likes of tie down straps, rack pads, motor rack or even car/van seat covers to protect the inside from getting wet. Another luxury would include the likes of action cameras, action cameras are great for recording yourself or friends out on a surf and can be documented each time you surf to monitor progress.