One wave is all it takes to catch a person surfing. There are almost 3 million people who surf in the United States alone. Whether you are a new surfer or a seasoned expert, it can be really tempting to go out and buy every new piece of equipment to transform your
Surfing is a hard sport with a difficult learning curve. To make the process easier and more enjoyable, there is gear that you can purchase when learning to surf. If you want to invest in your skills, keep reading below to find out what gear you should buy and get tips about learning to surf.
Surfboard
This one seems pretty obvious, but there are many different options that are available to you when choosing a surfboard. A good tip for making the best choice is to ask a professional for help. Typically if you are
Things to keep in mind when buying a board are what type and size of the waves you like to surf. Your board choice will be different if you want to hit small waves versus pipeline waves. You’ll want to pay attention to the high volume boards because it creates higher buoyancy which promotes speed.
Other things like the board flex, grip of its fins, and rail engagement contribute to what your board provides. You can rent out different boards to find features that fit your needs. This will help you fine-tune what to buy and prevent you from spending money on a board that might not work out for you in the water.
Board Bag
This might not seem crucial, but if you are spending money on a new shiny surfboard, you should make sure it’s in the best condition possible.
Board bags are good for moving the board in and out of places or when it is being stored. Even if you think you are taking pristine care of it, anything can happen, and having a bag can prevent unneeded damage.
Wetsuits
This is a great piece of equipment for learning to surf. If you are in warmer water, you might not need a wetsuit to keep you comfortable, but it will still protect you from harmful UV rays and sunburns.
It’s essential to get a suit that is fitting so you can increase your time in the water. You should know the average temperature of the water you will be in so you can promote your comfort and warmth.
Leash
After you pick the right board, you’ll need a leash so you can tether your board to your ankle. If you wipe out, this will prevent your surfboard from floating away.
This also helps protect other people from getting hit by a stray board and helps protect your board from the surrounding environments.
Ear Plugs
Swimmers ear can be really painful and prevent you from wanting to get back in the water. When water gets in your ear drum over and over it can cause you to have an ear infection or experience long-term closure in the ear canal.
Earplugs are a good way to prevent this from happening. If you are in the water for a long time it is definitely recommended to get a pair so you don’t miss the perfect surf days.
Sunscreen
Especially if you are in warmer water without a wetsuit, you should invest in some sunscreen. A lot of surfers use rashguards and zinc, but you should always apply sunscreen before you reach the water so it has time to set in.
Because there are many options for sunscreen, it should be easy to find an option that is chemical free and ocean friendly. Sunscreen can damage ocean reefs which create the waves you surf, so make sure to do your part to protect our oceans.
Surf Wax or Pads
One of the best beginner surfing tips is to buy surf wax. It is applied to your board to help you from slipping off when you are either paddling or riding a wave.
To do this you will need to clean your board and apply a basecoat to the part of the board you stand on. Then every time you surf, you apply the topcoat wax where your feet will be on the board.
Another option is getting a traction pad that is placed on the deck of your board. It is permanent and used as a replacement for the surf wax. You can choose how big of an area you want for your traction pad.
Learning To Surf? Get Surfing Lessons
Now that you know some of the needed equipment for learning to surf, you should jump your ability to the next level by taking lessons from a professional. Whether you are a first-time surfer or an experienced one, there are so many benefits of surfing lessons.
There are many different types of classes you can take depending on what you are looking for. There are group and private lessons and you should expect to see results after your first session. Most of the time all of the equipment that you need will be provided to you.
If you are a beginner, lessons will make you feel much more confident to surf on your own. You will cover safety tips, and how to handle your board in the water. This helps new surfers stay protected in a potentially dangerous environment or situation.
Start Surfing Today
When you use the right equipment, it will make surfing so much easier. People love to hit the waves to get a sense of ocean therapy and reduce stress or tension. As long as you follow these tips about learning to surf, you should see your abilities improve in no time.
If you want to improve your health and find a new hobby, contact us today to help you get started with your surfing journey!
