Surfing and Bodyboarding Buying Guide

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Ask anyone who surfs why they surf, and they will give you their own unique answer: "because it's fun", "it makes me look cool", "it's my life", "I like to get wet"... and to each to their own.  To some it is a passion and to others it is something to do when they have a week in the sun every year.  To many, it is simply because there is nothing else like it.  It is one of the few sports that directly utilizes the power of nature with nothing mechanic; it is purely natural.  So if you are thinking of giving it a go then we say YES--try 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 biggest board  that you can physically carry around with you (ideally over 8-9' long), as it will make your life much easier.  For children, a 6' board  should do. 
    • Novice:  The best boards for beginners are those that are soft, often called "foamies."  These soft boards  are ideal because the 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 "pop-out"  is a popular choice for surfers as they transition their skill level from beginner to intermediate.  These boards are made on a production line and are a cheaper alternative to the fiberglass board ; pop-outs are foam boards covered with a layer of fiberglass, making them practically indestructible.  As a result of their construction, pop-outs can be very heavy, which therefore reduces the performance of the board in the water.  Because of this weight, surfers will want to pay extra close attention to where their board is going while in the water; one hit with this board can leave a serious welt.  Overall, know that the pop-out is affordable, durable, and practical for the average surfer. 
    • Advanced:  Most surfers will know what they like at this point, and finding a surfboard  should be relatively easy.  If ordering online, be sure to double-check dimensions to be sure that you are getting exactly what you are looking for.  Another option is to have a board custom-created  by a pro within a surf shop; this will be much more expensive than picking a board off of the rack or ordering one from a reputable retailer, but it ensures only the finest in quality and specifications. 
  • 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. 

Wetsuits

  • If you plan to surf in some pretty chilly water, a wetsuit  is absolutely necessary.  Having a good, quality wetsuit ensures that you will be comfortable and able to stay in the water as long as the waves are coming!

Board Shorts

  • If you are lucky, you can get away with surfing in board shorts.   These are ideal for warm and tropical climates; pick up a whole bunch! 

Womens Swimsuits

  • Lady surfers, you have a few options, though we recommend wearing a one piece  or rash guard  to protect the midriff.

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: It might sound funny, but this is a surfing must-have. Surfboard Wax  is exactly what it sounds like--wax for your surfboard. There are many different types of wax out there (with 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.
  • Leash : The surfboard leash is used to attach your board to your leg, so you don't have to go swimming back to the beach to retrieve your board every time you fall off.  This also protects other surfers around you from being hit with your board when you wipe-out.  
    • One end of the leash is attached to a plug (aptly named the leash plug) near to the tail of the surfboard. The other end is attached to your back leg by a Velcro strap (cuff). Depending on the type of leash it will either be attached just above the ankle or around the top of the calf.
    • The cord of the leash is typically made of polyurethane. The thicker the width of the cord, the stronger the leash will be, and thus its chances of breaking are less.
  • Board Bag :  Keep your board safe and ding-free while it is being stored or transported. The type of bag that you will want will greatly depend on what you are planning to use it for.  There are three main types: a sock,  a soft board bag,  and a hard case. 
    • These board bags come in two types: the day bag  and the travel bag.   A day bag is ideal for simple day-to-day use and home board storage; it's made of a lightweight material without very much padding.  On the other hand, the travel bag comes padded and prepared for the venturing surfer, often designed to fit more than one board at a time.  Some even have wheels to aid in the transport! 
    • No matter what type of bag you buy, you will want to look for the following features.  Your bag should have a padded carry strap for your own comfort, a wax pocket for convenience, a corrosion-resistant zipper to ward off the salt water, and a sufficient amount of interior padding for your board.   
  • Surfboard Fins : Fins are attached to the bottom of the surfboard and help hold the board on the wave. There are two main types, removable  and 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.
    • There are a variety of fin shapes, sizes, and materials; choosing the one that works for you is all a matter of personal preference. 

Related Guides

Sun Protection

  • Be sure to lather up with some good sunblock before hitting the waves!

Backpacks

  • Find a good backpack to hold all of your gear while you are in the water.

First Aid Kits

  • Hopefully, you won't have to use it... but just in case, it's a worthwhile investment.

Sunglasses

  • The glare off of the water can be pretty strong.  Shade your eyes!

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