Whether you’re new to surfing or thinking of trying it again after a long hiatus, here are the five essential items you need for a day at the beach. There are tons of other accessories and gadgets that you can invest in once you’re hooked on surfing, but these are the bare essentials.
Planning To Start Surfing Soon?
Surfboard
This is perhaps the most obvious; however, it is worth mentioning because there are a few things you need to look out for when shopping for one. As it can be seen on JS Surfboards, keeping it simple when searching for your first board and choosing one that will encourage you to continue learning is key.
It is advisable to avoid getting the most advanced surfboard available as that could make progression harder and discourage you from improvement. It would be best to choose a wider board that makes it easier to balance and a length in proportion to your height.
Board Bag
So you have just purchased a shiny new surfboard and want to keep it safe and clean when not in use. A board bag has been specially designed to protect it and make it easier to transport to and from the water. Surfboards can be sensitive, and without the proper care, they could get damaged easily.
Some surfboard bags are specially designed to fit a particular board, while others are made to fit different boards. When just starting, you don’t need to spend a fortune. As long as it fits your board snuggly and provides enough protection, whatever is in your budget should be fine.
Surfboard Leash
A surf leash is a length of cord that is used to & learn how to make surfboards. Surf leashes are also known as surf cords. The primary use of surf leashes is to keep you from losing your surfboard. As the name describes, a surf leash is connected to your surfboard to keep you from losing it.
This is an essential item not just for beginners but also for the pros. They can help you out of a bad wipeout, but generally, they make paddling out to the lineup a lot easier. Essentially, they fasten to your board and ensure that you don’t get separated from your board if you fall off (which will probably happen a lot when you first start).
There are different varieties to choose from, including material, thickness, and lengths, but you don’t need to think too hard about it. As long as it is around the same length as your board and is made from a strong material, most should be fine.
Wetsuit
When you first start surfing, you’ll likely be using a bathing suit. It’s light, it’s cheap, and it’s just fine in the water, especially if you’re a beginner. However, you may find that you want or need something different in the future. Bathing suits (and even wetsuits) can be uncomfortable if you’re out for a long time, and your arms can get cold, and your legs can get hot. So if you’re going surfing for more than a few hours, you may want to invest in a wetsuit.
These days, wetsuits are made from a neoprene compound that provides warmth and flexibility. A typical wetsuit consists of an outer layer, a lighter insulating layer, and an inner layer that helps manage perspiration.
Make sure that you choose one for the conditions that you will find yourself surfing in. For example, you should get a thicker one if in colder climates and a thinner one for warmer ones. Getting the wring suit can be a costly mistake and has the potential to ruin your experience.
Sunscreen
An item that many newcomers forget to use, but one that is essential nonetheless. Whether it is sunny or cloudy, If you are out on the water for most of the day, you will get sunburnt without the proper precautions. The water acts as a large surface that reflects the sun’s harmful rays directly back at you.
The main thing you should look out for when buying sunscreen is that it is of a high SPF rating and waterproof. Nevertheless, you should try to reapply it at least once per hour to get the proper protection.
Summary
Surfing is an exhilarating hobby to have and one that you can see yourself developing over time. However, to get the most out of surfing, you need to invest in some items.