The surfers make us believe that surfing is an easy ride, as easy as riding a bike, but it’s not the fact. Someone needs to be highly focussed while surfing as it’s a high focus activity. Water and waves can either be a surfer’s best friend or their worst enemy. With such a menacing hobby or sport, one needs to be completely equipped before hitting the water.
You cannot do much well in surfing if you don’t wear proper equipment. The required equipment for surfing can be bought online or in stores. Here we shall discuss the essential equipment needed for surfing and the function of each piece of equipment one should have while riding through the waves.
The essential equipment for surfing
These are the tools you shall need when you are out in the waves. Missing any of the halls would be a big mistake.
Surfboard
Of course, surfing has to have a surfboard in its top list. After all, there is a reason why the surfboard shirts have designs of a surfboard in them. The surfboard is your first gear to prepare yourself for surfing. A surfboard is a base that takes you on the waves. It acts like your magic carpet while riding on the waves. You should buy soft and bigger surfboards if you are at a beginner’s level.
Leash
The name is straightforward and justifies its purpose. The leash is tied to a surfer’s leg and it connects to the surfers. It is necessary because even if a big wave swipes a surfer from the board, the surfer doesn’t wander searching for it, the leash will keep him connected to the board.
Fins
Fins are attached to the board to bring directional stability to the board. The fins of the board provide a lateral lift against the water and stabilize the route of the board. Fins are of different kinds depending on the surfer’s skills and preferences. Types of fins available are single fin, quad fin, double fin, five fins, and thruster setups.
Surf Wax
Surf wax is a kind of wax applied on the surfboard by the surfers so that they can keep a grip on the board. Traction pads also serve a similar purpose as surf wax. It’s a kind of pad with a surface that has a grip. Traction pads last for a few years.
Wetsuit
A wetsuit is a unique attire worn when a surfer is surfing. The suit is made up of neoprene that keeps the surfer warm as they are exposed to water for long hours. There are two types of suits available in the market- full suit and spring suit. surfers select the wetsuit according to the temperature of the water. Billabong wetsuits are the trendiest wetsuits for surfers. The thickness level of the wetsuit varies from 2mm, 3/2mm, 4/3 mm
These were the primary equipment needed while surfing. Some other equipment is also needed. They are
- The Rash guard– It protects the skin of the surfer against any irritation
- Surf Earplugs– It helps the surfers to prevent exostosis.
- Boots and gloves– Not all surfers need these. These are only for the surfers where the temperature of the water is extremely cold.
Surfboat bags, board sheets, surf ponchos, Surf watches are some accessories that a surfer can buy. These aren’t primary though.
These are the essential equipment to gear you up for surfing. The primary equipment is really important and just cannot be avoided.