In this post we will tell you everything you need to practice surfing. We will explain both mandatory and optional surf equipment to you. After this reading, you will have no doubts and you will know perfectly well what you need to bring to catch the waves. Here we are!
Mandatory surf equipment
The surf equipment that every surfer must bring with them is: the surfboard, the wax, the fins, the leash and the wetsuit.
Surfboard
Obviously, the most important thing when practicing this sport is to have a surfboard. There are different types of boards and the choice depends on various factors including: the experience, the body of the surfer, the style of surfing that you will practice and the type of waves on which you will go surfing. For example, if you are a beginner approaching this world, it is better to choose a large surfboard, as it is easier to stay on it. Instead, the big pros use smaller and thinner boards to be able to maneuver better.
If you are not sure which type of board is the best for you, click on the following link and read the key factors to keep in mind in order to choose a surfboard.
Fins
Fins are dolphin fin shaped supports that go under the board (on the bottom) for a better grip. Without fins, it is very difficult to surf, but it is also true that there are pro surfers who really do amazing things with finless boards.
The fins will give you more stability on the board and, in addition, will allow you to do the maneuvers. There are different types of fins according to size, height, profile, shape and flexibility. Depending on the type of waves or the type of surf you are going to practice, a surfboard can support from 1 to 5 fins.
Leash
The leash is the strap that connects the surfer’s body with the surfboard. The strap is wrapped around the back foot with velcro and is made of elastic plastic so it won’t break easily when you fall. The function of the leash is not to lose the board and at the same time it does not get in the middle of other surfers or hit them.
The length of the leash depends on the type of wave. For big waves they are usually longer and thicker, providing more safety. However, to catch small waves, it is more common to use a shorter and thinner leash, as the sea does not have as much power and, therefore, the force exerted on the leash itself is way less.
Wetsuit
In places with cold water, forget not to wear a wetsuit. Even in warm waters it is an indispensable element. Depending on the water temperature, the wetsuit may be thicker or thinner. Therefore, its main function is to protect the surfer from the cold. The more experienced surfers have various wetsuits depending on the season of the year.
The material of the wetsuits is neoprene. Neoprene is synthetic and contains gas bubbles (usually nitrogen). Don’t forget to clean your wetsuit thoroughly with mild soap and rinse well with fresh water every time you finish surfing. This will prevent the seams from being damaged.
Wax
Another of the essential surfing equipment is wax. Wax is a paraffin that is placed on the board and spread. This material should be used every time you surf. What this wax does is that the surface of the surfboard does not slip, making it easier to stand on it without slipping or falling.
Important note: clean the board well and do not leave paraffin residues when you finish surfing, as it is not recommended to put wax over the previous residues.
There are different types of paraffin depending on the season of the year and the water temperature. If you don’t know how it should be positioned, in the Surfintrip blog we will explain step by step how to put wax on the surfboard.
Optional surf equipment
On the other hand, the optional equipment for surfing is: pad or grip, shoes, gloves, hood, paraffin comb, luggage rack and / or straps, board cover and sun protection.
Pad or grip
The Pad is also very important in surf equipment. It is a foam element that is placed on the back (or tail) of the surfboard. Its function is to help you have a better grip on the back foot in order to maneuver easier.
Boots, gloves and hood
In areas with cold water it is recommended to wear boots, gloves and a hood, although it is not mandatory. However, reef boots can become essential if you are going to surf in places with rocky bottoms, as they will prevent you from cutting yourself in some areas of the coral reef or sticking a hedgehog.
Wax comb
The wax comb will help us to get a better grip with the paraffin already existing on the top of the board. It will also allow us to remove the remains of the old wax that are no longer needed.
Surfboard car racks and/or straps
If you have to go surfing in a place where you need a car to get there, we recommend that you bring a surfboard car racks and/or straps. The car racks will make the board stable and even allow you to carry more boards. The straps, on the other hand, are ropes to tie the boards to the top of the car.
Bag for the table
We recommend that you have a bag to store your board after each use. There are several types:
– “sock” surf bags are ideal for storing the board in places such as the interior of a car or a garage and are also ideal to not dirtying the surfaces. However, it does not offer any kind of protection against impact;
– standard surf bags are well padded and constructed with impact resistant materials. They are ideal for traveling as they offer excellent protection.
Sun protection
Sunscreen is highly recommended, both in summer and winter. As you already know, water reflects the sun, the rays will constantly hit us and we can get burned. So always carry it with you!
And here we are! This is surf equipment and anyone who wants to get on a board must have it. We hope it has served you and that you already know a little more about surfing after reading this post.
And if you want to learn how to surf or improve your technique, we invite you to take a surf course in Fuerteventura with surfintrip.com. You will love it and will have a lot of fun. We are waiting for you for the next surf trip!
