Learn About Surfing : Clothing & Gear • 08.30.09
Surfing gear and clothing is the focus of this installment of our guide to how to surf.
Surfing doesn’t require any equipment beyond a surfboard, but more advanced surfers also find wetsuits and surfboard wax to be useful.
Your average surfboard comes in around 2.7 meters lengthwise and 55-60cm in width. Although there are many styles of boards available most are generally made from polyurethane foam with a fiberglass coating. Most come equipped with a fin underneath a board and a long strap that can be attached to one’s ankle.
For those just learning how to surf a wide, thick board that has a gradual oval shape to it with a rounded tip is the best way to go as it offers the best balance and buoyancy for maximum safety. Even before buying, you should consider renting a board in order to see if learning how to surf is the best thing for you.
Many surfers will advise you to apply wax, but it is not necessary. The reason wax helps is that the surface of a board is usually slippery and when this is combined with water it can become dangerous. Surfboard wax is generally used on the areas of the board that make contact with your feet and hands.
The need for a wetsuit is mainly determined by the region in which you are surfing and your own natural resistance to cold conditions. Just because you are constantly moving and working while surfing does not mean that your body temperature will stay high; the water around you will start to lower it and the suit will provide you with warmth.
Wearing a wetsuit keeps you warm whilst surfing, even in particularly cold waters, because a thin layer of moisture is trapped between your it and your skin and is heated by your body. A wetsuit is lightweight and made with material of high elasticity and so it won’t impair your range of motion. These can also be rented at popular surfing locations.
