One of the first questions people ask when they start surfing, there is one basic question: what equipment do I need? Many novices think that the board is everything; however, it turns out that properly chosen equipment can influence not only comfort, but the speed of learning and safety in the water.
This is why the Surfing Gear Buying Guide will come in handy for people who have just begun to discover this sport or want to buy equipment after their first classes. Good equipment does not have to be very expensive. What really matters is that it matches your training level, physical characteristics, and where you plan to surf.
According to international surfing organizations, more than 70% of beginners use equipment that does not match their training level. For this reason, learning becomes longer and the number of falls rises considerably. This is why professional trainers advise to learn the basics first on rental equipment and then purchase their own gear.
If you are just getting to know surfing, it is worth taking a few practical lessons at a school, for example, at Santa Barbara Surf School. During the lessons, you can try different boards, wetsuits, and accessories, and only then make a purchase decision.
How to Choose Surfing Gear
Choosing the right gear depends less on brand names, but on your personal preferences. In the first year of classes, the key aspects are stability, comfort, and simplicity. This is why the answer to the question of how to choose surfing gear begins on assessing your needs.
First-year surfers tend to buy a shorter professional board, thinking that this is the board ridden by professionals. Nevertheless, this is one of the most common mistakes. A board with more volume will be easier to catch, quicker to accelerate, and give you better balance.
Another aspect is the choice of wetsuit. It must fit you tightly, but not limit your movements. If your suit is too loose, it will allow the cold water to pass through. If it is too tight, you will feel tired more quickly.
You should also pay attention to the quality of the leash, fins, and surf wax. These may seem like little things, but they affect the control of the board and comfort while riding.
Before buying, it is useful to answer a few questions:
- How often do you plan to train?
- In what climatic conditions will you ride?
- Do you plan to travel with your own board?
- What is your level of physical fitness?
- Will you continue training with an instructor?
The answers will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and make a purchase that will be relevant for more than one season.
Interestingly, most professional coaches recommend buying your own board only after several successful lessons. That is why many students, after taking lessons at Santa Barbara Surf School, already clearly understand what equipment is right for them.
Another tip on how to Choose Surfing Gear is not to rush to buy a full set at once. Some of the accessories can be purchased gradually, as you begin to better understand your own needs.
Surfing Gear for Beginners
Choosing your first set of gear may be difficult because of the wide variety of surfboards and other elements that are available on the market. Actually, Surfing Gear for Beginners should focus on practicality.
The priority of a beginner is not to practice difficult tricks but just to master the technique of riding. That is why most trainers advise taking either longboards or soft-top boards. They provide better buoyancy and help avoid many technical faults.
Of course, along with the surfboard, one needs to select the proper wetsuit depending on its thickness. For instance, in the case of warm water, one will need just a lightweight wetsuit, while in cold regions, a full suit with a thickness of 4/3 mm or more is required.
Small accessories should not be forgotten, as they play an important role in overall comfort.
The first set will include:
- a beginner’s board;
- a wetsuit of adequate thickness;
- a quality leash;
- board wax;
- sunscreen for active leisure on the water.
Based on statistical data provided by surf equipment manufacturers, the right board choice helps beginners catch the first wave almost 30–40% quicker than if the wrong board is used.
It is worth remembering that Surfing Gear for Beginners is not a lifelong investment. As the technique develops, the equipment also changes. Many surfers change their board two or even three times during the first two years, gradually moving on to more maneuverable models.
Another interesting fact: experienced surfers often return to big boards even after many years of practice. They are great for relaxed surfing, training technique, or small waves. That is why you should not think that a big board is only an option for beginners.
Surfing Safety Gear Checklist
While many novices pay special attention to the choice of board or wetsuit, often overlook safety. Actually, wearing protective gear will not only decrease the possibility of an injury but also increase one’s confidence while surfing. Therefore, the Surfing Safety Gear Checklist should be regarded as a necessary step for each lesson preparation, irrespective of one’s experience level.
According to professionals, many small injuries could have been avoided before entering the sea. For instance, a correct fixation of a leash prevents your board from floating off after falling, and high-quality sunscreen will help to keep your skin safe during several hours of exercise. When surfing in cold water, one’s properly chosen wetsuit will prevent hypothermia and rapid exhaustion.
The specialists of Santa Barbara Surf School pay a lot of attention to both the methods of riding and the safety rules. Students learn how to assess ocean condition, identify currents, and behave correctly in case of falling in. This knowledge will be helpful wherever you choose to surf in the future.
Prior to each surf session, make sure that you have checked:
- the state of your surfboard and fins;
- the condition of your surf leash;
- whether your wetsuit fits properly;
- the weather report and wave height;
- the level of the tide and direction of current;
- whether you have sunscreen and drinking water.
With the help of this Surfing Safety Gear Checklist, prior to each time you enter the water, you will be able to avoid numerous problems and concentrate completely on surfing.
Common Mistakes When Buying Surf Equipment
Buying your first surf gear often leads to common mistakes. Saving money or, on the contrary, buying professional equipment at once is not always the right approach.
The most common mistake is selecting a surfboard according to its appearance. Indeed, short boards are very appealing; however, they require a lot of experience and good balance skills. As a result, the purchase made by an inexperienced surfer usually turns out to be a wrong choice since it becomes harder to learn how to ride.
There is also a frequent case when a wetsuit is purchased without trying it on. Even suits from the same brand may vary in terms of fit. In case the suit is poorly fitted, it won’t be able to keep you warm, and the movements won’t be easy.
Moreover, many beginners choose the most inexpensive leash or wax for their boards, ignoring the quality of those products. Indeed, these accessories cost significantly less than the surfboard itself; nevertheless, they affect comfort and control while surfing.
It is equally important to remember that expensive equipment does not guarantee rapid progress. It is much more effective to invest in a few lessons with a professional instructor, and only then buy your own kit. This is the approach recommended by the Santa Barbara Surf School, where students have the opportunity to test different types of equipment before buying.
How to Make Your Surf Gear Last Longer
Properly maintained quality equipment will serve you for many years. No matter how expensive your equipment is, constant interaction with salt water, sun, and sand influences it.
After each session, you need to wash your board with fresh water in order to remove salt deposits. The same applies to your wetsuit that should be dried in the shade and away from the direct sun in order not to lose its elasticity. Your leash should also be inspected regularly. In case there are any signs of cracking or wear, it is recommended to replace it before it fails so that it doesn’t break while you are in the water.
In addition, fins have to be checked to make sure they are securely attached, and the wax on your board must be replaced depending on the temperature of the water and the frequency of your training sessions.
It is interesting that, according to the manufacturers, correct care can extend the lifetime of the wetsuit by half. It is a good thing not only because you will save some money, but also because it will provide you with comfortable surf lessons.
More than just gear
Although having a decent set of equipment is critical, it is not the key ingredient for success. The most suitable board will not teach you how to ride the waves, and the most expensive wetsuit will not substitute for your practical skills. Surfing is still a sport where practice, experience, and perseverance are much more valuable than any equipment.
This is exactly why the Surfing Gear Buying Guide should be regarded as a guide on making wise decisions rather than a shopping list. The right choice of equipment makes the training process easier and more efficient. If there is a chance to try out several models of surfing equipment supervised by a coach, do not miss it.