Surfing Equipment: Longboards, Hybrids, Wetsuits, Rash Guards And Wax

Surfing has been compared to religion in that being on the water gives one the sense of oneness, of universality. The relationship of the surfer with the water is sacred and deems a clear, open channel. Cluttering the experience with unnecessary equipment is an anathema to the sport.

The most basic surfing equipment is the best.

Usually a surfer limits himself to his board, a wetsuit or rash-guard and board-shorts and traction. Other accessories that may be helpful, but not necessary at first, include leashes, various deck grips and a host of luggage.

The most important piece of surfing equipment is a surf board. There are many different types and styles designed for the experience, style and performance needs of each surfer. The three basic surfboards are longboards, funboards and shortboards. Specialty surfboards like hybrids, big boys, eggs and guns are also popular amongst experienced surfers.

Longboards are the original style of surfboard. They can range from 9 to 10 feet long, but can be found as long as twelve feet long. Longboards lack the maneuverability of funboards or shortboards, but by no means are they less capable of performance. Known also as "logs," longboards are easier to paddle and get into waves for more experienced boarders. Certain tricks like nose rides, walking the nose and spinners can only be performed on longboards.

Funboards are medium sized boards. They are shorter than longboards, and as such lend to better maneuverability and performance. They are thinner and usually measure 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 feet long. They are known to be good for catching waves, even on bad days. Beginners prefer funboards to long boards because they are easier to paddle out on than logs, and not as thin, narrow and short as shortboards. Experienced surfers like funboards for their action and performance.

Shortboards are the picks of the pros. Because they are thinner, narrower and shorter than funboards and longboards, they are more maneuverable, faster and lighter. They are usually 6 feet to almost 7 feet long.

When selecting a surfboard, take care in selecting the right one. There is an abundance of hybrid boards that include tow-in boards, guns, fish and egg boards. Also make sure to properly maintain the board, as this is the most expensive piece of surfing equipment the surfer invests in.

The second piece of surfing equipment used by surfers are wetsuits or rash guards. Wetsuits (or wetties) and rash guards although not a necessity, are highly recommended.

Rash guards or thin-skins are worn to protect the surfer from irritation usually caused by board-wax and abrasion from the rocks or sand if you wipe-out in shallow water. Rash guards also offer UV/ Sun protection, as surfers tend to avoid sunscreen (most sunscreens are not ecologically friendly and also make the board slippery). Baggies or board shorts are usually worn with rash guards.

Since surfing isn't always a warm weather or warm water activity, some surfers wear wetties. Wetsuits vary in thickness. Shorties are thinner and are used in warm water. Steamers are thicker and offer wrist to ankle insulation against cold water.

Other surfing equipment, like leashes are also important. The leash is a cord that attaches the board to the ankle of the surfer. Leggies are used to keep the surfboard from going to the shore or out to sea after a wipe-out.

Traction, board-wax or sex-wax is used as a grip for surfers. Sex-wax prevents the surfer from slipping from the board when standing on it. Board-wax is available for different water temperatures. An alternative to board-wax are traction pads. They are usually placed on the board for grip, but are known for limiting the movement of surfers and can cause discomfort when paddling out.

Like most sports, surfing has been inundated with specialized surfing equipment. Special gadgets and products exist to enhance all aspect of surfing. Unless you want to be known as the "accessory man," avoid them. Surfing is known for its simplicity, which includes traveling light.


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