Surfing is an exhilarating sport that connects you to nature while offering an excellent full-body workout. But as a beginner it’s essential to have the right gear to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment while catching a wave. We’ve put together a list of 10 surfing essentials that will help get you on with your new hobby on the right foot!
1. The Right Wetsuit
Arguably the most important item on your list is a surfing wetsuit. Surfing in the ocean often means dealing with varying water temperatures (and in Cape Town, extra chilly!) so the right wetsuit can help keep you warm, comfortable and protected from the elements. Look out for a wetsuit that includes:
- Thickness: Look for a wetsuit with a thickness of 3/2mm or 4/3mm. This means the torso area will be 3mm or 4mm thick, providing warmth, while the arms and legs will be slightly thinner to give you freedom of movement.
- Fit: The wetsuit should fit snugly without being too tight. If it’s too loose, cold water can seep in; too tight, and it’ll restrict your movement.
- Seams: Flatlock or sealed seams are recommended to keep water out while still allowing flexibility.
- Material: Neoprene is the most common material used in wetsuits for its excellent insulation properties.
2. Surfboard
Next, you won’t be catching any waves without a surfboard! Choosing the right one is really important to get you off to a good start as a newbie to the sport. We stock Ferral surfboards which offer stability and ease of use while each being handmade and completely unique.
- Size and Shape: Beginners should go for a longer, wider board, such as a soft-top or a funboard. These provide more stability, making it easier to stand up and maintain balance.
- Durability: Ferral surfboards are built with quality materials that offer the perfect blend of buoyancy and durability, which is important when you’re still learning.
- Volume: High-volume boards are more buoyant, making it easier to paddle out and catch waves. Aim for a board with a volume suitable for your body weight.
3. Surf Wax
Surf wax is a must-have for any surfer. Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax is a classic choice because it provides great grip and traction on your surfboard (and no, it has nothing to do with it’s eyebrow-raising name!).
- Purpose: Wax is applied to the top deck of the surfboard to prevent you from slipping off. It provides the grip you need to stay stable as you paddle and pop up onto your feet.
- Types: Make sure you pick the right wax for the water temperature you’ll be surfing in. Cold, cool, warm, or tropical water requires different wax formulas for optimal grip.
4. Ocean Freedom Surf Clay Sunscreen
Surfing means long hours in the sun, so sun protection is non-negotiable. Even one bad sunburn can up your odds of getting skin cancer later in life. Ocean Freedom Surf Clay Sunscreen is the perfect choice for surfers because it’s designed specifically for water sports.
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- Super Water Resistant: This sunscreen stays put, even after hours in the water, ensuring your skin is protected from our harsh African sun from start to finish.
- Reef Safe: Ocean Freedom’s formula is eco-friendly and safe for marine life, containing no harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate that can damage coral reefs.
- Natural Ingredients: It’s made from mineral-based ingredients, providing broad-spectrum protection without the nasties.
5. Sharkbanz
The reality of surfing in South Africa (and in fact anywhere in the world) is that you’re not always alone in the water. There are likely sharks somewhere in the vicinity of where you’re surfing. Now while the risk of a shark attack is still incredibly low, with Great White’s present in the Cape, you want to reduce the likelihood of an encounter. Sharkbanz can help you do this.
- Shark Deterrent: Sharkbanz uses magnetic technology to create a deterrent field that repels sharks, reducing the risk of unwanted encounters while you’re in the water.
- Non-Intrusive: It’s lightweight, easy to wear and doesn’t interfere with your surfing, allowing you to focus on enjoying your session.
- Peace of Mind: Although shark attacks are rare, wearing Sharkbanz can give you extra confidence and peace of mind, especially in areas known for shark activity.
6. Surfboard Bag
Your surfboard is an investment so keep it safe from scratches and dings with a surfboard bag.
- Protection: A padded surfboard bag protects your board from damage to keep it in good condition for longer.
- Ease of Transport: It makes it much easier to carry your board from home to the beach.
- Additional Features: Many bags come with shoulder straps, pockets for wax and fins, and ventilation to keep your board dry.
7. Surf Booties
When surfing in colder waters, surf booties are essential for keeping your feet warm and protected.
- Warmth: Surf booties offer insulation for your feet to keep them warm in chilly water.
- Protection: Booties also provide protection from sharp rocks, shells and reefs, preventing cuts and scrapes.
- Grip: The soles of surf booties are designed to give you extra grip on your surfboard to help keep you stable.
8. Surf Leash
A surf leash makes sure you don’t lose your board in the water – imagine how much it would suck watching thousands of rands drift away!
- Safety: The leash ensures that if you fall off your board, you won’t lose it to the waves. This is especially important for as a beginner because like it or not, you’re going to fall more frequently.
- Comfort: Look for a leash with a padded ankle strap to prevent chafing and discomfort during long surf sessions.
- Durability: Make sure your leash is sturdy enough to handle the conditions you’re surfing in – longer and thicker leashes are ideal for bigger waves.
9. Surf Poncho
A hooded towel might not seem like an essential but it can be a game-changer for changing in and out of your wetsuit at the beach without any awkward moments. Remember, there aren’t always facilities available to change in private and keep your dignity!
- Convenience: It makes it easy to change without needing to find a private spot. You can change out of your wetsuit quickly and comfortably right on the beach or at your car.
- Warmth: Hooded towels are usually made from soft, absorbent materials like terry cloth, which helps you dry off and warm up after a surf session.
10. Waterproof Backpack
Keep your belongings safe and dry with a waterproof backpack designed for surfers.
- Waterproof: A quality waterproof backpack will keep your phone, keys, wallet and towel dry while you’re in the water.
- Durable: Look for a backpack with good quality zips and waterproof seams to ensure it holds up to beach conditions.
Final Takeaways
Starting your new surfing hobby properly kitted out will help you get into the swing of things faster and make you less likely to give up. Remember, starting anything new has a bit of a learning curve but having the right gear to get you going can help speed up the process.