Surfing Basics

So you’ve caught the surfing bug. That wave breaking on the beach is no longer a source of relaxation, but rather also a taunting challenge to your growing skills as a surfer. Before you hit the waves, though, make sure that you know your equipment. Two pieces that you should know very well are your wetsuit and your surfboard.

A wetsuit is made from neoprene. It’s an elastic synthetic rubber material that offers good insulation. The different types are divided into different categories depending on what body parts they cover. For example, a shortie wetsuit is one where only the torso and upper arms and legs are covered, while a full suit covers the entire body. Choosing the right one can be the difference between enjoying the surf and suffering from it.

Your surfboard is also an integral part of the whole surfing experience. In general surfboards belong to two basic types, namely long board and short boards. For the beginner, long boards offer more stability because of their length. Once you’ve mastered the basics of surfing, a short board is a great thing to have, but in the beginning focusing on staying upright should be a priority.