Dan Harmon, Author at Surf Hungry

Different Types of Surf Breaks | A Comprehensive Guide

April 24, 2026November 9, 2022 by Dan Harmon

Surfing allows you to be in a deep relationship with the ocean and the land that meets up with the sea. This relationship makes you understand that no two waves are alike and how the same goes for how every wave is produced. Looking from a distance, it might seem like the waves all behave and are formed the same. But, looking a little closer and going in and under the surface, you will understand how waves come to be a few different ways. Surf breaks are permanent obstruction that causes waves to break. This obstruction forms barreling waves or other waves that can be surfed before it sooner or later collapses. This article introduces you to the different types of surf breaks and what makes each one unique. Types of Surf Breaks Explained There are about a dozen different types of surf breaks. Some are permanent, and some are semi-permanent. But, in surfing, three main types produce the style of wave that riders can surf on. These three surf breaks are what we’ll break down in this guide. The Beach Break A beach break comes to pass where waves break on a usually sandy bed. One of the perfect examples of a beach break is the classic Hossegor Beach in southern France. This spot is famous for waves of up to 20ft. This surf spot where waves break over sand is the most common lineup for surfers. It delivers mellow waves for beginners to learn to surf while offering powerful waves and pounding shore breaks for advanced riders. A beach break’s peak continuously moves from one week to another as the sandbars shift around the ocean floor. This movement happens from one side to another, causing an effect on the currents, swells, and tides. This shifting causes the constant change of waves. One day you could be surfing perfect peeling lefts, and the next day be surfing close-out waves in the exact same spot. Today, the surf break could be in one place, and in two days, it could be a hundred yards down the shoreline. Paddling out on a beach break is usually more challenging as there isn’t always a clearly defined channel through which waves are not breaking. This is the same when trying to figure out where to sit in the lineup. On the other hand, this type of surf break is safer than others because the sand bottom sits relatively a minor threat, and rip currents are less predictable and often more substantial. These are often considered softer options than their rock-bottomed counterparts. It can be rare to find a beach break that offers very long rides. This is why they are often characterized as average waves and closeouts when in reality, they can be excellent for both beginners and advanced riders. 10 Best Beach Breaks Black’s Beach (San Diego, CA) Hossegor (Hossegor, France) Puerto Escondido (Mexico) Ocean Beach (San Francisco, CA) Martha Lavinia (Australia) Fernando de Noronha (Brazil) Outer Banks (North Carolina) Bay of Plenty (New Zealand) Supertubos (Peniche, Portugal) Duranbah (Tweed Heads, Australia) The Point Break The place where waves hit a point of land or rocks jutting out from the coastline is the point break. This type of surf break was named after the Swayze/Reeves film entitled “Point Break.” One of the most famous examples of point breaks is Bells Beach in Australia. What makes it a point break? A point break is a phenomenon. It is when lines of swell hit a stretch of land at a sloping or even oblique angle. This breaks along and around the ground instead of directly towards it. This makes them more likely to form alongside a headland, then break over sand or rock. The good thing about it is that its resultant waves generally peel for far longer than the other types of surf breaks like a beach break. The long and racy rides it offers are best for advanced riders but aren’t advisable for first-timers and beginners. Paddling out at a point break is pretty easy as you can always move around the breaking wave. Also, point breaks usually have only one take-off point and travel in one direction. This means that you may have to get in line and wait your turn to catch a wave. Quality over quantity is what point breaks are all about since the length of the waves makes it worth all the paddling. So much that intermediate and advanced surfers prefer point breaks as they can be great places for riders to perfect tricks and improve style. This type of surf break is also a test of a surfer’s ability to “read” a wave’s pace, including how to link numerous turns together with the proper flow and precision. Pro surfers Fanning and Parkinson reared on the long right-handers of Australia’s Gold Coast, making them point break virtuosos. There aren’t a lot of high-quality point breaks in the UK and Ireland regions. But, there are certainly a few ones worth traveling to outside of their territories. 10 Best Point Breaks Jeffrey’s Bay (South Africa) Kandooma (Maldives) Burleigh Heads & The Superbank (Gold Coast, Australia) Scorpion Bay (Baja California, Mexico) Oaxaca (Mexico) Chicama (Peru) Rincon and Malibu (California) Mundaka (Spain) Lafitenia (St. Jean de Luz, France) Ribeira d’Ilhas (Ericeira, Portugal) The Reef Break The Cloudbreak in Fiji and Jaws in Maui are the perfect examples of reef breaks. As the name suggests, this type of surf break happens when a wave breaks over a coral reef or a rocky seabed. It may occur close to the shore or well offshore from the shoreline. The reef break is often seen as the most demanding break since they are incredibly shallow and may cause unpredictable consequences. Moreover, they are common in tropical surf destinations and often deliver reef passes or deep channels for safe paddling out. This type of surf break usually pumps perfect barreling waves that break in the same spot. Unlike beach break, reef break is not in … Read more

Onshore vs. Offshore Winds | Comparison and Guide

April 24, 2026December 20, 2021 by Dan Harmon

The rule of onshore vs. offshore winds is simple – if the wind is offshore, it’s blowing from the shore towards the sea, and if it’s onshore, it’s blowing from the sea towards the coast. But what does that mean for surfing? The direction of the wind has a significant impact on the formation of breaking waves. This means that each surf break is unique and has different swell and wind directions that work better than others. However, the basic principles of local wind direction apply to every place you go. This article examines the significance of wind in creating good waves for surfers and the differences between onshore vs. offshore winds and what generates them. Onshore vs. Offshore Winds Winds flowing from land to ocean are known as offshore winds. Surfers seek these winds when deciding when and where to go surfing. The wind blows against the wave’s top, resulting in cleaner conditions and a better likelihood for the wave to form a barrel. Onshore winds, on the other hand, are winds that blow from the water to the land. On the other hand, onshore breezes have the opposite effect, reducing the time it takes for waves to break and allowing fresh waves to build. Onshore winds also aid spilling breakers. How Does Wind Affect Waves? The wind plays an essential function that most surfers are probably unaware of. Of course, windy conditions might ruin an otherwise fantastic surf session, but without the wind, there would be no waves. Wind, in fact, is what causes waves in the first place. This can happen in far-flung regions across the ocean, where strong storms and winds generate ground swells that travel enormous distances and arrive as long-period waves on the coast. This can also happen in more localized gusts, resulting in wind surges that turn into waves on our beaches. Whatever the source of the swell, when it reaches the coast, the local wind conditions play an essential part in determining whether the waves are good for surfing or not. Surfers are mainly concerned with the local winds, specifically onshore vs offshore winds, when analyzing the surf forecast. When it comes down to it, even little variations in wind speed and direction at any given surf break will significantly impact the wave quality. Deeper Look at Offshore Winds When we talk about favorable local wind conditions for surfing, we usually refer to mild offshore winds, defined as winds flowing directly out to sea from the land. A little offshore wind produces ideal “glassy” and smooth wave conditions, which any seasoned surfer craves. Offshore winds also delay the actual breaking of the wave, resulting in waves that only break at a critical point. In return, it provides longer-held and steeply shaped wave faces, making it faster and a better canvas to surf on and eventually breaking more fluidly. These winds, like everything else, are only good up to a point. Strong offshore conditions can cause waves to close out or not break at all, depending on how long they take to break (in the case of smaller waves). Furthermore, because they serve as a force against you and your surfboard, they can make it more difficult for a surfer to really get onto and catch a wave, as well as provide a constant stream of water spray in the eyes. Onshore Winds In Focus Onshore winds, in contrast to offshore winds, are often associated with less-than-ideal surfing conditions. They are broadly characterized as ocean breezes directed from the sea to the land, but they can also be thought of as winds from any direction that is not offshore. Onshore waves conjure up thoughts of choppy, sloppy waves that are difficult to surf suitably and uninviting to surfers. Onshore winds cause waves to break early and in deeper water, making them less steep, less favorable to generating down-the-line speed for a surfboard, and more challenging to ride. It can also cause waves to shatter and reform rather than maintain a surfable wall between sections of the wave. Onshore winds have the ability to create additional short-period “wind waves” that mix in with the better-quality long-period groundswell waves, resulting in unorganized and muddy surf conditions. If there’s a benefit to onshore winds, it’s that they can create waves where there would otherwise be none (due to a lack of other swell sources) and that, in today’s increasingly crowded surf areas, less-than-ideal surf conditions can lead to fewer crowds. What Causes Onshore and Offshore Winds? Local winds along the shore are mainly caused by pressure variations within the atmosphere, which cause air to shift from higher to lower pressure locations. As a result, winds of differing velocities are created, resulting in what we know as an onshore oceanic breeze and offshore land breeze. Simply put, if the air pressure is high and the sky is clear, the land warms up during the day and cools down at night. As a result, the wind will blow from the sea towards the land during the day, while it will blow from the land towards the ocean at night. This consistent local onshore and offshore wind system is observed in warm areas. It’s most noticeable on the western side of continents, where there’s a large landmass with little vegetation or a coastal desert, and where the ocean’s coastal upwelling causes cold surface currents close to the coast. The transition between land and sea is a reasonably regular and predictable pattern that you may take advantage of if you’re aware of and able to spot it. It’s because the water and the land are two separate bodies that absorb the sun’s heat differently and change the temperature at different rates. Since solid heats up and cools down faster than a liquid, the land heats up and cools down daily throughout the hot summer months. All this while the water temperature remains relatively steady, rising steadily over the length of the summer. During the day, the sun warms the … Read more

What Are Square Waves — And Why You Should Avoid Them

April 24, 2026December 1, 2021 by Dan Harmon

The world can be a dangerous place — what may seem like a beautiful and harmless phenomenon could turn out to be a deadly encounter if you’re not careful enough. In the west coast of France, you’ll find Phare des Baleines (Baleines Lighthouse), a famous spot in Île de Ré, a few nautical miles away from the city of La Rochelle, where tourists come to watch square waves or the grids in the ocean surface known for destroying ships and drowning people who get caught inside of them. So what exactly are these square waves and how perilous are they? In this article, we’ll be talking about their risks and how you can keep yourself safe if ever you encounter them. What are square waves? Also referred to as cross-sea, these waves occur when two different swells from opposing directions meet. You see, waves normally travel in parallel and break horizontally on shores, but in rare occasions that a cross-sea happens, the waves collide at right angles instead, forming the unique block pattern that can be seen above the water’s surface. Square waves occur because of varying conditions. For instance, it can happen in places near the coastline where there are two seas or two weather systems that come together in certain periods. Since the seawater from the different conditions intersect but do not mix, cross-seas happen. You’ll see how these grid waves look like in the 0:15 to 0:20 mark of the video below. Risks Ships and small boats in the ocean are at more risk in the event of occurring rogue and square waves. In fact, most accidents happen when there’s a crossing sea or when the wind and sea are almost aligned. According to research, colliding two-dimensional waves can cause the formation of wave packets that are three times more coherent than the amplitude of initial waves. When this happens, freak waves form peaks that can reach up to 10 feet — a dangerous hazard that’s already caused multiple shipwrecks and boat capsizing all over the globe. What about humans? Although this rare phenomenon looks beautiful when seen from above, the danger it poses is located under the water’s surface. In the unfortunate event that you get caught in the middle of a square wave, the riptides will pull you out of the ocean, drag you under the water, and have the currents play ragdoll with you. If you’re lucky, you might get out unscathed. If not, the fatigue of trying to fight off and get out of two different currents will cause you to drown or die. But as scary as it seems, you should know that this anomaly doesn’t last for long. When local winds interfere with these waves, they lose energy as they travel and dissipate just within minutes after they started. When the square waves pattern starts to fade, that’s when you know it’s safe to get back to the sea. Places Where There are Crossing Seas Crossing seas or square waves are the kinds of waves that you don’t want to encounter whenever you’re swimming or surfing. But surprising as it seems, there are still several people who travel to witness this rare occurrence. Since these specific waves are the result of wave refraction and diffractions, they’re mostly seen in coastal regions or inside tiny bays. The most well-known place you can watch these waves is in Île de Ré.; however, you can’t expect to see the square waves a hundred percent of the time. If you want to check them out, you need to check the local reports every day. There are news and articles that claim this small island in France is the only place where cross seas happen, however, this is entirely false. You can also see these square waves in Tel Aviv and in Lisbon, Portugal. In these locations, tourists often fly a drone over the sea or get up a lighthouse to get a bird’s eye view of the waves. Hey, there’s also a chance that you’ve already encountered square waves near the shore, but you just didn’t know it. Shallow square waves are safer because they have less powerful currents, like the ones in the video below for example. Surfing in Square Waves So if crossing seas in the ocean consists of strong currents and waves, is it possible to surf right through them? Okay, calm down, Evel Knievel. Before we continue this discussion further, may we remind you again of how risky it is if you ever get caught up in square waves. Now, in regards to that question — Yes, it’s totally possible to surf square waves (but we highly discourage it). As it happens, there isn’t enough evidence to support that square waves in shallow areas are dangerous for swimmers and surfers. The mainstream media portrays square waves to be highly dangerous and deadly (which is also 100% true); however, less than powerful interacting swells are surfable. According to some, the experience of surfing a square wave is kind of similar to riding a wedging wave. If you’re a pro or advanced rider who’s looking for a new experience or a cool story to impress your peers, then we suggest you think twice before going in. But if you’re a beginner surfer, don’t even think about doing it. Got caught in a square wave? Here’s some bad news — not-so-good swimmers are more likely to drown if they get caught inside square waves. But the good news is, floaters and level-headed people have more chances of surviving it. In a viral photo uploaded on Twitter, a man was photographed swimming inside a square wave, oblivious to the impending danger he was in. According to the post, the lucky guy managed to survive. So how did he do it? If you ever find yourself in the same situation as that guy in the photo, the best thing you can do is to stay calm and keep yourself afloat as much as you can. Getting caught … Read more

Top 5 Best Surf Forecasting Websites

April 24, 2026October 8, 2021 by Dan Harmon

Some beachfront properties welcome us with weather stones to humor us with the weather. If you don’t know what a weather stone is, it is a rock hung to poke fun at the intricate technology used in current weather forecasts. Typically hung from a tripod with a sign how to read it, the accuracy is less than perfect. Fortunately, we never had to rely on the weather stone. Otherwise, the chances of getting swept by big waves or bored by slow ones could be high. Technology brought us so much convenience, including reliable surf forecasting websites that we can reach through a touch of a finger. This article lists out 5 of the best surf forecasting websites you can check out before you head out to the beach. We also tossed in some handy information that might answer some of the questions you have, like: How to predict surf What is a good surf forecast? How To Predict Surf Offshore swell data is what the process of surf forecasting utilizes to predict wave conditions. The same technique is used by millions of people globally, including experts who put their forecasts online. While the exact prediction of the surf, such as the breaking waves’ shape and size, the offshore swell date is an excellent factor to consider in making a close to accurate prediction. Predicting surf requires understanding how waves are formed, bathymetry, and data such as tides and location. Bathymetry is the study of the depth of water in oceans, rivers, or lakes. It digs deep on the “beds” and “floors” of any body of water. Top 5 Best Surf Forecasting Websites Reviewed The internet has brought us abundant surf forecasting and weather information resources, but not all of them may have the essential details you need. This results in visiting multiple sites to get the complete data you need for the upcoming surf. There have been many attempts to create a one-stop go-to website for all surf forecast needs. And, with all sorts of buoys, satellites, and measuring tools, surf forecasting evolved and is now easily accessible through surf forecasting websites. Five of the best surf forecasting websites are: Surfline MagicSeaweed Surf-forecast Swellnet WindGURU 1. Surfline Headquarters: Huntington Beach, California Founded: 1985 Area Served: Worldwide Website: surfline.com One of the earliest surf report systems, Surfline was founded in 1985 as a pay-per-call telephone surf report. Southern California surfer Jerry Arnold partnered with David Wilk ad Craig Masukoa to form a unit that can relay dawn surf conditions. A unique phone system made the reports available to callers for 50 cents each. 976-SURF became popular amongst surfers, and the company started receiving more than 6,000 calls per day. The system later expanded to Northern California, Florida, and Texas. The 6,000 calls per day grew bigger eventually. Surfline became an online service in 1995. It began offering live video streams of surf breaks on top of the written surf reports. These live video streams had a significant impact on surf culture. The increase in real-time footage changed surfer’s lifestyles. One of the million Surfline’s users, Rob Machado, claims it is his go-to every day to know where to go. In one of his interviews with Surfline/Wavetrak, he went, “I’ve used it from day one and will be a lifetime Premium Member.” 2. MagicSeaweed Headquarters: Kingsbridge, Devon, United Kingdom Founded: 2002 Area Served: Worldwide Website: magicseaweed.com/ Since 2002, MSW or MagicSeaweed has been offering detailed and free long-range surf forecasts on the web. Travel pros, big waves afficionados, local heroes, and weekend warriors have widely used this platform. MagicSeaweed is a favorite surf forecasting website because it is simple to use but is packed with all the necessary details you need to arm yourself with on your way to the beach. This website gets about 1.5 million users every month. What people love about MagicSeaweed is how it tells you where and when to go, rather than becoming your own surf forecasting expert. It takes just a few clicks here and there to get you your accurate surf prediction, wherever that surf break is. MagicSeaweed covers more or less 3,000 beaches in 180 countries. It uses live winds, ocean buoy readings, HD webcams, detailed long-range forecasting, hurricane tracks, videos, and a lot more to cover all the surf spots from around the globe. 3. Surf-Forecast Headquarters: Wales, United Kingdom Founded: — Area Served: Worldwide Website: www.surf-forecast.com/ Surf-forecast monitors 7,000 of the world’s best surf spots to provide daily surf forecasts and surf reports for almost 1 million users every month. You can take this handy surf forecasting platform anywhere you go – on surf holidays or for scoring a local break before the crowds. This surf forecasting website offers a collection of swell, wind, and wave maps that help you have a bigger picture of what a specific spot is. This picture, along with an email alert system, lets you know whether you can get waves or not. Surf-forecast doesn’t have that trendy and exciting look for a surf forecasting website but, that’s what makes it stand out. Its simple layout allows for easy navigation, even for a grom. 4. Swellnet Headquarters: New South Wales, Australia Founded: 1998 Area Served: Core focus is Australia, with surf reports for other breaks around the world except for Indonesia and parts of the Americas Website: www.swellnet.com/ In 1998 when the world was just beginning to appreciate the internet, Swellnet was born. This surf forecasting unit’s initial forecasts were sent out to a small network through fax and email. Over time, it evolved into an online service. In March 2002, when it finally became a surf forecasting website, many WCT competitions, including the Quiksilver Pro, the Rip Curl Pro, and the Billabong Pro, contracted them to give surf predictions. Swellnet is one of the most frequently visited established surf reports and surf forecasting websites not just for Australian surfers but every rider from all over the world. 5. WindGURU Headquarters: Praha, Czech Republic Founded: — … Read more

What to Do With Old Wetsuits

April 24, 2026August 2, 2021 by Dan Harmon

If you’ve been surfing for a few years, it’s likely that you have a few old wetsuits in your closet. This could either be because you have outgrown them, they have become damaged, or the seals are not keeping water in properly anymore. You could throw your old wetsuits away, but it makes a lot more sense to make use of your old wetsuits by recycling them, saving them to cut up and use for wetsuit repairs, or donating them to someone who needs them. The following article will take a look at what you can do with your old or broken wetsuits that are lying around your house. Donate Your Wetsuits to Charity Giving your old wetsuits away to someone who will use them to their full advantage is one of the best things you can do. There are many companies and charities around the world who will be happy to take in a wetsuit that you no longer use and provide it to those who need it. Some of these charities include: Valpo Surf Project Ampsurf Surfpop 1. Valpo Surf Project Valpo surf project is a non-profit based in Chile that uses surfing as a means to help young people that have grown up in violent, and drug-riddled communities better their life. 2. Ampsurf AmpSurf is an American-based organization that teaches and aids those with disabilities to surf and enjoy a part of the surfing lifestyle that brings so many of us happy. AmpSurf is always on the lookout for donations of kids-sized wetsuits, surfboards, booties, hoods, and other surfing equipment. 3. Surfpop Surfpop is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and uses surfing as a means to introduce young people from surrounding townships and underprivileged communities to an alternative lifestyle. Not only does Surfpop take kids surfing but they put an emphasis on education and proper nutrition. The above charities and organizations are just a few examples out of thousands of community projects that use surfing to connect with the youth and bring them toward a better life. By simply searching around the internet or asking people at your favorite surf spot you will likely discover a similar project that is locally based in your area. It is always a good idea to support local communities, especially when it is giving the youth a better path. Recycle Your Wetsuit If your wetsuit is too damaged to be donated and reused, you could always recycle it and change it into something else. What you do with the material is only limited by your own imagination, but some ideas could include using the arms and legs as a water bottle insulator, making a homemade wallet with the material, or using the wetsuit material as a buffer to protect your board while you travel or store it in your home. If you find that your creative inspiration is dead, you could always give your wetsuit to a company such as Suga, which takes old wetsuits and turns them into yoga mats. Not only does this help reduce trash, but you will also receive a 10% discount when shopping at their store. Another such company is Green Guru Gear. Green Guru takes donations of old wetsuits, climbing ropes, tents, and bike tires and turns them into bags, laptop cases, wallets, belts, and many additional products. If you would like to see the material of your old wetsuit used to its highest purpose, these companies could be your answer. Use Old Wetsuits to Patch Holes in Other Wetsuits If you come home from the beach one day to find that you have torn a hole in your favorite wetsuit, not all is lost. You can use an old and broken wetsuit to create a patch, and therefore repair the suit that you want to wear. This is a fairly simple task and will only require an old wetsuit, wetsuit glue, a small brush, and a little bit of your time. How to Patch a Wetsuit Patching a wetsuit is a simple job that will not take much of your time. By following the steps below your wetsuit should be in working condition well before you plan to hit the waves again. Step 1: Make sure your wetsuit is clean and dry. You should make sure that it is properly rinsed with fresh water before allowing it to dry off. Step 2: Turn your wetsuit inside out and clean up the torn area. Cut away any nylon or cotton from the surface layer of the suit and remove a thin layer of the neoprene so that it is tapered towards the hole. Because of the cleared area and tapering, you will have plenty of space to connect the patch and avoid stress tears. Step 3: Grab your old wetsuit and cut a patch that is big enough to cover the entire area of the hole. You should remove all the material from the side of the patch that will make contact with your wetsuit. The patch should also be tapered in the same way as your wetsuit. Step 4: Grab your chosen wetsuit adhesive and follow the instructions provided. The glue should be placed both on the patch and around the hole in your wetsuit. Do not be stingy with the adhesive, it is likely that you will need a fairly large amount to properly secure the patch and keep it watertight. Let the glue dry slightly before sticking it onto your suit. Step 5: Press the patch onto the hole and secure it with a weight such as a book. Leave it for the recommended time provided by the instructions for the glue and you are good to go. Step 6: Finally, it is time to test it out. Put on your suit, hit the ocean, and find out how your handyman skills have worked. Conclusion Throughout your life as a surfer, you will likely go through a few wetsuits. Instead of throwing these away, which would add to the trash … Read more

What Causes a Surfboard to Turn Yellow? (Update)

April 24, 2026July 6, 2021 by Dan Harmon

two yellowed surfboards... what causes surfboards to turn yellow?

“Yellow what?” You might have experienced before when a surfboard turns yellow with the time (usually after a few years). However, it can also happen only after a few months if you don’t take good care of your surfboard, but let’s explain first what causes a surfboard to turn yellow. What Causes a Surfboard to Turn Yellow? In short, the factors that cause a surfboard to turn yellow are sun exposure, high temperatures, and poor quality materials. Sun Exposure High Temperatures Poor Quality Materials #1. Sun exposure The main reason why a surfboard turns yellow is sun exposure, and unfortunately, it is something we can’t fully prevent as surfing takes place in the outside and most of your sessions will be on beautiful sunny days. Also, the ocean reflects the UVA and UVB rays which makes sun even stronger inside the ocean, that’s why it’s so important to use sunscreen to protect your skin while surfing, what a pity that sunscreen for surfboards it’s not available in the market, right? #2. High temperatures As well as sun exposure, high temperatures damage the laminated and foam of the board. Sometimes you might see bubbles appearing, and yellowing after leaving your surfboard in the car on a hot August summer day. 3. Poor quality materials The materials used on the construction of the surfboard are very important, and they affect to how breakable, durable and strong is the board. Regarding yellowing, it is important both the foam (core of the board) and the resin used (laminated). They are individual parts of the surfboard, that’s why having the best quality resin, but a cheap foam might also suffer from yellowing and vice versa (best foam quality with cheap resin). Nowadays, there are options of resins with UV filters (most of them have a blue, purple color), of course, at a slightly higher price but much recommended if you want to keep your board for long. The same way, there are UV filtered foams which are more resistant to the action of the sun. Now that you know the reason why surfboards turn yellow, we give you 5 tips you can follow to prevent your surfboard yellowing this summer! 5 Tips to Prevent Your Surfboard from Yellowing #1: Avoid sun exposure as much as possible As we mentioned, this is the main cause of your surfboard turning yellow, so the easiest way to prevent it is not leaving your surfboard under the sun. We know it’s not possible in the water, but try to always look for a shadow if you are planning to stay at the beach for hours to avoid extra UVA damage. #2: Don’t leave your surfboard in the car High temperatures can damage the materials of your surfboard, and it is a common mistake to leave our surfboard in the car and spend the day at the beach while our surfboard roasts on the sunny days of summer. If you don’t have anywhere else to leave your surfboard, at least try to leave a window open, so the air can cool down the space. #3. Use a good board bag An efficient way to extend your surfboard life is getting a board bag. There are different types of bags, soft bags or socks which are cheaper but also less protective and sunlight protected board bags which use heat reflecting technologies for a maximum protection. All bag is better than no bag, but we recommend you to look for a padded, UV protection bag, so you can not only protect your board from the sun and heat exposure but also from crashes while transporting, or storing it. If you don’t want to spend the money on a surfboard bag, you can try to use a towel, or some cloth to protect the surfboard from the sun. #4. Fix even the smallest ding Dings and cracks on the board can make the salty water coming inside the board damaging faster also the materials, that’s why it’s important to fix any ding immediately and don’t wait until the water is inside the foam as it can rot the core. An example of this is local yellowing that sometimes appears in areas where the laminated has been damaged. #5. Look for good quality surfboards As we mentioned, the materials used to build the surfboard can make a big difference. It’s not always a matter of price as some expensive surfboards are made by cheap materials and cheaper surfboards can have good quality resins, that’s why it’s important to check when buying a surfboard, how it has been built if possible with the shaper or the factory. In case is too late, and your surfboard is already yellow: If the yellowing already happened, first try to analyze why? It’s a super old surfboard? Have you left it at the beach for hours? Has it any not correctly repaired ding? Also it’s important to difference if the yellow is coming from the foam or from the resin, as the foam can’t be recolored but the resin can. In some cases it’s not worthy to try to fight the yellow, if the board is very old and too damaged maybe the best option is to hang it in your room and get a new one. However, if you haven’t used it for long and it hasn’t been repaired so the inside is quite intact to water, you can try to remove the yellow aspect of your board by: #1. Polishing You can gently polish your surfboard with an abrasive pad to buff the discoloration off of is surface. It can work for minor damage, but if the foam is yellow it won’t be possible to return to the original surfboard color. #2. Repainting You will need to prepare the surface by removing wax, cleaning the board and sanding, so the paint is well absorbed. Once the surface is ready, get creative and start painting your board. Before choosing the color, have in mind that dark colors attract … Read more

Surfing Checklist – Ultimate Packing List for Your Surf Trip

April 24, 2026June 29, 2021 by Dan Harmon

For most of us, our love for surfing gets us going to places where the surfs are worth going on a long drive to. Sure, the local surf spot is an excellent place to surf, but sometimes, our adventures call us to far beaches. Surf trips are fun, and nothing spoils it better than leaving something behind – your sunscreen, the jar of wax, or sometimes even your surfboard. So ditch your forgetfulness and bookmark this surfing checklist so you won’t forget about anything on your next surf adventure. Your Surf Travel Bag Before we go to the detailed list of what you need to bring, it is important to think through the bags you will put those things into. After all, it is where your most valuable goods will be kept. The best bags for a surfing trip is waterproof or water-resistant. The last thing you need is for your bag to leak and for what’s inside to get moist or drenched. Bear in mind that even a bag designed to repel water may not be able to handle getting submerged entirely. You can protect your essential items in these situations by putting them in dry bags or Ziploc bags. Surfing Checklist – What To Bring Surfing Packing for any trip gets anyone excited. The items you have in your luggage are pretty much based on how you picture the place you are going – the things you will do, the spots you will go. But, sometimes, the excitement gets the best of us that we forget some of the important stuff. Whether you are the last-minute packer or the meticulous ahead-of-time packer, you want to be sure you have everything you need for your surf trip. Most especially, if it’s a remote location you are going to, where there aren’t neighborhood surf shops to run to. Surf Gear Boards The dilemma about surfboards always lies in how many you should take on a trip. Most of the time, surfers get too excited about the surf they’re traveling to that they come up with reasons to need to bring more than one surfboard. In reality, two to four boards are too much. Moreover, airlines will tax you for stuffing two boards in a bag. So if you are traveling by air, be sure to read the airline surfboard bag fees to know what to expect. Soft Surf Racks If you travel independently to a surf camp, a soft rack is a handy essential you shouldn’t forget. Unfortunately, most modes of transportation in popular surf destinations won’t have options to tie your boards on the roof. Some may even convince you to rent a van to fit your boards instead. A soft rack will let you take a normal-sized cab to strap your boards to the roof safely. Fins And Fin Keys At least two pairs of fins will do just in case something happens, and you are in a remote area where you can’t quickly get replacements. Pack your fins along with fin keys in a fin wallet. Leashes Leashes may break, so be sure to pack in back-ups—a thinner 5mm leash for smaller days and thicker ones for bigger swells. Wax A couple of blocks of your favorite wax should be tossed into your luggage, too, as they might not be readily available on your trip. Be sure to know the water temp at your surfing destination to know which kind of wax to bring. Ding Repair Kit Getting our boards dinged can be frustrating. But, there is something more annoying – dinging your board and not being able to repair it. A ding repair kit ready can be helpful. Booties Your feet might be able to handle the sand, but they may not be able to endure the unknown reef breaks. Reef booties may not look cool but you don’t want to injure your foot along the way. Wetsuit, Rash Guards, and Long Johns The soft tropical water may feel lovely on your skin, but sometimes, our skin needs a break. A rash guard is a good relief if you get rashed or need a bit of warmth for your breezy ride. A cotton shirt may do, but rashguards dry faster and don’t become soppy after your surf session. Mask, Fins, and Snorkel Sometimes, surf just might not cooperate. A good dive or underwater exploring is always a nice alternative so it won’t be bad to pack a few diving gear, too. Travel Essentials Paperwork Never leave home without the essential documents you will need to board a plane o cross a border. Suppose you are traveling to another country, research important details like required vaccinations and stuff. And, do not forget to make photocopies of these documents. Passport Visa Address book Emergency Contact Credit card company Insurance Contacts for the area you are visiting Prescriptions Photocopies of prescriptions, passports, license Spare passport photos Guidebook Maps Dictionary Personal Hygiene and Clothing While most hotels include toiletries with your accommodation, it is still better to be ready with your own. Razors Soap Brush Shampoo Toothbrush, toothpaste & toothpicks Floss Towels Small Towels Sewing Kit Sunglasses Toilet Paper Vaseline or diaper rash Zip locks If you aren’t sure what clothing to bring, think of what you would want to wear before and after your surfing session. Here’s a list of clothing items to get you started. Walk shorts Jeans T-shirts Collared shirts Long-sleeve tees Long, lightweight pants Pullover-fleece Hat or cap Socks, light cotton Flip Flops Hiking boots or slip-on shoes First-Aid Kit Don’t waste a lovely day at the beach just because you don’t have a bandage to cover your cut with. Getting bruised and scraped is always bound to happen. So be sure to have antiseptic wipes, saline solution, an assortment of bandages, waterproof tapes, etc. Eyeglasses/contact lenses Contact lens solution Antibiotics Antibiotic / Cortisone Ointment Betadine Band-Aids Gauze pads and surgical tape Tweezers Steristrips Aspirin Ibuprofen Pain relievers Medicine for hay fever, other prescriptions Ace Bandage Q-tips … Read more

Top 6 Best Surfboard Repair Kits (Solarez)

April 24, 2026March 24, 2020 by Dan Harmon

Your surfboard – no matter how tough they were made to be is going to get dinged. No matter how careful you are, they’d still get bumps and bruises. All thanks to the reef, rocks, baggage handlers, and the brute force of the ocean. Even your recklessness. One of these things has the potential to ding or shatter your surfboard. And, when that happens, especially to your favorite board, it is not always necessary to have to take it to the surf shop to have it fixed. Repairing your dinged, damaged, or broken surfboard is easy and can be done at home. In this write-up, we will tell you how and the best surfboard repair kits to use. Top 6 Surfboard Ding Repair Kits Repairing by yourself is easy particularly if you use a dependable surfboard repair kit. The market offers many types of these, but be sure to get to know the products first. These repair kits have differences and some are more appropriate for a particular type of board than the rest. Epoxy Ding Surfboard Repair Kit by Solarez Standard Surfboard Repair Kit by Ding All Standard Epoxy Surfboard Repair Kit by Ding All Q Cell Filler Repair Kit by Ding All Sun Cure Polyester Fiberglass Repair Kit by Ding All Polyester Ding Repair by Solarez #1. Epoxy Ding Repair by Solarez – Best Overall Surfboard Repair Kit Features Resin Type: Epoxy Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz No mixing required Provides complete crosslinking Comes with 60/240 grit sand pad Wahoo International – the makers of Solarez started with created composite surfboards and bodyboards in 1985. They utilized unusual materials and approaches like UV curing resins, composite structures, and vacuum reserving methods. During the testing phase of this method, they saw how UV curing can have potential in cleaning and field repair, as much as it has for manufacturing. Thus, the birth of the first Solarez polyester putty field repair kit became a smash in the surfing community, worldwide. One of the popular repair kits they released is the Epoxy Ding Repair. It is a repair putty that is a blend of clear, extremely tough, fiber-reinforced epoxy resin with an incredible solar-activated catalyst. This product comes in a travel-friendly 2oz bottle sealed with a tight screw cap. The packaging makes it very portable and you can carry it around every time you need to take the board with you. Solarez Epoxy Ding Repair is one epoxy resin that you can use for either polyester or epoxy boards. It doesn’t require mixing and you can use it straight from the tube. Just lay it smoothly in the area that you needed fixing and let it dry – preferably under the sun. This eco-friendly resin is known to take care of all sorts of dings. You can use it without wearing a face mask since it doesn’t smell as toxic as most repair kits. It is non-flammable, too. The package comes with fine-grit sandpaper that you can use to smooth the surface when you are done. #2. Standard (polyester) Repair Kit by Ding All – Best for Polyester Boards Features Resin Type: Polyester Sizes: 2 oz Easy application The kit comes with: 6” x 13” – 4 oz. Lightweight Fiberglass Cloth 2-Sided Sanding pad Measuring cup Clear mylar cover sheet Allows easy sanding Who would have thought a class project would blow up into proportions and make a small company known for it? Dale Christenson formulated the repair kit Ding All in 1985, as a class project at a college in Florida. It became successful that Ding All eventually had its line of repair kits. Along with that were the births of other lines that include Sun Cure and Surf Science Products. Fast forward to today, Dale has partnered up with family members. Their company, The Surf Source now caters to the US and global consumers for more than 300 products/surfing needs. The Standard Repair Kit contains Silmar brand 250A Polyester Sanding Resin. This is undeniably the highest-quality resin that is available for the industry. And, are normally used for surfboard hot coatings. This material is very successful for use in ding repairs. It contains 2oz. Sanding Resin Plus Hardener is intended for small to medium-sized surfboard dimple repairs. If used under 77°F, the resin can cure in 60 minutes or so. It dries up quickly and is non-tacky so you can easily sand it for a smoother finish. #3. Standard Epoxy Repair Kit by Ding All – Best for Epoxy Boards Features Resin Type: Epoxy Sizes: 3 oz Easy application The kit comes with: 5.9” x 13.38” – Lightweight Fiberglass Cloth 2-Sided Sanding pad 1 Measuring cup and 3 mixing sticks Clear mylar cover sheet Allows easy sanding Proof that tells you a brand is good is when it has 2 of its products in one list of “best of” items. The second entry from Surf Source under their Ding All line – Standard Epoxy Repair Kit is for epoxy boards. This repair kit is their version for epoxy surfboards. Containing Ultra Clear, SS 2000 resin that is used in Epoxy surfboard construction, it is dual-purpose and can also be used to repair polyester boards, too. Standard Epoxy Repair Kit by Ding All is remarkable and it comes with a handful of items that you will need useful when you are repairing boards. It is known to simply and efficiently fill the cracks on the surfboard sans the fumes that usually become the problem with repair kits. You are guaranteed a tough lamination that will cover any dings or cracks leaving your surfboard looking and feeling as good as new. With components that are quick-drying, especially when exposed to the sun, the repair will not take long. Standard Epoxy Repair Kit by Ding All comes in a package along with a tube of epoxy, hardener, filler, and cloth. The complete kit allows an easy method for small or medium surfboard repairs. #4. Q Cell Filler by … Read more

Top 10 Best Surf Wax | Reviews (Sticky Bumps, Palmers)

April 24, 2026July 25, 2019 by Dan Harmon

There are about 23 million surfers around the globe. If you are also a surfer, regardless of your expertise level, the most common thing you must have heard or seen the other surfers do is waxing their board. No, this is not the regular waxing that one gets done at a salon. Waxing your boards is what will keep you on your board in the waters. Not correctly waxing can throw you in the waters in a matter of few seconds. Surf wax is applied on boards for getting proper traction in the waters and for getting a stronger grip on the board. Both of these aspects are the most important things to take care of when surfing. Surf wax acts as a protective layer on your surfing boards, which prevents you from falling off when surfing on a water wave. These waxes are not too expensive and essential even if you want to take up surfing as a hobby. Surf wax is essential for your safety, and using one will let you enjoy this sport. No matter if you are an amateur or an experienced surfer, knowing which wax suits your needs best is an added benefit in the long term. The Best Surf Wax List We have compiled a list of the top ten surf wax available in the market based on various aspects. To narrow down your choice, we have mentioned the pros, cons, and highlighted the best features of the wax as well. Hoping you can choose your fit effortlessly. These are the current best surf wax available in the market. Read on to know why exactly all surfers around the globe seem to use them. Sticky Bumps Original Board Surf Wax Zogs Original Sexwax Mrs. Palmers Tropical Surfboard Surf Wax Double Barrel Surf Wax Matuna’s Surf Wax Bubble Gum Surf Wax Famous Surf Wax Outdoor Wax Works’ Gripping Surf Wax Maria’s Eco Surf Wax Fu Wax Let us go over each surf wax in detail, to help you pick the right wax for your surfboards. All these wax are available for different water temperatures, but not all are available for every water temperature. Please check if your preferred wax comes in the water temperature you need. #1. Sticky Bumps Original Surf Wax This surf wax is worth your money. Get this wax if you are looking to gain some traction while surfing. Sticky Bumps mastered the Snag and Grab technology in 1992 and revolutionized the surf wax industry. Their wax contains a special additive which when rubbed across the board, builds small yet sticky bumps on it. This creates a rough surface on the smooth surfboard creating ridges that give a stronger grip to stand. The bumps are soft yet firm to let you balance on the board easily. This wax is also an eco-friendly product. The company does not waste any product during its manufacture. Once you have bought the product, everything that you get is recyclable. Even the wax itself is biodegradable. Specifications: The wax biodegrades in the water by emulsifying and causes no damage to the environment. The blueberry bubblegum scented wax is to die for, and people across the globe buy this wax solely for the smell, making it the most loved wax in the market. Lastly, this wax was developed by surfers. So you can be sure that your product is not only tried and tested but highly dependable because who would know the surfing waters better than a surfer. Their product line consists of 14 different surfing waxes for different climates, different water temperatures. #2. Zogs Original Sexwax Marketed and famous with a very eye-catchy name, Mr. Zogs original sex wax is the brainchild of Frederick Charles Herzog (popularly called Mr.Zog), a surfer and his chemist friend Nate Skinner. Developed in 1972 it has continued to be one of the most sought after surf wax brands in the USA. The unique name of the wax was given to it by an artist called Hank Picther who designed the logo and was a friend of Mr. Zog. He not only gave it the name but also designed its logo, which is being used to this day. The name of the wax was initially a reason why shops would not stock this product, but after being recommended by surfers, it became an instant hit. Specifications: The wax is smoother than most other brands available in the market. Due to this, it is used in other activities like ice-hockey, hoops, sword dancing as well. The first line of products was continuously tested to perfection by Mr. Zog himself, who was an ace surfer in his days. The smoothness of the wax makes it the best choice for a base coat or topcoat. It provides a firm grip to any surface it is applied to. Their products are available in Original wax surf, Quick humps, really tacky and Navel wax. There are products available for every water temperature that is warm, cool, cold, and tropical. Four flavors available in all four water temperatures: Coconut, Grape, Pineapple, and strawberry #3. Palmer’s Surf Wax This is your solution to surfing in tropical climates. Mrs. Palmer’s Tropical Surfboard Surf wax is made in the country filled with surfers, Australia. Australia is known for its tropical climate which in other parts of the world, not the best weather to surf. But Mrs. Palmer’s wax is designed keeping in mind the hot water temperatures in areas like these. If you plan on surfing in tropical climate any time soon, be sure to pack this wax in your surfing kit to enjoy to the fullest. Specifications: This wax contains a traction additive that sets this surf wax apart from the regular surfing waxes for two main reasons: Stick factor and long-lasting. One of the most essential features that surfers look for in wax is the long-lasting nature. Once you have applied Mrs. Palmer’s tropical surfboard surf wax on your surfboards, you can forget about getting back on the … Read more

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