Luke Morris

Best Luxury Surf Resorts and Destinations

May 15, 2023by Luke Morris

Visting some of the best luxury surf resorts around the world is a travel adventure every surfing enthusiast ought to experience, even if just once. From the Caribbean coasts to the pacific and other destinations, there are a variety of different waves you can explore. Some offer a gentle roller, while others are challenging barrels. Going on a luxurious surfing adventure is an experience to add to your bucket list. You can plan a wealth of events before going on a surfing adventure. But most importantly, you must choose the right destination. And in this guide, we will walk you through ten of the best all-inclusive resorts for surfing. 7 Best Luxury Surf Resort Travel deas After working hard for months, you deserve to treat yourself with nothing but the best when it’s time to go on holiday. Going to a luxury surf resort is the perfect get-away plan to lavish yourself on unrivaled comfort, fine dining, exotic cuisine, access to some of the best beach breaks, and so much more. Whether you know how to surf or you are just beginning to learn, finding the perfect destination is vital. If you are unsure where to go to experience that thrilling luxury surfing adventure, below are our top seven best surfing destinations hand-picked by our experts. Maldives Luxury Surf Retreat When you think about the Maldives, you might think about luxury surf resorts Europe due to the Maldives’ relationship with Europe, but be prepared to be awed. Resorts in the Maldives stand out due to their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Maldives is an excellent destination to visit when looking to have a luxurious time. It has a good number of surfing spots and great resorts to visit. So, you can be certain you will be spoiled with choices when you visit the Maldives. The Maldives has 26 atolls, broken down into the North and South Male, Central, and Southern. At each of these atolls are top-notch resorts like the Kandooma Resort, Niyama Resort, Six Sense Laamu, and Ayada Resort. The Kandooma Resort is popular for its luxurious villas, idyllic spa, decadent eateries, and top-notch facilities. It combines the astonishing beauty of South Male with a wide range of both water and land-oriented entertainment. The Niyama Resort is another luxurious hotel in the Maldives in the middle of a tropical paradise. Six Sense Resort, located on the uncharted Laamu Atoll, deep in the Indian Ocean, has white sand, crystal clear waters, and outstanding beaches, making this an eco-friendly destination. While the Ayada Resort is a multi-award-winning luxury resort located in the Southern Atolls of the Maldives. Overall, when you’re in the Maldives, there are so many activities you can indulge in. Private Villa Surf Trip in Bali Like the many luxury surf resorts Central America offers, Bali, known as the Lands of the Gods, appeals to many through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes. At Bali, be prepared to be mesmerized by its lush, terraced rice fields and its serenity and peaceful ambiance. Bali is a destination famous for its surfers’ paradise. Located 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali is a destination also loved for its climate. It has a typical tropical, humid, and warm climate all year round with two main distinctive seasons; the rainy and dry seasons. Bali is a destination to add to your bucket list, as you will surely be enchanted by its luxurious beach resorts, exciting nightlife, dramatic sceneries, and colorful crafts and arts. There are so many activities you can do when you get to Bali, but planning your travel to its private villa is a great way to explore the beauty of this destination. Many of Bali’s starred hotels are located near the beach, making this destination a great place for those looking to enjoy a wonderful moment at sea. Some private villas in Bali have private spots at certain beaches where you can splurge on exclusive privileges. You can find this private villa at surf spots like Canggu, Uluwatu, Kuta, and Seminyak. Surf and Safari in South Africa South Africa is another destination with a diverse landscape and coastline, offering travelers looking for adventure and outdoor activities a range of options. South Africa has over 1600 miles or 2500 kilometers of coastline, which spoils surfers with several surfing spots. Its beaches combine the rugged Atlantic coast with the balmy shores of the Indian Ocean. You can explore several world-class surfing spots and bays when you visit South Africa. These spots attract thousands of surfers worldwide as it has some of the best wave breaks. Jeffrey’s Bay is a typical example of what South Africa offers. This small town on the Eastern Cape is popular for hosting the annual J-Bay Open surfing competition. Muizenberg and Durban are other destinations to consider visiting in South Africa, as they feature some of the best waves for beginners and intermediate surfers. South Africa is also a popular destination for exploring wildlife and safari. South Africa is home to wildlife like lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, etc. As such, while you plan a trip to South Africa to surf, you can also visit places like the Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Luxury Surf Yacht Charter in Indonesia With up to 61567 miles of coastline spread across 17508 archipelago islands, Indonesia is one of the best places to surf. Many archipelago islands are fringed by volcanic reefs, which further help raise the barrels and tubes to create the perfect wedge waves. The Indonesian beaches are a perfect combination of War and Peace surfing destinations. If you consider a destination allowing you to go on a yacht cruise and surf simultaneously, Indonesia is the destination. If you seek a unique and memorable experience, one of Indonesia’s popular luxury surf yacht charters is the Ratu Motu. This popular luxury yacht is a 164-foot yacht specializing in surf charters in the Mentawai islands. Similarly, the Blue Horizon is another luxury surf yacht … Read more

Surfing & Skating: How Skating Can Improve Your Surfing

May 7, 2023by Luke Morris

No two sports have had such a major impact on one another. Skating and surfing have been intrinsically interlinked ever since the first surfers in California invented skating back in the 50s. Surfers began trying to “surf’ outside the water and skating quickly, progressing into the radical skateboarding we see today. The maneuvers skaters learned out the water translated perfectly back into the Ocean, and both disciplines developed into their own separate counter cultures and million-dollar sports industries. In this article, we dive into the relationships between surfing and skating. We’ll explore the history of how surfing started skateboarding, how skating pushed surfing in terms of progression, and how skating made surfing more radical. We’ll also check out the different styles of skating, from surf skate carving to traditional skating. Finally, we look at how skateboarding can help improve your surfing. It’s a super interesting relationship, and there are no two similar sports. We have a bit to get through, so let’s dive in. Surfing Vs. Skating While both sports have similar aspects, surfing involves riding waves in the ocean, while skating involves riding a smaller board on land. This describes both disciplines in straightforward terms; surfers usually ride larger boards and may change their equipment based on conditions, whereas skaters will typically ride similar style boards. There are many ways to ride waves in surfing, from performance short boarding, long-boarding, barrel riding, big wave surfing, and fun-board riding. While skating comprises park, bowl, and street. Surf Skate & Traditional Skateboarding (Similarities & Differences) Surfing Board riding in water in varying ocean conditions Combines face turns, barrel riding, and Arial maneuvers. Styles include performance shortboard, longboarding, fun boards, and big wave surfing. Skating Board riding on land using a smaller board. Combines rail, flatland, bowls, and parks. Skating styles differ from bowl skating, street skating, and park skating. How Skating Improves Your Surfing There’s no doubt that skating can help improve your surfing. Because you’re not relying on conditions and ever-changing variables like wind, tide, swell, and sand, you can repeat and practice the same moves repeatedly. This makes the rate at which you progress in skating much higher than in surfing. So, if you can’t get in the water (nothing can replace surfing), go skating. Here are some transferable sports skills that will help you surf better. Balance Balance is a vital component of both surfing and skating. Both require an incredible degree of balance for even the most basic maneuvers. So, if you’re riding a skateboard when you can’t ride a surfboard, your body replicates the next closest body movement. Because your body is repeating similar actions, it triggers your muscle memory, making everything from stance, and moves more familiar. Footwork The small movements you do with your feet in skating and surfing are transferable. More so in surfing, when you perform advanced moves, you change your foot position back and forward based on your turn. Pushing and adjusting your feet as you skate helps you do this when you surf. Maneuvers Several moves in surfing are directly related to skating. If you’re using a carver surf/skateboard, moves such as pumping, carving, and even snaps are almost the same. So, if the waves are crappy, jump in a half pipe or bowl and practice pumping and carving repeatedly getting this constant repetition is the best land-based method of replicating surfing. Co-ordination Perhaps one of the biggest crossovers between surfing and skating is having the ability to use the top and bottom half of your body to be in sync to perform maneuvers and gain speed. The Origins of Skating & Relationship to Surfing Back in the 1950s, a group of surfers in California were sick of the wave-starved summers and crappy waves, so they devised a way to “surf” on land. This involved attaching rollerblading wheels onto boards and performing surfing-type moves on land. This is how skateboarding was born. After a draught in the 70s in California, surfers began using drained swimming pools to skate in, performing more radical maneuvers and learning airs. Because of how replicable and repeatable skating was, as conditions didn’t change like in surfing, skating progressed rapidly. Things got radical, and surfers soon began translating futuristic moves like airs and carves into the water. So essentially, things came full circle, from surfing starting skating and then skating progressing so quickly that it pushed surfing to be more radical. Christian Fletcher was one of the pioneers to start translating skateboarding airs to surfing, while Kelly Slater also used moves from Skateboarding to change how waves were surfed–sparking the Momentum generation (If you haven’t seen the movies, I’d highly suggest you check them out) and surfing in a way that combined the new school flare with old school flow. As surfers continue to push what’s possible in terms of airs and above-the-lip moves, skating and surfing remain more closely linked than ever before. Final Thoughts Surfing and skating have a harmonious relationship. With surfing influencing the start of skating and then skateboarding getting radical so quickly, it influenced surfing and pushed surfing further than anyone could ever have imagined. While nothing can replace surfing, skateboarding is, by far, the closest thing you can get to surfing on land. So if you don’t live near the sea and can’t get in the water as much as you’d like, the next best thing is skating. You only have to look at John John Florence’s skating to see how transferable some skills are between the two sports. An interesting history and two of the most closely related sports on earth. When you can surf, surf, and when you can’t, skate–you’ll improve your surfing exponentially. Luke MorrisLuke Morris is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has … Read more

Top 15 Best Surf Brands of all Time

May 4, 2023by Luke Morris

collage of the best surf brands of all time

Surf brands can be found anywhere – inside surf shops, street stores, local surf spots, shopping malls, and online retail shops. The best surf brand’s product lines are ever increasing and include boardshorts, wetsuits, apparel, footwear, watches, and surfing accessories. There is more to surfing than just surfboards. Riders love to look like pro surfers – it doesn’t matter whether they can conquer the biggest of waves – they’ve been conquered by surf fashion. The market has hundreds of surf brands. Some operate on a global scale with international offices and flagship stores in key surf towns. Others are simply new surf insignias popping up that boast about new solutions, designs, and approaches. With all that being said, the best surf brands have survived, remained, and continue to provide the best surf items. The Best Surf Brands of all Time Quiksilver RVCA Volcom Patagonia Vissla Billabong Hurley Roxy Rip Curl – Best Surf Wetsuit Brand The Critical Slide Society Outerknown- Best Surf Clothing Brand O’Neill Carve Designs – Best Surf Brand For Bikinis Pyzel Surfboards – Best Surf Brand For Surfboards Xcel – Best Surf Accessory Brand #1. Quiksilver –“Stay High” The most iconic surf brand that has founded generations of progression and innovation – Quiksilver has been providing the best of the best to surfers everywhere since 1969. What was then a small store in Torquay, Australia, is now a Huntington Beach, California-based, and one of the world’s largest brands of surfwear and boardsport-related equipment. Quiksilver is under the Boardriders, Inc. umbrella, which owns other brands like Roxy and DC Shoes. The logo, designed in 1973 by its founders Alan Green and John Law, was inspired by the Japanese painter Hokusai’s woodcut – The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The logo depicts a large wave with a mountain on a red backdrop. This surf brand started in a simple surf lifestyle but has now evolved into an influential brand that delivers excellent fashion for anyone seeking performance and comfort in the scene of adventure sports. Their line of ski and snowboard apparel and accessories is part of their growth as a brand. Today, they continue to be one of the top brands in both surfing and snowboarding. Year after year, they keep their momentum in innovation, continuing to inspire and facilitate the adventure-seeking lifestyle of their clients. Official Site: www.quiksilver.com #2. RVCA – “The Balance of Opposites” Pronounced as “rew-ka,” RVCA’s name was first developed out of the “V” and “A” which symbolizes the balance and opposites and how they live side by side – nature and industrialization, woman and man, past and present, future, today, and tomorrow. And life above all. The brainchild of PM Tenore, RVCA transcends the limits of traditional action sports apparel. A design-driven lifestyle brand free from passing trends, it appears as a natural on shelves of boutiques of local skate shops. Tenore’s original intention was to create a platform for RVCA that combines art, music, fashion, and a modern lifestyle distinctively. The forefront of this vision has been RVCA’s Artist Network Program – a venture founded to showcase the talents of both accomplished and unknown artists that inspire our generation. For RVCA, the main goal is to promote the authentic integrity of RVCA’s subcultures while at the same time giving back to the community. RVCA redefines the essence of viewing art as a representation of how everything co-exists. RVCA is about today, tomorrow, and life as the big picture. Their designs and concepts inspire this and future generations to provide products of substance and culture. Official Site: www.rvca.com #3. Volcom – “True to This” Founded in 1991, Volcom was inspired by the creative spirit to create products for the determined who are true to their passions – those who were born to chase what they are true to, not because they want to but because they have to. All of Volcom’s vision started when its founders, Richard Woolcott and Tucker Hall, set off on a snowboarding trip that forever changed their lives. With one of them laid off from work, this trip plus an initial $5000 from Richard’s father, Volcom was born. Woolcott and Hall took the chance when snowboarding and skateboarding were looked down upon in the US. It was during the time of recession, with riots in LA and the Gulf War just breaking out. They believed change was in the air. True enough, with few travels around the world set on journeys with friends to ride whatever they could, the two pushed through with the business. With the headquarters set up in Woolcott’s bedroom and sales run in Tucker’s, the two had little to no idea how to make clothes. Backed with spirit and creativity, their wild beginnings had them first-year earnings of $2,600. Since then, they have extended slowly across the world. They are still running with the same philosophy they started with but now with more mature ideas. Official Site: www.volcom.com #4. Patagonia – “We’re in business to save our home planet” One of the biggest names in outdoor wear started not as an apparel company but as a team of people excelling in black smithery and selling items for rock and mountain climbing. It would not come as a surprise considering the founder started climbing at a very young age. Yvon Chouinard started by teaching himself how to blacksmith. What he learned had him selling his pitons. Before he knew it, the word about his works had spread. He eventually had to build a small shop for these accessories. Part of his ventures with mountain climbing accessories was developing the most sustainable outdoor wear for rock climbing. As the company grew, Yvon saw the opportunity to help support the marginally profitable hardware business with clothing. The team started selling rugby shirts from England, polyurethane rain windcheaters and bivouac sacks from Scotland, boiled-wool gloves and mittens from Austria, and hand-knit double-sided beanies from Boulder. From quick-drying insulation to underwear made of polypropylene to Synchilla®, the company slowly but surely … Read more

How to Pack a Surfboard for Travel

May 4, 2023by Luke Morris

Imagine it, you think you know how to pack a surfboard for travel, right? Now envisage yourself planning your ultimate surf trip, rocking up at the picture-perfect location, warm blue waters, the tropical sun beating down, 3-4ft a-frames peeling down the reef in front of your room. It’s the stuff of dreams, right? You scramble to get your stuff together for the first session, slapping on sunscreen and pulling on your boardies. Only you get to your board bag, open it and pull out your two brand-new sticks to find both noses crunched. It’s a nightmare. Unfortunately, this situation is all too common for the avid surf traveler. Whether it’s down to lousy board bag packing or, more likely, mishandling from airport workers, our boards get put through it when we travel. It’s always nerve-racking when you open a board bag, and the further you travel, the bigger the worry. While nothing can guarantee a damage-free trip, there are many ways you can pack your beloved surfboards and equipment to reduce the chances of rocking up in paradise with broken sticks. Here, we dive into everything you need to know about packing surfboards for travel, from choosing the right board bag, how to pack them correctly, and how to protect your nose and tail. We have a bit to get through, so let’s get down to it. Choosing The Right Surfboard Bag First, choose a board bag appropriate to your surf travel needs. This will come down to how much travel you plan to do, where you’re going, and how many boards you want to bring. Whatever board bag you choose, you want to avoid having excess space in your bag. Extra room creates space where things can slide around, meaning boards are more likely to get damaged. Instead, you want a compact, tightly packed bag to ensure everything is snug and protected. If you’re only traveling to the beach and back, a day bag will be perfect, which gives you a little protection for carrying one board to the beach and back. If you’re going on an overseas trip and traveling by air, you’ll want a proper board bag with great padding and pockets to keep fins and other surf accessories stashed away nicely. If you plan to travel long-term or want to take 3-4 boards or more, you’ll need a coffin board bag. These are heavy-duty surfboard bags, fit 4+ boards, and have room to carry other things such as clothes and surf accessories. How to Pack Your Surfboard Bag? Packing your surfboard bag is an art form. You can’t simply chuck your boards in with a bundle of clothes and hope for the best. Instead, you need to prepare and pack to ensure your boards are packed in one solid, ding-proof package. Preparing Your Surfboard for Air Travel First, you’ll need to prep your boards. I always like to de-wax and clean up my boards before I travel so that I can arrive with a clean board and new wax job before the first session. A clean board when you pack can mean you don’t get your board socks and bag all waxy. However, this is just an added luxury and not essential. What is essential is protecting your board in a board sock, which provides some extra padding from scratches and dings within the bag. Surfboard Protection I use clothes and towels as a layer of padding for my boards, but if you’ve got the room, you can also use bubble wrap. Bubble wrap or cutting the long pool floats in half can protect the rails. The most critical areas of your boards to protect are the nose and tail. I usually stuff a towel or large jacket around the nose and tail. I then pack clothes down the rails to protect them. Anything you can do to protect the essential parts of the board serves as protection. Surfboard Layout/Order When packing your boards, always pack them in hierarchical order. This means always pack your largest board at the bottom and stack pyramid style from your largest to the smallest. This prevents noses from being crushed. Packing & Padding Ensure your boards are packed neatly; use towels and clothes to add cushion between each one while making sure the nose and tails have even more padding, using thicker clothing items or bubble wrap. Essentially, you want to ensure the bag is packed as tightly as possible, so the weight is spread evenly throughout the bag. Making sure the weight even helps protect your boards, as when the (usually careless) baggage handlers throw your board around, it won’t land with all the weight at the nose or tail. While we all hope our boards get treated well on flights, it’s unfortunately not always the case. Trust me, I’ve seen my boards thrown on a pile of bags before! Alternative Surfboard Transport Options Without a Bag If you’re just traveling to the beach for a beach day, you won’t need the faff of lugging a huge board bag around, so just purchase a board sock or day bag. These still give some protection and can also prevent the board from getting discolored from being left in direct sunlight. Oh, and from your wax melting. Shipping a Surfboard Sometimes shipping a surfboard is a good idea. For instance, if you’re going to Hawaii and ordering boards specifically for North Shore waves or have a custom board order from a different country, there would be no point in ordering your boards home, then flying out with them. Instead, you can order them to your accommodation in your planned destination. You can ship surfboards with all the most renowned shipping companies in the world. I’ve never done this personally, and although it will cost more than flying boards out yourself, it will save you the hassle of traveling with boards, oh, and any unexpected surfboard baggage fees at the airport. Final Thoughts So there, we have everything you need to … Read more

Pipeline Surfing Injuries | Dangerous Waves

May 3, 2023by Luke Morris

Pipeline, a wave that needs no introduction. One of the most famous waves on the planet, it’s crowded, heavy, and a wave by which all others are measured. From the most incredible rides of all time to some of the most horrific wipeouts you’ve ever seen, resulting in a litany of Pipeline surfing injuries. Pipeline serves it all each and every winter. The wave is incredible, a beautiful, bright blue cavernous barrel, lefts and rights where you can score the wave of your life or cop the beating of your life in the same session. While it looks perfect in videos, you don’t see the reef, sitting only feet below the surface, the pack of angry, hard-charging locals jostling for position, and the unpredictable nature of the wave. So while Pipeline can be perfect, it’s also deadly. Pipe has claimed more lives than any other wave on earth, but why is it so dangerous? Why is Pipeline talked about so much? And why has it served up so many injuries? A lot makes Pipe dangerous, so let’s jump in. Understanding Pipeline: Why is it so Dangerous? You often hear how Pipeline is the most dangerous wave on earth, but why? What makes it so dangerous? There are a few different contributing factors going beyond how the wave breaks. The Reef Pipeline comprises three reefs—farthest out lies third reef, which only breaks when the swell is huge. So, if you hear it’s breaking third reef, you know it’s frickin massive! Second reef is the next reef that only breaks when the swell is solid. The second reef means the wave breaks as a rolling whitewater before doubling up and hitting first reef. First reef is where the action starts, and the wave stands up abruptly and barrels down the reef. This is Pipeline’s shallowest and deadliest section, where the best barrels and worst wipeouts go down. First reef is also incredibly shallow, sitting only feet under the breaking lips. The reef is hard as concrete and is made up of caves, which is not uncommon for surfers to be stuffed into after a bad wipeout. The Crowd Because of the potential of riding the wave of your life and the attention of the surfing world fixated on Pipeline all winter, the attraction of coverage and making a name for yourself on the North Shore as a professional surfer is why Pipe is so crowded. Throw in the cloaks that dominate and regulate the Pipe lineup, and you have a recipe for aggression, fear, and a hectic crowd. On any given day, there can be between 50 and 100, if not more, people making up the pack at Pipe. The Pipe line-up runs in a hierarchy, with top locals and surfing legends taking their pick of the waves first, the top pros get the next best, and everyone else feeds off the scraps. Swells Because Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific, swells march un-interpreted from the North Pacific and slam straight into the reef at Pipe. It is why Hawaii has such good big waves, as solid swells hit Pipe directly. Conditions also change rapidly at Pipe, meaning sand (that sits adjacent to the Pipe reef) shifts and impacts how makeable the wave is. This can make Pipe even more deadly than usual by rendering the wave a closeout. The shallow reef, aggressive line-up, and huge swells make Pipeline incredibly dangerous; combine that with fear and other factors such as wind, tide, swell direction, backwash, and sand. You have a recipe for danger—a recipe for Pipeline. Pipeline Surf Injuries Pipeline has served up more injuries and deaths than any other wave. Taking many lives over the years, most notably Tahitian charger Malik Joyeux in 2011, along with many other surfers, all well-versed in waves of consequence. Even the best Pipe surfers of all time have had their fair share of life-threatening injuries out there. Jamie Obrien – JOB needs no introduction at Piepiline, but even for him, the waves he gets out there now have come at a price. Whether it be battling locals for waves his entire life or taking more wipeouts in a season than most of us rack up in a lifetime, Jamie had also broken both of his legs at Pipepine, and this all by the time he was 15. JJF – John John, one of the best Pipe surfers ever, broke his back in 2012 at Pipeline with a fairly run-of-the-mill wave (by John John standards) but managed a full recovery and return to surfing Pipeline. Andre Botha – The South African bodyboard legend almost lost his life at Pipe after being knocked unconscious–hitting his head on the reef, and being rescued by Jamie Obrien and North Shore lifeguards. Owen Wright – Owen Wrights’ return to professional surfing was one of the best surfing comebacks ever. After sustaining a brain injury at Pipe, the Australian won his first CT event back at Snapper Rocks. Owen, a well-renowned charger and CT veteran, took off on a closeout double-up, didn’t make it, and suffered a severe brain injury. Kala Grace – In the 2023 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, Kala Grace, a North Shore legend and Pipe charger, sustained a horrific head injury after falling inside the barrel and taking a solid first reef closeout on his head during a heat. He was rescued and taken to hospital and is still recovering as I write this. Billy Kemper also injured himself within minutes of this incident. Pipeline Surf Safety Even for the most experienced and best Pipe surfers, there are several precautions surfers must take to be safe (or at least minimize the risk) at Pipeline. Many surfers now wear Gath helmets if they hit the reef with their heads. Even Pipe specialists will avoid Pipe days where it’s bigger than usual or the wind or swell isn’t right; it just makes things even more dangerous than they already are. Final Thoughts Undoubtedly, Pipeline is an … Read more

Surfer’s Ear: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

May 1, 2023by Luke Morris

Do you know about Surfer’s Ear? We put our bodies through it as surfers. We cram in double sessions on the weekend, jump in the water before and after work, and on surf trips; we spend 8 hours per day paddling, duck diving, getting tubed, or, if you’re like me, taking sets on the head and spending most of the session underwater. This kind of activity fills our sinuses with water, and you only need to have been in the middle of dinner, even on a date and have a cup full of water poor out of your nose onto the dinner table. A little embarrassing, but all part and parcel of being a surfer! But if you’re a cold-water surfer, you face another, more serious problem from surfing too much. Surfer’s ear. If you’ve ever come out of the surf unable to hear, had water stuck in your ear for days, or had an ear infection, you’ll know first-hand how frustrating surfers ear can be. In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about the incredibly annoying surfer ear. From what it is, why it happens, and what you can do to prevent it. What is Surfer’s Ear? Surfer’s ear is a bone growth inside the ear from repeat exposure to cold water and wind. If you live in a cold water surf destination such as Canada, Northern Califonia, Europe, or even South Australia, you’re exposed to the risk of a surfer’s ear. It’s the body’s way of protecting the eardrum from constant cold exposure that can permanently damage your ear. So the bone grows over the canal to protect the more important parts of your ear. Although you know it as the annoying water wedged in your ear after surfing all day, the scientific name for surfer’s ear is exostoses. What Are The Surfer’s Ear Symptoms? Nowadays, we are lucky enough to be able to surf in any water at any temperature. Wetsuits are amazing and allow us to surf for hours in sub zeros and in destinations as far-flung as Alaska, Iceland, and Tasmania. But surfing in such places (particularly if you live and surf there every day) comes with an increased risk of surfer’s ear. Some common symptoms include: Loss of hearing Water stuck in the ear Middle ear infections Ear pain When you can’t get that water out by shaking your head or stuffing your index finger in there–it’s super frustrating. While surfer’s ear can happen to surfers of all ages and abilities, it’s most common for surfers who have surfed in cold water most of their lives and who are in their mid-30s. So now we know the symptoms, how do you treat a surfer’s ear? How to Treat Surfer’s Ear There are several ways to treat a surfer’s ear, but before it gets to the point of needing treatment, you must look for the early signs and put preventative measures in place. Recognize the Early Signs Early signs of surfer’s ear include loss of hearing, having water stuck in the ear after surfing, pain in your ears, etc., all the annoyances of surfing consistently in cold water. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, get checked for the early signs of exostoses by a doctor. They’ll be able to tell you if you have early onset surfers’ ear or not. However, there is something else worth considering if you have experienced these symptoms. I surf all the time and went to get checked for the surfer’s ear after water was lodged in there for days, and I couldn’t hear! The doctor told me I have no signs of surfer’s ear yet (I’m 26), but often water gets trapped behind ear wax, leading to infection. Non-surgical Remedies for Surfer’s Ear? Initially, surfers’ ear doesn’t require treatment; if it’s early or you just have an infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat it. Surgical Remedies for Surfer’s Ear? When things become more serious, when bone grows over the ear canal, partially or completely, surfer’s ear requires treatment. Unfortunately, once the bone starts growing, it doesn’t stop you get it surgically removed. There are two methods you can go about it: By incision – The most common way of treating surfer’s ear is where a pigeon makes an incision behind the patient’s ear and drills into the bone to remove it. By Microchisel – This involved chiseling away the bone growth to clear it. Afterward, a thin sheet of plastic silicone is applied inside the ear to protect the treated area and is removed 3 weeks later. How to Prevent Surfer’s Ear? By far, the best way to treat surfer’s ear is to prevent it in the first place! Ultimately, there is only one way you can prevent surfers’ ear entirely and that’s to avoid surfing in cold water. But you and I both know you won’t be doing that, so the next best option is to wear earplugs and/or a hood for super cold winter sessions. You can purchase custom earplugs online or buy a good set from any decent surf shop or grab standard-sized earplugs over the counter for surfers and swimmers. In my experience, although I don’t have surfers ear (yet), I often use earplugs to avoid infections when surfing in dirty water. (After it rains in Bali) and have found cheap earplugs usually fall out, and it’s well worth investing in a customized pair. Final Thoughts There’s no doubt looking after your ears is a crucial part of being a surfer, and getting constant ear infections and being unable to hear is no badge of honor for being a hardcore surfer, far from it. It’s just annoying. So, whether you’ve got early onset surfers’ ear or want to avoid it before it starts happening, wear ear plugs (invest in good ones), wear a hood if you’re surfing in cold water, and generally take care of your ear health. We’re not going to stop surfing in cold water, and nor … Read more

Best Jet Skis for Tow-In Surfing and Rescue Sleds

May 1, 2023by Luke Morris

Wherever there are surfers, especially highly skilled, competitive surfers, there are also jet skis being used for tow-in-surfing and jet ski rescues using rescue sleds. The two things go hand in hand, with jet skis serving as one of the most critical tools in big wave surfing and in everyday lifesaving situations. While jet skis are used on their own for recreation by thrill seekers who love spending time in the waves, they are also used by lifeguards and first responders all across the world who are tasked with keeping surfers and swimmers safe. In those critical moments when a lifesaving operation is underway, a reliable, high-performance jet ski is needed to ensure first responders can quickly reach a surfer in distress. Jet skis are also used for tow-in surfing, delivering surfers to the hardest-to-reach big waves in scenarios where paddling may not be practical. Read on to learn more about how jet skis became an integral part of competitive big wave surfing and a much-needed tool in lifesaving efforts on the water. We have rounded up the best jet ski for tow surfing, along with the best rescue sleds below. Jet Skis: A Brief History Today we use the name “Jet Ski” to describe almost any personal watercraft (PWC), but the first versions made in Europe were originally known as “water scooters.” These machines first appeared in the 1950s, but it was not until 1973 that Kawasaki manufactured the first “Jet Ski.” Kawasaki’s new design resulted from the initial efforts of Australian Clayton Jacobsen, who had made significant changes to the earliest European versions of personal watercraft. He altered the driver’s position from seated to standing, replaced the outboard motor with an internal pump jet, and eventually constructed a model of this personal watercraft from fiberglass. Kawasaki took an interest in his design and eventually brought it to the marketplace, paving the way for companies such as Yamaha and Bombardier to follow. The jet ski industry now has a market size of $1.1 billion in the United States alone. Why Do Surfers Use Jet Skis? While many surfers dream of always finding that next big wave, getting to it can prove impractical or simply impossible, or at least it was until the mid-1990s. Toward the end of the 20th century, some of surfing’s biggest names began to try what would become known as “tow-in surfing.” Elite competitors like Laird Hamilton and others realized they could reach a large breaking wave with the assistance of a PWC or even by dropping from a tow-in line attached to a helicopter. This truly changed the playing field in competitive surfing, allowing surfers to reach waves that were once out of their grasp with traditional paddling. In general, the maximum wave height most surfers reached before tow-in surfing came into play was 20 feet / 6 meters. Once jet skis and helicopters came into the picture, surfers could experience the thrill of waves ranging from 30 to 50 feet / 9 to 15 meters. From Northern California to Cape Town, South Africa, tow-in surfing has become a significant (albeit controversial) part of surf culture across the globe. Jet skis are also an important safety component in big wave surfing, especially when combined with rescue sleds, which we will explore further in this article. Important Features of Jet Skis for Tow-In Surfing When it comes to tow-in surfing, jet skis play a vital role in launching surfers into massive waves. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best jet ski for tow-in surfing: Power and Speed The ability of a jet ski to generate sufficient power and speed is essential for towing surfers into waves effectively. Look for jet skis with high-performance engines capable of propelling both the surfer and the watercraft swiftly. Stability Stability is another crucial factor, especially when navigating through turbulent waters and choppy waves. Opt for jet skis with a wide hull design and advanced stability features to ensure better balance and control. Maneuverability Maneuverability is vital for executing precise turns and maneuvers while towing surfers into position. Choose jet skis with responsive steering and agile handling to navigate through crowded lineups and challenging surf conditions with ease What Is the Best Jet Ski for Tow-In Surfing? If you are using a jet ski for cruising local waters and having fun with friends, you may not give much thought to its features, speed, or build in general, as long as you feel safe and comfortable on it. On the other hand, surfers relying on PWCs to reach monster waves want to know they are using the absolute best jet ski money can buy. They certainly would not attempt to surf a 30, 40, or 50-foot wave on a cheap surfboard, and they would not rely on anything less than the best jet ski to get to that big wave. While speed is certainly a critical factor in reaching waves, it is not the only thing to focus on when it comes to choosing the right jet ski. You also need to consider the model’s reputation for engine reliability, safety features, and overall stability. Here are three of the best jet skis on the market for use in tow-in surfing: 1. Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO Curb weight: 875 pounds Seating Capacity: 1 to 3 Length: 140.9 inches Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons With premium features and the quality consumers expect from Yamaha, the FX Cruiser SVHO is a solid choice for tow-in surfing. This model accelerates from 0 to 30 miles per hour in under two seconds and can reach a max speed of 67 miles per hour. It enables drivers to rapidly decelerate when hitting tight corners and comes equipped with a supercharged marine engine with 260 horsepower. Yamaha’s LCD touchscreen includes GPS technology, and it comes with a waterproof integrated audio system and high-quality EcoXGear speakers; Yamaha covered all the bells and whistles with this model! The storage capacity is ample enough at 30.3 gallons, … Read more

Surf Training on Land: How to Train

May 1, 2023by Luke Morris

Nothing can replace surfing, and no exact movement replicates what we do when surfing a wave. However, we don’t all have the luxury of surfing all day, every day–dedicating our entire lives to improving our surfing. I know how it is. Life gets in the way, responsibilities crop up, and finding time to surf and chase swells falls by the wayside. But don’t stress; this doesn’t mean you can’t improve your surfing. There are countless ways to help you stay fit, flexible, and stronger when you can’t get in the water. While I would highly encourage you to surf as much as possible, if you live far from the Ocean or just can’t find the time, it’s time to start doing surf-specific training. In this post, we dive into land-based surf training; from what can be done to most accurately replicate surfing, the key fitness components you should focus on on land, to the importance of mobility and stretching in surfing. We’ll also discover how to create a land-based surf training program. A lot goes into getting fit for surfing, so let’s get down to it. Replicating Surfing on Land – Is it Possible? Because of the tiny movements you make in surfing and an ever-changing ocean, it’s super tricky (even with all the technology we have at our fingertips) to replicate the moves in the ocean. I think one of the best ways to do it is simple: watch surf movies and try and replicate the body movements you see in clips. Do this in your room when no one’s looking because it looks ridiculous. But this way, you get your body and mind used to the positions you need to perform certain maneuvers. I used to do this as a kid all the time! I also used to walk down the street pretending a bush was a long tube, adopting an upper-body tube stance as I walked along. And yes, I’m not afraid to say I still do this, aged 26. Additionally, mobility routines and stretching exercises can help mimic surfing movements. Putting your body in the same positions you do in surfing will help your flexibility and muscle memory. Despite this, training outside the water doesn’t have to focus on surf-specific movements. Training with “gimmicky” surf-specific routines can have an adverse effect! Just look at the best surfers in the world to see how they train; take Nate Florence and Gabriel Medina; in their training, they perform explosive, power-based body weight exercises in circuit-style sessions. Surf Workouts We have several fitness-based components in surfing, including power, strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility–all essential in good surfing. Whenever top surfers are training, they focus on these aspects. Here’s how they relate to surfing. Strength The stronger you are, the easier surfing will be. Paddling, pushing through turns, duck diving, and how long you can surf for. Muscular strength and endurance are slightly different muscle-based but equally essential fitness components. While muscular endurance helps you surf for longer (and be able to practice more), muscular strength and power will give you the ability to push through turns and throw spray. Power All the maneuvers we do in surfing are fast and explosive; therefore, power is critical. Successful tour surfers have power in their game, big legs, strong cores, and the ability to torque and throw their boards around. Even basics such as popping up or performing an off-the-top are quick (fast twitch) movements, and power-based exercises help you perform them better. Cardio Cardiovascular training is essential for surfing. The fitter you are, the longer you can surf, the easier paddling and riding waves will be, and the more waves you catch. More waves = more improvement. If you don’t surf all the time, cardiovascular training such as running, cycling, and swimming will undoubtedly help you feel better in the water. Even if you surf a lot, this type of training helps you keep motivation and froth levels high when the waves suck (which is more often than not). Flexibility Flexibility and mobility is the most crucial factor to consider when it comes to surfing well. Everything in surfing requires flexibility, from paddling (shoulders), popping up (hips), and top turns (hips, ankles, back). If your muscles are tight, you won’t just feel sore from surfing but will be limited in the maneuvers you can perform. The Championship Tour surfer is super flexible, and this is no accident. Mobility & Stretching Rather than focusing on land-based surf replication, stretching will be more beneficial in helping you surf better. A good stretch routine (while watching a great surf movie to see how surfers move) is a great way to stay limber and flexible. I recommend starting a daily stretch routine first thing in the morning, making some flowing, fluid movements to get the blood flowing, and then into a great yoga routine. Establishing this long-term routine can help you feel better when you do get to surf. Post-surf stretching is also super important! If you surf, then sit at a desk all day, it leads to stiff muscles and soreness. A recipe for injury! But stretching, even for 30 minutes, post surf, can work wonders in helping your body feel good for the next session. How to Create a Surf-Specific Workout Routine The best surf-specific routine focuses more on developing; strength, power, cardio fitness, and flexibility than trying to replicate what you do in surfing completely. These things combine to make surfing easier and less tiring when you get in the water. Make stretching a habit (both morning and post urf), A movement-based, flowing routine in the morning and a deep post-surf stretch session. Try and do 3 x strength bases sessions per week. (Adapt depending on how much you surf that week). Perform bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, lunges, dips, squats, jumps, and spider craws. These are dynamic movements that incorporate the entire body. These are great for strength and muscular endurance as part of a circuit. Cardio Sessions: If … Read more

10 Highest Paid Surfers | How Surfers Get Paid

April 27, 2023by Luke Morris

Surfing is different; it always has been. It walks the line between sport and lifestyle. But for athletes at the top level, surfing is undoubtedly a sport and a well-paid one at that. Whether they’re grinding it out on the WQS or in the top 10 on The Championship Tour, there’s good money in pro surfing. But cash in surfing doesn’t filter down the ranks equally, and there is a massive gap between how much the top-level pro surfers are paid and the rest of the pack. Who earns what money in surfing goes beyond simple prize money and contest win bonuses. It involves prize money, sponsorships, circumstance, marketability, other revenue streams, and, let’s face it, some industry who knows who. In this article, we dive into how surfers get paid. We’ll discover the highest-paid surfers, how they earn their paychecks, the differences between male and female earnings, and where surf salaries are today. We have a bit to get through, so let’s hit it. Who are the Highest Paid Surfers? While the Championship Tour roster includes 34 surfers, only ten may be considered well-paid; however, even the highest-paid surfer’s salaries pail compared to most sports. Here are the highest-paid surfers right now. 1. Kelly Slater Kelly Slater is the greatest surfer of all time and one of the winningest athletes in all sports. The 11x world champion continues to compete at the highest level today at 51. As you’d expect, Kelly is the highest-paid surfer ever, with an estimated net worth of around $ 25 million. Between 2010 and 2014, the Floridian amassed $ 2.2 million in prize money alone. This doesn’t include endorsement deals with major brands like Quiksilver and GoPro. Kelly has used his multiple revenue streams wisely, investing in his sustainable surf company, Outer known, and revolutionary wave pool technology at his famous Kelly Slater Surf Ranch. 2. John Florence Any surf fan in the past decade has heard of John Florence. John has won two world titles, going back to back in 2016 and 2017, produced one of the greatest surf movies ever, and continues to blow minds every time he surfs. If you haven’t seen View From a Blue Moon yet, I’d highly suggest checking it out. With two world titles behind him and big-name backing from Nike, Hurley, and Monster, John is one of the highest earners in surfing. His net worth is $ 12 million, and like Kelly, John has invested wisely, starting his own company, “Florence X Marine,” and generating revenue from surf movies and YouTube. 3. Mick Fanning The face of Australian surfing, Mick Fanning, is a 3x time world champion from the Gold Coast in Queensland. Now retired, Mick was one of the highest-performing competitors of all time, pipping Kelly to the post to win three world titles. The Queenslander still boasts some big sponsors, including Red Bull, Rip Curl, and DHD Surfboards—an iconic surfing figure worth $ 8 million. 4. Gabriel Medina Gabriel Medina is a Brazilian superstar with a net worth of around $ 3.5 million. The 3x world champion is already regarded as one of the best competitive surfers ever, with a fearsome reputation in heats and heat surfing that wouldn’t look out of place in the latest surf flick. Medina is a megastar in Brazil, mates with Neymar, and enjoys huge endorsement deals with Rip Curl and Audi. 5. Laird Hamilton Laird Hamilton is a pioneer of big wave tow surfing and one of the first names people associate with surfing. He changed how waves were ridden in the early 2000s and was one of the first to surf Jaws and Teahupoo. Laird has amassed massive wealth from surfing (net worth of $ 10 million) and is also an actor and sportswear model. Other highly paid surfers There are some other well-paid surfers I couldn’t squeeze into this list, including Julian Wilson, Kolohe Andino, Jordy Smith, and Kanoa Igarashi. The Highest-Paid Female Surfers in the World In many sports, women earn significantly less than their male counterparts, but in 2019, the WSL announced equal pay for male and female athletes, becoming the first US sport to do so. However, there is still a huge gap between the top five female surfers and the rest of the pack. Some of the highest-paid female surfers include: 6. Carissa Moore Carissa Moore is the face of women’s surfing and one of the most successful female surfers ever. The Hawaiin has won the world title 5 times and has huge sponsors to match her success. Red Bull, Target, Hurley, and Mayhem surfboards are among them. Carissa’s net worth is estimated at around $ 2 million. 7. Steph Gilmore Steph Gilmore is the greatest female surfer of all time and has won the world title 8 times, most recently in 2022 at the WSL Finals at Trestles. Gilmore is also regarded as one of the most stylish surfers ever, and her sponsors include Roxy, DHD, and Nixon—an incredible surfer with a net worth of $ 16 million. 8. Sally Fitzgibbons Another Australian surfing icon and successful CT veteran. Fitzgibbons has competed on the WCT for over a decade, finished 2nd in the world, and competed in the Tokyo 2022 Olympics. Her net worth is $ 1 million. 9. Maya Gabeira Maya Gaberia is a big wave surfing phenomenon from Brazil and one of the best female big wave surfers ever. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Maya has surfed some of the world’s most terrifying big wave spots, including Portugal/s Nazare and Tahiti’s Teahupoo. She has won XXl awards and even a Guinness World Record for a wave she rode at (68ft) Nazare after almost drowning there four years previous. 10. Malia Manuel Malia Manuel is a professional surfer and model from Kauai, Hawaii. Despite appearing at the highest level in multiple CT events, she is regarded as one of the most underrated female surfers. She remains at the top level of female surfing (despite not competing on the WCT) … Read more

How to Stay Warm When Surfing in Cold Water: Top Tips for Toasty Waves

April 25, 2023by Luke Morris

person surfing on waves in winter - wondering how to stay warm when surfing in cold water

Where I live in Western Australia, we happen to get our best swell in the winter months. As a cold-water winter surfer, I know firsthand how important it is to know how to stay warm when surfing in cold water in order to enjoy the waves. Cold temperatures can quickly sap your energy and make it difficult to perform at your best. With that in mind, I’d like to share some tips on how to stay warm while surfing in cold water. One of the key elements to staying warm during those frosty surf sessions is paying close attention to how we protect our extremities, like our hands and feet. These body parts are typically more exposed to the elements, and as a result, they require some special consideration. In the next sections, I’ll be discussing the different ways to keep your hands and feet warm while riding those chilly swells. What Do Surfers Do to Stay Warm in Winter Wetsuits and Accessories When I surf winter swells in cold water, I make sure to wear a good quality wetsuit with the appropriate thickness to keep my body warm. Thick neoprene wetsuits, especially hooded ones, provide extra insulation against the cold. I also wear essential wetsuit accessories like gloves, booties, and earplugs to protect my extremities and prevent heat loss. Gloves and booties keep my hands and feet warm, while hooded wetsuits and earplugs protect me from cold water flushing and possible ear infections. Techniques and Tips One important tip I follow to stay warm when surfing is to keep moving in the water. I paddle regularly and stay active, as this helps in maintaining my body temperature and blood circulation. Avoiding unnecessary duck dives also helps in retaining body heat by not submerging myself and the surfboard beneath the waves when it is not needed. I don’t know about you, but the old ‘doing a wee in the wetsuit’ offers a bit of immediate relief too and is a classic surfer’s trick where I’m from (Haha, sorry, too much information!?) Diet and Nutrition In order to maintain my energy and body temperature while cold water surfing, I plan a nutritious pre-surf meal. High-calorie foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats provide fuel to my body and help me stay warm. Fruits and vegetables with high water content might not be the best choice before cold water surfing, so I opt for more substantial meals instead. Coffee and alcohol might be tempting for a quick fix, but they are not advisable as they can reduce my body’s core temperature. Of course, a hot drink and warm feed immediately after surfing is a great way to warm back up again too. I personally love the Aussie classic of a hot choccie and a sausage roll with tomato sauce! Preparing for Winter Surfing Before heading out for a winter surf, I make sure to warm up by stretching and doing light exercises. Having a warm and insulated van to change in and gather my gear is a great way to start my session comfortably. It’s also a good idea to keep a changing poncho and a container of warm water handy for rinsing and warming up my hands and feet after a surf. Understanding Water Temperature I always consider the water temperature before a winter surf session. Knowing the ideal wetsuit thickness and accessories needed for specific water temperatures helps me prepare better and stay warm while surfing. For instance, thicker wetsuits and extra accessories like hoods and gloves might be essential when water temperatures drop significantly, certainly this is needed when I surf in the colder south eastern states of Australia in the winter; I can only imagine what it’s like in parts of Europe and the USA (you guys are mad!). Rejuvenating after a Cold Surf Session After a cold surf session, I focus on rejuvenating my body and warming up quickly. A hot shower, warm drinks, and dry clothes help me regain my body temperature and recover faster from the effects of cold water surfing. I also make sure to refuel my body with a nutritious post-surf meal to replenish energy and restore balance. In Australia, we surfers wear ugg boots – sheepskin wool lined boots; in fact you wouldn’t be a surfer in winter in Australia unless you pulled your uggies on straight after your feet were nearly dry (even with sand on them, the lot!). Don’t let the cold water stop you chasing epic waves! Get the right gear, eat the right foods, warm up quickly and enjoy the winter swell! Luke MorrisLuke Morris is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has inspired him to create a community where like-minded individuals can come together to celebrate their shared passion.

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