Luke Morris

The Difference Between a Grom and a Kook | How to Spot Them

November 6, 2021by Luke Morris

A good friend of mine once said, “There will always be a kook or a grom in a lineup. If you don’t know who they are, maybe you’re it.” As I think of those words today, I reflect on my actions and wonder about how my peers think of me while surfing. Do I act like a kook in the lineup during my bad days? Did I ever dress like one? Was I ever a grom when I was starting? What exactly is the difference between a kook and a grom, anyway? Surf slang and terminologies can be confusing if you’re new to the surfing world. That’s why in this article, I’ll be talking about certain factors that may label you as a kook or a grom, how you can spot them at the beach, and the basic etiquettes of surfing you should always follow. What makes you a kook? Contrary to what others know, surfers are a friendly and welcoming bunch. We don’t just call people kooks for no reason, and matter of fact, we like to encourage people who want to learn surfing. That said, being a newbie surfer doesn’t instantly make you a kook. Being referred to as a kook isn’t exactly what you want to be associated with in the beach lineup, as surfers often use it to poke fun at someone. It’s a term that’s kind of similar to a poser, but since the latter doesn’t exactly surf as they just ‘pretend’ to know how to, kooks can be considered as a more derogatory term. Generally, a kook is an inexperienced person who often gets in the way of other experienced surfers. They often interfere with the lineup, causing aggravation to others, at the same time disregarding surfing etiquettes and other surfer’s safety. But while the newbies are often referred to as such, surfers of any skill level can be also called as such if they’re acting like one. Kooks are people who pose danger and threat to other surfers. Since they don’t know (or maybe they do know, they just don’t follow) the basic rules in surfing, they’d drop in on other surfers without batting an eye or snake their way in the lineup while staring at you. Even if they bail out and their boards hit other surfers because they hate wearing a leash, they simply don’t have a care in the world. Oftentimes, kooks don’t know that they are, indeed, kooks, because they have a distorted perception of their real abilities. They think they’re good at something, but they’re really not. They’d often claim they can do barrel turns and cutbacks, but ask them to do those things and they’d just look like a drowning buffoon in the water. They are also amateur surfers who pretend to be an expert in surfing slang, but they often use words in the wrong context or they exhaust the terminologies in one sentence to the point that it’s cringey. How to Spot a Kook Since the obnoxious world of being a kook is vast, there are many ways on how you can be considered as a kook by other surfers. If you’re worried that you’re one of them, it’s time to assess yourself and make some changes in your habits. In the list below, you’ll find some tell-tale signs of being a kook and how to spot them at your local beach area. Have tons of stickers plastered on their surfboard (not sponsored) Performs bizarre warm-up exercises in the boardwalk Paddles with the nose of their surfboard pointing towards the sky Sports a top-of-the-line wetsuit, carries a surfboard that looks like it’s never been used, observes the waves for nearly an hour, then jumps in on the waves last minute and creates splashes Carries their surfboards inside malls Never waxes their surfboard, and if they do, they’d ask for yours and give it back as a thin flake of useless wax Wears full wetsuit during summer Wears board shorts over their wetsuit; fashions a wetsuit inside malls Surfs with the wrong equipment in a hot spot for the pros during a big event Ignores channels; drops in on other surfers Doesn’t wear a leash Shows up in beach lots with a frappuccino Takes videos/photos for Instagram Gets excited over two-footers Doesn’t understand surfer norms Last but not least, if you paddle out in a lineup where everybody seems to know one another, then they probably think of you as the kook. Check out this video complication below of some kooks you wouldn’t want to be around with in the beach lineup. What makes you a grom? While being referred to as a kook can be taken as an insult, getting called a grom can be considered as a compliment — that is, if you’re under the age of 15. Grom, grommie, or grommet are terms used to compliment young, precocious surfers who are still learning the ways of surfing. These are kids who are stoked all the time because of the high amounts of energy in their veins fueled by ice cream and donuts. Without the groms, lineups won’t be much fun, and half the stores at the beachfront selling sweet treats will be closed for good. Grommets are the future of surfing, that’s why experienced surfers teach them all the tricks and techniques that they know. They also try to pass down the shaka culture, so the groms can learn the surfing etiquette sooner than later. This way, they don’t develop into becoming kooks as they get older. These kids are often accompanied by their grom moms, or mothers who take their kids anywhere, any time because they enjoy seeing them stoked. These moms are always sitting on the cold sand, sipping coffee with a blanket wrapped around them as early as 6 am. Like their moms, the groms usually have a positive outlook and a pretty chill vibe. History of Grom Where did the term grom come from, you ask? While others will … Read more

Should I Surf at High or Low Tide?

November 6, 2021by Luke Morris

Picture this: You’re at this surf town you’ve been wanting to visit for years. You’ve waxed your board, you’ve put on your wetsuit, and now that it’s time to go surfing, you see that all the water’s gone and it’s a hundred meters away from where you’re standing. What the heck!? Some surfers may find light in this low tide situation, while others may not. You may be asking yourself, is it worth it to walk through all that exposed beach? And if you do, will you still be able to find beach breaks and swells at the other end? Fret not, my friend. In this article, I’ll tell you all about the factors you need to know about the best times for surfing, and whether you should surf during a high or a low tide. What is a high tide and a low tide? First, let’s talk about what these tides are and how they occur. The rise and fall of the oceanic tides, also known as the high tide and low tide, happen because of the sun and moon’s gravitational pull towards the Earth. These occurrences consist of two cycles that are divided into 12 hours each. You may have noticed that during the full or a new moon, the tide’s high and the waves are bigger. This happens when the moon is closest to our planet, and the influence of its gravity pulls at the earth; therefore creating swelling or a bump where the water naturally drags in. This results in the ‘high-tide effect’. Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, they experience what we call the low tide, or the event wherein the water moves away from the shore. Factors that Affect the Waves Before we dig deeper, let me briefly discuss the other factors that we need to consider in determining which tide you should surf on. Aside from the gravitational pull, other factors affect the tide and waves such as the tidal push, the undertow currents, and the kinds of wind. The onshore wind is the type wherein the wind from the sea blows in towards the shore, while the offshore wind is the one that blows from the land to the sea. There’s also the cross-shore winds that create choppy waters. Throughout the day, these different winds fluctuate and affect the condition of the waves. Surfing During Low Tide During low tide when the sea is at its farthest, the water surface is shallow, so the rocks, sandbars, and barnacles of the sea are exposed. This means that the sea is below the tidal range, causing small breaks and weaker waves. Believe it or not, some people prefer to surf in lower tides when the take-off spot and the water over the reef are not at their maximum depth. Beginners also find low tide a more enjoyable condition to practice in, because when it’s low tide in some locations, the surf breaks with higher waves, and that creates deeper and more pronounced barrels. Again, this varies in the place where you’ll be surfing. Some beaches have the biggest waves an hour after low tide, while others have zero waves as soon as the water moves far back from the shore. Now, we also have the extreme low tide, wherein the waves fall flat and the reef is at its shallowest. There will be no good breaks at this time, and in this condition, surfing isn’t recommended as it is risky and could be life-threatening. Surfing During High Tide If you’re an entry-level surfer, you might want to skip surfing during high tide. High tide is when the water is at the top of the tidal range, and because it continuously rises, the waves will push higher, creating fat waves that could become mushy and choppy later on when the tide reaches its peak. In this condition, you can expect lesser crowds, as the waves are harder to ride on and are potentially dangerous. But as intimidating as it may seem, hardcore surfers find extreme high tide a more preferable time to surf, because they see shore break waves as more fun, perhaps maybe even more than reef breaks. In simple terms, shore breaks are unpredictable waves that break directly into a steep shore. Examples of these are Waimea in North Shore, Oahu, and Teahupoo in Tahiti. These powerful waves are known to break boards and cause injuries to many surfers; however, they still attract hundreds of heavyshore pounders every year. How to Check the Tides for Surfing The locals know best about their waves; however, if for some reason you’re unable to ask them for the best time for surfing in their area, there are other ways you can know about this. You can look at the local surf reports, check with your smartphone tide app (My Tide Times, Tide Charts, Tides Near Me, Tide Alert, etc.), or get your own tide-monitoring watch where you can view the tide updates in real-time. The Best Times for Surfing Now that we’ve discussed the wave conditions of the low tide and the high tide, I will now tell you about the three best times of the day for surfing. Mainly, it’s in the morning before sunrise, during mid-tide, and before the sun sets. I find these to have the least crowd and the most consistent waves; therefore I get the most out of my surfing sessions. A little bit of disclaimer, though, as these will also depend on your location’s wave conditions and weather. For your reference and safety, please go ahead and ask the locals or other surfers for more information. Morning/ Before sunrise Have you heard of the popular surfing term ‘dawn patrol’? It’s when a group of surfers go out to surf at dawn, just before the sunrise so they have the first dibs on the waves before the other surfers wake up. Aside from the lesser crowd, another reason why most people like to surf early in the morning … Read more

Kitesurfing on a Lake | All You Need to Know

November 6, 2021by Luke Morris

Not to be biased, but we think kitesurfing might be one of the best sports today. It’s a pretty straightforward beginner-friendly water activity — you don’t need ocean swells or fancy towboats to create wakes to surf on. The only thing you’ll need? Your gear, a massive body of water such as a lake, and the wind (which is totally free). As kitesurfing on lakes grows in popularity, many enthusiasts discover new scenic locations to kitesurf and measure how you can enjoy this watersport safely. In this article, we’ll talk about all the things you need to know about kitesurfing and more! What is kitesurfing? In 1970, Gijsbertus Panhuise patented a watersport wherein a rider uses a flat board or a surfboard and holds on to a parachute-type of kite that’s strapped into his harness; and the pull of the wind then enables the rider to move across the water surface. Although the term ‘kitesurfing’ wasn’t commercialized yet during that time, Panhuise was the originator of this concept. Kitesurfing is the combination of the techniques of different water sports such as surfing, water skiing, paragliding, and skateboarding. Unlike surfing, however, this sport prefers calmer waves and smoother water conditions; hence, why lakes are ideal to kitesurf on. Kitesurfing on a Lake Bodies of water such as lakes are the most enjoyable for beginner kitesurfers, as they may find choppy waters a little bit more challenging to launch, ride, and land on. Inland kiting is a mid-risk sport, too, as long as there are no interferences like other surfers, banks, buildings, tall trees, or small patches of land where you’ll be kitesurfing. What You’ll Need There are five main things you’ll need to start kitesurfing — your kite, twin tips board/directional board, the control bar, a harness, and your safety gear. Kite Surfing kites are easy to transport as they easily fold when not in use, and they only require a small investment as well. The most common kites are made from inflatable tubes, as they hold and retain their shape and they also float in water. They’re also compatible with any wind range. The one you’ll need, however, will depend on your ability level and feature preferences. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate kitesurfer, we suggest choosing the SLE, C-Kite, Delta, or Bow-type kites. These are known as all-around kites that generate a sufficient amount of power and lift, and they’re also easy to launch and control even with stronger winds. On the other hand, the non-inflatable or foil kites are for more advanced riders and racers. These types of compact kites are less stable and harder to maneuver in strong winds, although they produce higher speed and quick turning in lighter gusts. They also don’t require a second person when launching. As a rule of thumb when choosing your kite — the stronger the wind, the smaller your kite should be. Board Can you use regular surfboards for kitesurfing? Definitely! As long as it’s able to glide in the water, then you can use any kind of board to kitesurf; however, take note that less durable surfboards may not hold up to the strain and pressure of kitesurfing. If you want to purchase a board that’s specifically used for kitesurfing, you should look for twin tips and directional boards. Twintip kiteboards are the most common ones used in kitesurfing because of the foot straps they come with. This kind allows you to smoothly go in two different directions without switching feet and having to turn 180 degrees. Because of this, hardcore kitesurfers find it easier to perform tricks. Another kitesurfing board is directional, which is kind of similar to surfboards. Directional boards are for riding waves, and as they don’t have foot straps, your feet are more relaxed because you’re not pushing the board, and it also gives you more freedom when it comes to foot positioning. For beginners, it’s recommended to use larger boards because of their wider surface area. The ideal size of kitesurf boards is those that are 125-150 cm in length and 38-45 cm in width. Control bar/Flying line Now that we’ve discussed the board and kite, what you’ll need next are the flying lines that will connect you to the kite, and the handlebar that will allow you to control your direction. The following are five types of flying lines that are connected to the different parts of the handlebar and the kite. Backline- used for steering the kite Centerline- keeps your kite up high Connector line- connects the bar to the kite Bridle- balances the kite 5th line- for stability and safety The control bar or handle must be 30-60 cm in length, although this one is more of a user’s preference than a requirement. More or less, there will be four to five lines attached to the bar that will give you leverage and enable you to steer your kite. Harness Next is the body harness that connects your torso to the control bar. A harness puts less tension in your arms, and they also keep your posture upright while kitesurfing. There are two kinds of harnesses — waist and seat. Safety equipment Whatever your level of experience in kitesurfing, you should always wear safety equipment to keep you safe and prevent you from drowning in case of any unfortunate events. Make sure to wear a life jacket and helmet for head protection if in case you mistakenly land on rocky areas. Get Started If you have everything that you’ll need, it’s time to briefly learn about inland kiting. First, since lakes have weaker gusts of wind compared to the beach or ocean, you have to check the wind’s speed before launching. Ideally, a lake must have a sustained wind of at least 15 mph or 13.03 knots so your kite will be able to launch in the air. To check, you will need a wind speed measuring tool called an anemometer. It’s similar to a wind vane, but it’s … Read more

Top 7 Best Workouts for Surfing | Guide

October 23, 2021by Luke Morris

SURFING WORKOUTS, TRAINING FOR SURFING BEST SURFING WORKOUT

From its humble beginnings in 1885 to its mainstream popularity today, surfing remains a gratifying and rewarding pastime. The excitement of being alone on your board in the vast ocean gives nothing but natural high. As stimulating as it may sound, surfing is a physically and mentally demanding activity. It needs you to have a fantastic combination of strength, power, endurance, balance, flexibility, speed, and mental toughness. We listed down surf fitness exercises that will improve your surfing and boost your athletic capacity. The best workouts for surfing will prepare you to tackle more giant waves as your fitness level meets the strength and ability every wave requires you to have. Why Should You Workout for Surfing? The best training for surfing would be, well, surfing too. But, if you are getting three to four sessions a week, it wouldn’t be enough to keep you physically fit in the water. Cody Thompson, a Floridian surfer and personal trainer, suggests that spending an hour inside a musty, halogen-lit gym can appear entirely dissonant for sliding on the waters, but doing so can help your surfing skills in the long run. Thompson says that if you want to become a better surfer, you can ride more waves. But, if you don’t get to surf as often as you wish, you can incorporate into your gym routine some workouts for surfing to keep you in surf-shape. Best Workouts for Surfing Generally, you don’t need to be incredibly fit to surf. Although, it helps if you are relatively active and in shape, can swim a few lengths, and enjoy surf sessions without feeling too exhausted. It can be pretty tricky to train for surfing – you must exercise on land to perform well in the water. You need to prepare your entire body dynamically by imitating the movements on the surfboard. Keeping yourself in surf-shape is another thing. As we’ve hinted above, if you are fit to surf, you can go on surfing for extended hours without feeling too tired. We’ve compiled a list of the best workouts for surfing to improve your surfing and boost your athletic capacity. Squats The main component of most lower body exercise programs is squats, and it is a crucial pattern to surfing. Imagine crouching through a bottom turn, landing at a higher speed with a complete rail turn – the best way to achieve that is to have a strong lower body with healthy joints to move through the full range of motion. Even though many consider them as leg exercise, basic squats are, in fact, a full-body workout. And, it is the best workout for surfing. When you surf, the ankles, knees, hips, and spine support a heavy load, so they need to be as strong as they can be. As you progress, add load and complexity. Some of the squat variations you can try are: Jump squats or going down into a squat and explosively jumping as high as you can from the squat position. Single leg squats or standing on one leg and squatting as low as you can. You can hold on to something for support and slowly let go once you get the hang of it. Bulgarian split squats. Do this while standing straight and raising one leg on a chair or box behind you. Achieve by bending your front knee, lowering your back knee towards the ground, and going as low as possible. Barbell squats. Do this while standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the bar across your upper back with an overhand grip. Squat down and repeat. Braced squats. This squat variation requires you to hold a weight plate in front of your chest with both hands and arms straight. Then perform a squat while keeping the plate in place. Turkish Get-Ups The amazing benefits for your overall athletic ability are what make Turkish get-ups more popular than ever. Combine them with your surf training program, and it will increase your mobility, joint health, dynamic movements, spine stability, shoulder control, core strength, and many more. As you develop your skill and precision with Turkish get-ups, slowly add some load and go up to 44 lbs (20 kgs) for men and 26 lbs (12 kg) for women. Think through all the dynamic positions you are putting your joints through while surfing. Different hip positions while turning or popping up, shoulder angles as you duck dive or rotate – all of them are encompassed in this workout for surfing. Turkish get-ups are quite a versatile workout that you may choose to utilize this exercise as a part of your surf warmup, too. Push-ups Push-ups are raising and lowering your body using your arms from the prone position. This exercises the pectoral muscles, triceps, and interior deltoids. In short, it builds both the upper body and your core strength. The good old basic push-up will never go out of any workout routine, including workouts for surfing. Push-ups engage your whole body and strengthen the core, align the spine, and improve shoulder control. It is a good workout for surfing, considering the water activity needs a strong upper body for easier pop-ups, duck dives, and injury prevention. For push-ups, alignment should be worked on first. Then the volume or how many more reps you can do. After mastering the classic push-up, you can work your way up to TRX or gym ring push-ups. You may also add weight by elevating your feet or wearing a weighted vest. Ring push-ups – this great progression exercise emphasizes building strength in the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder while increasing coordination and additional muscle recruitment in the chest. TRX push-ups – push-ups performed using the TRX suspension system allows you to use your own body weight as resistance during the movement. Dumbell push-ups – with a dumbbell in each hand while in a push-up position, you can work out by pushing up and rotating 90 degrees to one side, and raising one weight overhead. Clap push-ups … Read more

Top 5 Best Boardshorts Liners (Speedo)

October 22, 2021by Luke Morris

Boardshorts are the perfect choice of clothing when you are looking to spend a day seaside looking out for excellent waves or poolside to cool down on a hot summer day. Its full coverage provides protection for long hours under the sun while letting you move freely in and out of water. Some boardshorts conveniently incorporate a liner made from mesh or similar materials that provide added support. These liners eliminate the need to wear anything underneath the boardshorts. But, what do you wear if your boardshorts didn’t come with a liner? Boardshort liners are available as a separate purchase if the shorts you have don’t come with a liner. As its popularity rose along with boardshorts, the market is saturated with so many to choose from. This article is prepared as your reference for when you are looking for the best boardshorts liners. What Are Boardshorts Liners? Boardshorts liners are separately bought liners specifically designed to give you the support and protection you would expect from regular boardshorts. Generally, they are made of the finest materials and are built to last. These liners are an exceptional choice for what to wear underneath your boardshorts. Since they are made specifically for the water, they are likely to last longer than regular compression shorts. For the most part, these boardshorts liners are made out of the same material as a swimsuit, which makes them in the same way comfortable. Separate boardshorts liners are best at keeping the two fabrics from rubbing against each other and creating unnecessary static. Top 5 Best Boardshorts Liners Reviewed Boardshorts liners are affordable and widely available. But, there are so many of them out in the market that it can be an overwhelming task to pick the best one. We listed down and reviewed 10 of the best boardshorts liners to help you narrow down your search. Speedo Men’s Swimsuit Jammer Endurance+ Solid USA Adult Flow Funky Swim Jammers – Size 21 to 32 Swimming Jammer Shorts for Boys in Ten Radical Swimsuit Designs TSLA Men’s Swim Jammers, Athletic Racing Swimming Shorts Trunks, UPF 50+ Sun Protection Endurance Triathlon Swimsuit Dry Dudz Men’s Hydro-Tech Compression Short Navy O’Neill Men’s Premium Skins UPF 50+ Shorts 1. Speedo Men’s Swimsuit Jammer Endurance+ Solid USA Adult The Speedo Men’s Swimsuit Jammer is engineered using the Endurance+ Fabric technology for a durable design. This fabric is so light that you won’t feel getting weighed down wearing them under your boardshorts. This liner is available in three different colors and in various sizes, too. Its inner drawstring allows for easy adjustment to customize how it fits. You will appreciate how its fast-drying material is chlorine-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about wearing them both in saltwater and pool. The material used in this boardshorts liner doesn’t bunch up, so you will be more comfortable using it. It lessens the instances when you have to readjust during your training. Moreover, its four-way stretch design helps your muscles move better while keeping the shape of the suit. 2. Flow Funky Swim Jammers – Size 21 to 32 Swimming Jammer Shorts for Boys in Ten Radical Swimsuit Designs If you love spending time at the pool or are part of a triathlon team, these Funky Swim Jammers from Flow are another great option. They are comfortable, lightweight, and as the name suggests – they are genuinely funky. This boardshorts liner has fabric that will comfortably fit around your leg and keep all the sand out of the “sensitive areas.” It comes in handy for team practices, swim meets, triathlons, and any activity in the waters. The Flow Funky Swim Jammers come in stylish cuts, colors, and patterns. They are sleek, modern, and form-fitting but with a soft feel. You’ll appreciate how its “V” panel crotch increases comfort and adds to the sportier look. 3. TSLA Men’s Swim Jammers, Athletic Racing Swimming Shorts Trunks, UPF 50+ Sun Protection Endurance Triathlon Swimsuit Whether you are doing weekly laps or surfing, TSLA Men’s Swim Jammers is an excellent addition to your water outfit rotation. Its design, fit, and materials give out that athletic look and feel you want to show off at any water activity. This boardshorts liner is Olympic grade. It is engineered with an upgraded design for maximum Chlorine resistance. So much that you can occupy hours in a Chlorinated pool or salty waters, and they’ll remain durable with retained shape. The TSLA Men’s Swim Jammers feature an interior drawstring for a personalized fit, dual-lined crotch for stable wearing, and flat-lock seams to avoid irritation to the skin. It functions well and performs as intended. 4. “Dry Dudz Men’s Hydro-Tech Compression Short Navy One of the best boardshorts liners for swimming, surfing, or other water activity, the Dry Dudz Men’s Hydro-Tech provides this kind of athletic kind of support. This quick-dry liner delivers a perfect day of moving around and a bunch of activities. This boardshorts liner has an interlocked compression structure that consists of 100% polyester. A design like this allows moisture and water absorption from the fabric itself. In addition, the Dry Dudz superior technology is used particularly around the crotch area to pull away wetness from the skin. Moreover, the Dry Dudz Men’s Hydro-Tech is lightweight and soft. The blend of elastane and polyester makes it appear like you aren’t wearing anything under your boardshorts. Despite that, you still get the most important reasons why you are wearing boardshorts liner – for support and comfort. 5. O’Neill Men’s Premium Skins UPF 50+ Short The O’Neill Premium Skins does an excellent job at keeping your bottoms chaff and irritation-free. More than that, it also provides 50+ UPF protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. As with most O’Neill gears and wearables, this boardshorts liner is another pinnacle in quality. This wearable sun protection has an ergonomic seam placement. Its four-way stretch poly/spandex blend and quick dry properties deliver an exceptionally soft feel and comfort. It is so efficient that the Skin … Read more

How To Stop Swim Fin Cramps | Most Common Causes

October 20, 2021by Luke Morris

The world of water sports doesn’t come without pain. Swim fin cramps happen to the best of us, whether you’re a swimmer, diver, or bodyboarder. The problem is, there’s no telling when these muscle spasms will arise — they can happen as you take off, or as soon as you put on your swim fins. Cramps may vary from manageable pain to severe ones that can be lethal if you catch them at the worst time. That’s why when a cramp starts to kick in, you have to know exactly what to do to stop it. In this guide, you’ll find ways to prevent swim fin cramps from occurring, as well as possible solutions to eliminate this problem. What are the causes of swim fin cramps? Muscle stiffness is common to swimmers, and most have experienced this dilemma at least once in their careers. In summary, here are the most common causes of swim fin cramps: Wrong size of fins Heavy flippers Poor construction or low-quality made fins Muscle fatigue or overexertion Cold temperature Dehydration or loss of electrolytes No warm-ups Over kicking or paddling too fast How To Stop Swim Fin Cramps Cause: Wrong size of fins You point your toes when wearing flippers, that’s why the size of the fins contributes to why you may experience cramps in your toes or at the bottom of your feet. If your flippers are too large, your feet will put a little more effort into keeping them on. Meanwhile, flippers that are too small for your feet will cramp up your toes; hence, resulting in muscle strain. Solution #1: Opt for fins with leg straps If you have wide feet and you find it difficult to look for flippers, choose fins that use leg straps instead of ankle straps. With this kind of fins, your feet size won’t matter as you will just attach the fins to your legs. Your feet are free to move without any constrictions, ergo eliminating swim fin cramps. Solution #2: Wear socks for a snug fit Already have the perfect pair of flippers but they’re a little bit too loose? Try wearing neoprene socks underneath them. These give a snugger fit, and they also prevent skin blisters, too. Cause: Heavy flippers Heavy swim fins are difficult to paddle, that’s why the muscles on your toes and ankle put more effort in keeping the flippers moving. This results in strains and contractions because the muscles are not relaxed. Solution #1: Strengthen your feet muscles To stop having swim fin cramps because of heavy flippers, you need to strengthen your foot muscles first. What you need to do is get a lacrosse ball (or any firm sports ball of the same size) and roll it under your foot to loosen up its tendon muscle. Do this frequently on both your feet, ideally before you put on your fins, so they can adjust to the weight. Solution #2: Resistance training You can also do resistance exercises like squats. This improves your feet muscles, especially in the toe, ball, arch, and heel areas. Solution #3: Start with short fins first If your feet are having issues accommodating the weight of long fins, you need to start with split or short flippers first. These kinds of fins allow your feet to adjust slowly as they’re more lightweight. Cause: Poor construction or low-quality fins Beginner swimmers often face the dilemma of accidentally buying low-quality swim fins. They’re either duped in purchasing ones with stiff rubber materials that don’t flex or those with poor construction that don’t give good fitting. As a result, the flippers pinch the insides of the feet, they’re very uncomfortable to wear, and they give muscle cramps. Solution #1: Buy swim fins made of high-quality materials When purchasing training swim fins, you must choose the ones made from 100% natural rubber, silicone, or high-grade rubber. Although they’re a bit more expensive, these flippers are comfortable to the feet. They can also enhance your performance and kicking techniques. Solution #2: Choose swim fins with orthopedic features As technology advances, more features are now added to swim fins so they’re pleasant to wear even during long hours. If you’re constantly bothered by cramps, you can choose flippers that have orthopedic foot pockets to help support your feet when paddling. The pockets also provide added cushion to lessen the impact on your toes. Cause: Muscle fatigue Another cause of swim fin cramps is overexertion, a reason why muscle contractions often happen after rigorous swimming or when you’re too tired. In these events, the muscles on your feet don’t receive enough oxygen, resulting in the buildup of lactic acid. When the muscles reach a critical mass, they tend to contract involuntarily, which then leads to cramps. Solution #1: Start with strenuous activities gradually To help your feet muscles adapt easier to challenging swimming activities, you need to start gradually. Focus on lighter exercises first or shorten your activity period, and then progress as your feet adjust to the fins. Solution #2: Stretch your cramp If you’re caught up in the middle of a cramp, look for a wall or a partner that can act as such. Put your foot flat up the wall, and give it a good stretch. You can also give it a light massage to get the blood flowing. Solution #3: Apply a hot compress You can help your muscles relax during cramps by applying a hot compress on your foot. The heat will increase the blood flow, therefore lessening the pain. Cause: Cold temperature Swimming or diving in cold temperatures tightens your muscles. It also makes them less relaxed because the muscles try to keep up with the gradual loss in body heat. As a result, cramps occur because of muscle stiffness. Solution #1: Wear thermal socks If you’re diving or bodysurfing in cold water, wearing hooded wetsuits isn’t enough to prevent muscle cramps. You also need to wear thermal dive socks to protect your feet and help maintain … Read more

Surf Slang and Terms | All You Need to Know

October 19, 2021by Luke Morris

Before you venture out into the world of surfing, make sure you’re on the same page with your peers. Surfers have an exclusive way of talking, and not understanding a word they’re saying can REALLY make you feel like an outsider — or worse, a kook. I’ve been surfing for many years now, and have conversed with other surfers of different genders, ages, and native tongues. Still, it’s surprising to me how we all instantly connect when it comes to the way we talk. In this article, I’ll teach you all about surf slang and terms, and how I usually use them in my daily conversations. You’ll be able to catch up on inside jokes, engage in friendly chats, and impress other surfers with your fluency in Surf Lingo 101 in no time! Surf Slang and Terms A-frame- a peak-shaped wave with left and right shoulders Example: “Dude, A-frame. You go right, I go left.” Accessory man- a surfer that wears all kinds of accessories at the same time i.e. reef walkers, visors, multiple rashguards under the wetsuit Example: “If you ever need a rashie, I’m sure accessory man over there’s got a-plenty.” Aggro- an aggressive surfer or way of surfing Airplane wings- ugly longboards Example: “Did you see that dude with airplane wings? Man, he almost hit me.” Akaw- a term used for something shocking, rad, or awesome Example: “Akaw! Yo, look at that wave. Dude’s looking like he’s gonna get pitted.” Amped- the feeling of excitement before a surfing session Example: “Today’s surf report’s got me amped up this morning!” Ankle slapper/biter- small waves as if reaching ankle-level Example: “Man, the waves are ankle slappers today, I should’ve stayed home.” Axed- a heavy wipeout directly hitting a surfer Example: “Dude, that wave has so much speed, it axed me straight to the face!” Baby photo- small pecker/penis shrinkage after cold water surfing Example: “Yo dude, your full-on baby photo looks so obvious in your wetsuit right now. Ha!” Backdoor- to go inside a wave barrel Example: “Amazing backdoor on that gnarly wave, dude!” Bail out – to abandon or jump off from the board before or during a wipeout Example: “Oh my god, that wave almost killed me I had to bail out.” Balancing on the log- to paddle out on a surfboard with an erection Example: “Yo, wait up! Just having a little trouble balancing on the log up here.” Barney- a derogatory term for a surfer rookie, untalented (see also kook) Example: “Wow, the sesh today sucks. Too many Barneys out there.” Barrel- wave curl, tube, or hollow part of the wave Example: “Dude. Everybody’s stoked about today’s barrels.” Beach bunny- women wearing bikinis who frequently tan at the beach Example: “Brah, I see that beach bunny as often as I see you getting axed.” Betty- female surfer Bilge- water or goo that comes out of boots Example: “Dude, where did you swim? That bilge’s just plain nasty, man.” Bomb- a massive wave Boots/booties- neoprene booties usually worn with wetsuits Example: “I need to put on my booties or else I get reef rash.” Brah/bro- surfer friend or buddy Example: “Jeez bro, you need to practice in a surf camp or something or they’d be calling you Barney next.” Brekky- post-surf breakfast Carve- sharp turn on the wave’s face Example: “Rad carve, Matt!” Cheah- another term for ‘Yeah’ Example: “Eggy dude just told me he’s sorry for snaking in. Cheah, right.” Choppy (similar to blown-out)- inconsistent wave conditions Example: “Watch out for yourself out there, I heard we have some choppy waves today.” Clean- smooth wave conditions without bumps Cliffhanger- snot or booger inside the nose that gets obvious in water Example: “Dude, you better wipe off that cliffhanger before you talk to Betty.” Clipped- to get hit on the head with a lip Example: “You need to watch out, man. Getting clipped ain’t no fun.” Coffee bomb- when you’re sitting out on a wave and then feel an urge to drop turd after drinking coffee Example: “Dang, I wish I didn’t drink that coffee. I’m about to drop this coffee bomb.” Comb- used to remove or maintain surf wax Contra-gear- a product in exchange for weed Example: “Ey, Mike, I’ve got some contra-gear here in my pocket, dude.” Crest- top point of the wave Cutback- sharp turn or change direction in the face of a wave Example: “That cutback ripped the wave, man.” Cutting off- also referred to as snaking, to cut someone off who’s next in the lineup of catching a wave Example: “Ayo, that dingbat keeps cutting people off in the line!” Dawn patrol- surfing session before sunrise/early morning Example: “Sorry, bro. Can’t get my budgies on for tonight. I’m on dawn patrol tomorrow.” Deck-check- to paddle towards a big wave and back out last second Example: “Dude went in for the bomb, but deck-checked before the drop-in.” Dick-dragger (female: clam dragger)- a term used for surfers who can’t stand up on their boards yet Example: “Dude, you’ve been dick-dragging for days, stand up, will ya?” Ding- damage or crack to the board Drop in – when a surfer closest to the peak dropped, then another surfer down the lineup cut off on the wave Example: “Hey dimwit, why’d you drop in for!?” Dryspell- a long period of flat wave conditions Example: “Man, I’ll give you ten bucks if you end this dryspell right now.” Dude- a fellow surfer, can also be referred to as ‘due’ Eddie would go- a reference to the surfing legend Eddie Aikau who’s fearless when taking on big waves (also a bumper sticker in Hawaii) Egg beater- a surfer who sits on his/her board, blocking your way toward a wave Example: “Hey, egg beater! Get the hell out of the way!” Eggy- the feeling of dullness in the morning Example: “Will take a rain check today, I’ve been feeling eggy since I woke up.” Eskimo roll- to roll the board over to avoid being washed off the … Read more

Fliteboard Review – The Best eFoils in Focus

October 19, 2021by Luke Morris

In 2003, Laird Hamilton brought hydrofoiling to the masses in Dana Brown’s “Step into Liquid.” His scene put a glimmer in surfing’s eye when he surfed absolutely gigantic waves on hydrofoils. It put him at the forefront of surfing’s most significant movement, efoiling. Years later, foils can be found in lineups all around the world. Efoils offer efficiency to let surfers do things they’ve never done before. Now, the market has big players of efoil or the electric-powered board equipped with a mast and wing. One of them is Fliteboard Pty. Ltd. Find out with Fliteboard is one of the market’s most prominent players in the efoil industry with our in-depth Fliteboard reviews. Who Is Behind Fliteboard? David Trewern, the founder of Fliteboard, grew up surfing and windsurfing. In one of the kite foil events, he attended in 2016 where there were no winds, an idea struck to add an electric motor to his foiling kiteboard. He had nothing but his kitchen as his workshop. He went into overdrive with his 3D printer, and a dozen prototypes later, his Fliteboard flew for the first time. Now, Fliteboard is one of the highly-awarded hydrofoil companies. It has been recognized by the world’s most credible design organizations, including Red Dot (Germany), German Design Award (Germany), Industrial Designers Society of America – Silver Award (USA), Good Design – Gold Award (Australia). Today, Trewern’s global team of experts consists of 40 permanent staff across four offices – two in Australia, one in the Netherlands, and one in New York. Fliteboard family also grew to include a dynamic network of authorized resellers and Fliteschools. Fliteboard Reviews “Find freedom. Take Flite.” Fliteboard promises an ultimate ride with its efoil models. Shopify founder Tobias Lutke describes it as the most magical gadget on the planet. Here’s what we think about Fliteboard and its innovations. Trewern’s Fliteboard is the most awarded innovation with its six patents and a few more pending. Every Fliteboard efoil package can be broken down into different vital components – the board, the Flitecell (battery), the unit that connects the battery to power the motor, the mast, and the fuselage. Fliteboard’s innovation has too many intricacies, but its marine battery is considered one of the most impressive features it has. Not to mention it is emission-free. This technology took Trewern 7 different batteries to try with 20 prototypes for each trial. It all resulted in an entirely waterproof Flitecell that offers 60+ or 90+ minutes of runtime or range, respectively, for an average adult male rider. Fliteboard efoils are a healthy balance of strength, performance, and weight savings. All of these are achieved through its interwoven carbon fiber for its board and fins, expert precision during aluminum mast crafting, and powertrain to within millimeters of accuracy. These are recorded in a dedicated app that collects session data, chronicling top and average speeds, range, location, hours, and other helpful information. The Boards Fliteboard has four board models – Fliteboard, PRO, ULTRA, and AIR. All have a price tag of $17,795. The AIR is ranked as the brand’s most buoyant, stable, and durable product. Conclusively, it is the most straightforward package to “find freedom” on. The table below gives you the best way to look at the Fliteboard efoil models via size and volume. Which Fliteboard is suitable for you? The Fliteboard PRO ULTRA AIR 5’8″ 5′ 4’2″ 6′ 100 litres 67 litres 54 litres 150 litres Best for all riders Best for starters to experts Best for expert riders Best for Fliteschools, yachts & resorts, families, heavier riders Fliteboard Colors: white, ash, black, Flite green, silver eFoil length and finish: 29” Silver 29” Black 23” Silver 29” Black Wing set: Cruiser 1100 + Flite 290 (recommended) Cruiser 1800 + Flite (easiest) Flyer 800 + Flite 290 (intermediate) Flow S 1300 + Flow 245 (advanced) Flow 110 + Flow 245 (advanced) This model is the brand’s standard offering. Constructed in a PVC carbon sandwich with an innegra deck finish, it is equipped with the 40 Ah/2.1KWh to Explore battery, also known as “Flitecell.” Its average runtime is between 60 to 90 minutes. Its slick finish (black, flite green, silver, ash, and white) matches nicely with the deck’s underpad, which houses the board’s heart – the battery compartment and the Fliteboard’s brain. Fliteboard’s large Explore battery takes 3.5 hours to charge under normal conditions fully. The operation of putting the battery into its molded home and connecting power cables can be done in under 20 seconds, either on dry land or in the water. It comes with a standard carbon wing, a thin foil, a mid-aspect shape, and down curved wingtips that give a maximum speed in the low 20mph. This unit weighs 74 lbs, making it a little challenging to carry down the beach even with its conveniently integrated handles. Fliteboard PRO Colors: Flite green, black, white, ash silver eFoil length and finish: 29” Silver 29” Black Wing set: Cruiser 1100 + Flite 290 (recommended) Flyer 800 + Flite 290 (intermediate) Flow S 1300 + Flow 245 (advanced) Flow 1100 + Flow 245 (advanced) Flow 900 + Flow 245 (advanced) Race 700 + Race 200 (advanced) Fliteboard PRO is the range-topping performance option. It houses the Sport Flitecell – a slightly smaller and lighter 30Ah/1.65KWh option that averages a 45 to 60 minutes runtime. A full cycle charge will take about 2 hours to complete. This model comes with a thin and small Flyer wing with a high-aspect design that allows top speeds of 20 to 25mph. Like the standard model Fliteboard, PRO is also equipped with the same stabilizer setup. Motor vibration is remarkably dampened compared to other efoils in the market. Clearly, its design and materials are at play. The flight characteristics are characterized by a rather severe angle of attack that increases as the board’s length decreases. Overall, the Fliteboard PRO is stable and solid. It can be a challenge, and you might feel somewhat like getting up on a small tow … Read more

Top 7 Best Surf Towns in the World

October 18, 2021by Luke Morris

If you eat, sleep, and dream of surfing, immersing yourself in a surf town’s culture will be one of the greatest experiences you’ll ever have. You’ll get to meet friendly locals, ride the same waves with the pros, know about history, eat good food, watch the sunset every day, party every night — the list goes on! It’s every surfer’s dream to live in a vibing surf town, so if you’re looking for suggestions on where to start your adventure, you’ve come to the right place. This list contains the best surfing communities around the globe, including their must-see attractions and some local tips about surfing, food, and lifestyle. Top 7 Best Surf Towns in the World Haleiwa, North Shore, Oahu, Hawai’i Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Hossegor, France Siargao, Philippines San Clemente, California Byron Bay, Australia Tofino, Canada 1. Haleiwa, North Shore, Oahu, Hawai’i If you’re looking for an authentic surf town experience, then why not start at the surfing mecca of the world? The town of Haleiwa in North Shore, Oahu is a quaint surf destination that’s popular among surfers and non-surfers alike. It has a coastline that stretches out to seven miles, where you can also find some of the sought-after waves like the Pipeline and Waimea Bay. Best time to visit The surfing season for Oahu is from October through April. In these months, the beaches here are crowded with tourists and surfers of different skill levels. Expect restaurants, bars, and hostels to be filled to the brim. The peak months from November to December are when you can find outrageous waves that only the surfing experts and respectable locals have the guts to ride. During this season, surfing competitions are held here, like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and the Reef Hawaiian Pro. Famous surf personalities Decades ago, you might’ve had the chance to surf alongside surfing legends like Duke Kahanamoku and Eddie Aikau on the ‘Seven Mile Miracle’ beach coast. These days, however, you can still get lucky and bump elbows with some of the famous photographers and superstars who live in North Shore, like Laird Hamilton, Billy Kemper, and Jamie O’Brien. Where to go If you’re keen on trying adrenaline-pumping activities, you can bungee jump with the locals on the Rainbow Bridge. But if you’re looking for a mellower activity, you can try paddleboarding along the Anahulu River right under the same historic bridge instead. Families looking for relaxation can visit Haleiwa Beach Park. Even during peak months, this area on the North Shore has calm waves and a more relaxed vibe. Oahu’s got a rich surfing culture and history. If you want to learn more about it, you can visit the Haleiwa Surf Museum a.k.a. ‘House of the Frigate Bird’. The admission here is free, so that’s already a win in our books! Must-eats A trip on the North Shore isn’t complete without trying Matsumoto Shave Ice — a rainbow-colored treat drenched in different kinds of homemade syrups like Lilikoi and Ume. Heads up, though, there’s a long line of tourists waiting to be served here, so you might as well order a couple of bowls to get your time’s worth. Each cup of this dessert is priced at USD 3.50. Local tips Local surfers here are pretty territorial with their waves, so avoid spots that are already claimed. Another one to keep in mind is don’t paddle and pull back during critical wave conditions. 2. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Nestled in between the jungles of the Nicoya Peninsula lies the little surf town of Santa Teresa. It’s a locality with a village-like atmosphere because of its rugged and unpaved roads, palm tree-lined beaches, and pristine waters with steady waves all year round. Its community consists of locals and young foreigners that keep a slow-paced and mellow way of life. Between you and us, we would have chosen Santa Teresa as our top pick — the only issue we have is the travel coming here, which is quite an inconvenience if we must say. Best time to visit To fully enjoy your time in this surf town, we recommend coming here in the ‘green season’ when the trees and plants are at their greenest because of the rains. This lasts from May to December, and during this time, you can expect consistent barrels and large peaks. The peak season for tourists, however, is from July to September, so you may want to avoid that if you hate crowded lineups. Where to go If you’re a mid-level or an experienced surfer looking for some serious waves, head to Playa Carmen. It’s located right at the center of Santa Teresa, a reason why it gets cramped most days. Head-to-shoulder waves and barrels are pretty common here, however, the wave conditions may vary depending on the spot. For beginners, we suggest going to Playa Hermosa. Although more remote and farther from town, the lineup here is smaller and the waves are calmer. Must-eats Santa Teresa is located in the remote part of Costa Rica, which is a distance away from airports and other towns. It’s quite an isolated area, so the locals created their own community where everything is within walking distance. As a result, Santa Teresa today is full of shared spaces, Airbnb’s, bars, sunset cafes, and restaurants owned by expats offering different cuisines. Among the bests here are Caracolas Beach Restaurant (seafood fine dining), Earth Cafe (healthy cafe), and Katana (Asian). Local tips The best time for surfing is between the hours of 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. This will give you a good view of the sunset before hermit crabs show up at the beaches. Another local tip is to travel here while the tourists are still manageable. It’s a developing community, so it’s just a matter of time before this place gets too commercialized. 3. Hossegor, France Combine Steamer Lane’s biggest breaks with baguettes and wine and you’ll get Hossegor — a French surf town in Europe with a Californian beach … Read more

What to Do with Broken Surfboards

October 18, 2021by Luke Morris

Breaking a surfboard is part of the surfing circle of life; however, that doesn’t mean you can just mindlessly discard your fallen companion in the garbage. According to a study, the production process of a single 5.5 shortboard has a carbon dioxide emission that averages 600 lbs., which is the same amount as burning 270 lbs. of coal! Not only that but surfboards are also made from toxic materials such as polyurethane foam and fiberglass. Throwing them away, only to turn up in landfills, will create numerous negative effects on the environment, as well as your health. There’s a saying that goes: If it’s broken, fix it. But if you can’t, then change it into something better instead. In this article, you’ll learn safe and innovative ways how you can breathe new life into your broken surfboard. What to Do with Broken Surfboards Repair them. Donate them to non-profits. Sell or trade them to Craigslist. Recycle or convert them to other usable items. Reshape them to make a new board. Transform them into home décor or furniture. Build a collection display. 1. Repair them After a long time of riding your surfboard, it can be heartbreaking when the time comes that it gets damaged; however, you must know that being split in two isn’t the end of the world for your surfboard. With today’s modern technology, you can still repair it by taking them to a shaper, or by fixing it yourself with repair kits. Although they come at a high cost and take lots of effort, it’ll be rewarding when you see your surfing companion nice and working again. To start with the repairing process, the first thing you need to do is scrape the wax from your surfboard’s deck using a wax comb. To speed up this part, you can also use a heat gun or blow-dry to melt the wax, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. After that, let it dry overnight to remove any remaining moisture. Next, you need to clean the damaged part of the board by peeling or cutting off the excess fiberglass skin. Then, you need to grind the part where the split is with a disk sander to make room for the new epoxy. Sand the whole deck after that. and make sure to wear a protective suit (respirator mask) while doing this, because the dust from fiberglass is toxic and may cause allergies. When the surfboard’s already sanded and ground down, mix the putty with the epoxy, and then spread the mixture generously to the two split surfaces. You will want to clamp down the surfboard to avoid it from moving; therefore you need rope, scrap wood, and plastic sheets to keep the two parts together. Wait for it to dry, then flatten the repaired area and deck with a planer. After smoothing the whole deck, wrap the glass around the rails and hold it down using tape. Apply the epoxy and wait for it to cure before glassing the bottom of the board. For the last steps, smoothen the deck using a grinder with abrasive disks. You can also apply a finishing coat or a thin layer of resin to your board. Wait for it to dry for at least two days, and that’s it! 2. Donate them to non-profits Another way to give your broken surfboard a meaningful purpose is to donate it to non-profit organizations like Rerip. For 15 years, this group has accepted and collected over a thousand surfboards, refurbished them into new ones, and donated them to other organizations, schools, and young surfers. They’ve also sold some of the repaired ones in order to help sustain their mission. Rerip takes in all kinds of surfboards — whether it’s new, old, or damaged. Unrideable and broken ones are given to local artists so they can turn them into art pieces, while others are used for home purposes like patios, showers, signages, and displays. There are other organizations that share the same vision as Rerip, such as Returning Wave and The Surf Bus Foundation. So while it may be hard for you to let go of your well-loved surfboard, donating it also gives others a chance to enjoy them, even if it’s already in another form. 3. Sell or trade them to Craigslist High-quality surfboards are made from construction materials that are hard to recycle like fiberglass and EPS foam core. For this reason, they can get quite expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500 for intermediate to pro-level surfboards. If you have a surfboard with the price tag mentioned above, but it’s now unrideable and has little dings, you can sell it on Craiglist for a lower rate (look for the sporting goods section). Other surf enthusiasts are willing to buy boards of good caliber, even if they’re used or have a slight damage. Now, if posting your beloved board doesn’t sound very appealing, try trading it with your other surfer friends instead. You can have your board exchanged for a lower-quality board or other surfing accessories that they are willing to barter with you. 4. Recycle or convert them to other useable items If you’re looking for a more sustainable option on what you can do with your damaged surfboard, why not recycle it? This works best if your board is made from natural materials like balsa wood, bamboo, or agave. With good craftsmanship, you can convert it into other household items like chairs, tables, and shelves. But what if the board’s made from foam and fiberglass? In this case, you need a more artistic touch and some help from powerful and handy tools. To convert this kind of surfboard, you need to grind it into dust first, mix it with cement next, then mold it into your desired form. We recommend Buddha statues for home display or gnomes for your garden area. 5. Reshape them to make a new board Letting go of your surfboard isn’t easy, so if you find … Read more

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