How-to’s

Learning to surf, paddle, kitesurf, or ride a wakesurf board is easier when you have the right guidance. Surf Hungry’s how-to guides break down techniques, skills, and water sports knowledge into clear, actionable steps — whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to level up a specific skill. From your first pop-up on a surfboard to advanced manoeuvres on the wave face, our step-by-step guides are written by people who’ve been through the learning curve themselves.

What Are Lifeguard Flags? | Understanding Beach Warnings

April 15, 2023December 23, 2021 by Luke

The beach is an ever-changing and dynamic environment. It might be enjoyable, but it can also be unpredictable and dangerous for those who are unaware of its potential dangers. This is why professional lifeguards who know their way around the beach utilize a system of lifeguard flags and signs to inform visitors about the crucial information they need to know. Understanding lifeguard flags can easily differentiate a lazy and enjoyable afternoon at the beach from a traumatic trip to the emergency room. What are lifeguard flags? Read on to find out what each color means for your day at the beach and more. What Are Lifeguard Flags? Lifeguard Flags have been used by lifeguard agencies in the US and worldwide for decades to inform swimmers of conditions, warn of hazards, mark safer swimming zones, and inform beachgoers about regulated areas. The Worldwide Life Saving Federation produced international warning flag criteria in 2004 to maintain global consistency. The International Standards Organization has partly adopted these rules, and the USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) endorsed them. By adhering to these warning flag rules regularly, lifeguard agencies may guarantee that everyone understands what they mean and improve their effectiveness. These flags are only allowed to be used on beaches when USLA-certified lifeguards are on duty. Flags are not a replacement for adequately trained and equipped rescuers; instead, they are tools to employ around the coast. How Do Lifeguard Flags Work? To be truly effective, the usage of warning flags to alert the public to current hazard levels must be constant, based on objective, measurable criteria that can be registered, tracked, and then adjusted when conditions change. They should be accompanied by initiatives to educate people about the significance of the lifeguard flags. The state of the ocean varies across the United States. In some regions, conditions that are deemed mild may be viewed as a serious safety issue in others. As a result, the USLA recommends that particular local criteria be devised in each location where lifeguard flags are used and that the public be made aware of such measures. Lifeguard Flag Definitions Here are the most common lifeguard flags you may need to understand and heed to keep you safe in the waters and make the most of your beach trip. Yellow Flag The danger level is moderate. There are moderate waves or currents. The entry of weak swimmers into the water is discouraged. Others should be treated with extra caution and attention. Yellow flags indicate that it’s going to be a hard day in the waves, that there are significant waves, or that there’s a small rip current. We encourage adult supervision at all times in yellow flag conditions (or actually any surf conditions). If there are kids, make sure they’re wearing life vests. The most prevalent type of flag seen is the yellow flag. Before swimming in an area with a yellow flag, you should take safety measures. Red Flag There is a significant risk. The presence of a red flag denotes that the surf is particularly hazardous. This could be due to large waves, severe rip currents, or other potentially dangerous situations. Unless you are a really skilled swimmer, you should avoid going into the ocean when the red flag is flying. If you really must go out under red flag circumstances, do not enter the water with children, and always swim with a friend. Finally, this flag means that you should only swim at your own risk, and even then, you should proceed with extreme caution. The red sign indicates a “High hazard,” as defined by the ILSA. Double Red The ILSA describes a red flag above another red flag as “Extremely high hazard. Water is closed to public use.” This flag is only displayed in the most severe surf conditions. In these situations, we strongly advise avoiding entering the sea. At all costs, avoid entering into surf conditions with double red flags. Purple There are marine pests such as jellyfish, stingrays, and other marine species that can cause mild injury in the ocean. It would be best to surf at your own risk with purple flags. Before entering, always check with your lifeguard because marine pests could range from bioluminescent algae to Box Jellyfish. We strongly advise against entering purple flag situations. The sting of a hazardous jellyfish can be lethal. However, note that this flag does not indicate the presence of sharks. Red/Yellow (Halved Red Over Halved Yellow) This flag means Lifeguards are stationed in the vicinity. These flags can be used in pairs to signify a defined area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is most closely overseen or patrolled by qualified lifeguards and where swimming and surfing are allowed. These flags can be used individually to indicate that swimming is permitted in front of the flagged area and that a qualified lifeguard supervises the area. Black/White (Quartered) These lifeguard flags can be used in pairs to identify a specified area or zone along a beach or waterfront for people who use surfboards and other non-powered watercraft. The conditions are ideal for surfing in this area, and the flag warns non-surfers to stay away to keep both surfers and beachgoers safe. Yellow With Central Black Ball This lifeguard flag means non-powered watercraft, such as surfboards, are prohibited. Orange Windsock This cone-shaped lifeguard flag is used to show the direction of offshore winds and that using inflatable objects in the ocean is dangerous. Red/White (Quartered) The quartered red and white lifeguard flag means emergency evacuation is required. In the event of an emergency, swimmers should exit the water. Emergencies can include but are not limited to the presence of dangerous marine species, such as sharks, contaminated water, or lifeguards performing a search of the water area, such as looking for a lost child. (Alternatively, the double red flag could be used.) Safety Tips Supervise Children at All Times It’s critical to keep an eye on kids and young adults at all times. They … Read more

Onshore vs. Offshore Winds | Comparison and Guide

April 24, 2026December 20, 2021 by Dan Harmon

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

What Is Pearling and How To Avoid It

April 7, 2023November 7, 2021 by Luke

If there is anything that ruins a great wave, it is when you waited, you paddled, and you stood as you caught the wave but tumbled over your board not more than two seconds after. It is when instead of kissing the wind and the mist from the winds, you’re face to face with saltwater. Pearling happens to everyone. They are a pretty common phenomenon for anyone learning how to surf. Pearling also happens to professional surfers from time to time. What is pearling, you ask. Can you avoid it? Find out everything you need to know about pearling and how you can prevent this wipeout from ruining your ride. What Is Pearling? Pearling is one of the most common types of a wipeout in surfing. It happens quite often to people who are learning how to surf. It occurs when the riders make it to the lineup but are not yet ready for a standup wave. It can be a frustrating part of a learner’s journey. After all, it takes a significant amount of effort to paddle and make it to the lineup. Yet, it is there to remind you that you’ve still got a bit to go before you stand up and surf. Pearling or nosedive happens when the front of your surfboard – the nose, dips into the water when you are trying to catch a wave. It results in getting the nose of your surfboard digging into the water and its back launched up. Then, you get launched off your board, smacking the waters and having the wave crash right on top of you. Why Is It Called Pearling? The wipeout’s name takes after the near-ancient art of pearl diving called pearling. It is a dangerous technique that involves pear hunters jumping off a ship and diving about 100 feet in a single breath. The way surfers nosedive during a wipeout is the same way the hunters look when they dive into the ocean looking for pearls. That’s why it is called pearling. How To Avoid Pearling Nosedives don’t immediately mean you’re doing something wrong in surfing. While it can be particularly embarrassing when you think you’ve got a perfect wave and end up pearling, it happens not just to you but to a good population of surfers. Most pearling happens in the early stages of learning how to surf. It can also occur when you are adapting to a new surfboard or when steep and fast waves are miscalculated. Moreover, when a surfer’s weight is too far forward, it can cause the board’s nose to dive underwater. Here are some tips you can try to avoid pearling on your next ride. Remember that as every surfer and wave is different, some suggestions may be more beneficial for some surfers and unalike circumstances. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t. Tip #1. Correct your body position The primary point in avoiding a nosedive is paying attention to your body position when paddling on your surfboard. It is essential to be far up on the board to catch a wave. Not too far up to the nose, but just enough to weigh the board down in the right places. You do not want to put the weight in the wrong parts of the surfboard, or you’ll end up going under the water and propelling yourself into pearling. The thing about positioning your weight is true to an extent, but it is only an essential starting point guideline. On smaller wave days, you will need to be as far forward on the board as possible so you can catch anything. Once you catch it and you feel like you’re going to pearl, shift your weight backward. A lot of surfers do this trick and prove it works. Another method you can try instead of shifting backward is to keep your hands back in a cobra position. This posture distributes your weight on your hips. If done correctly, the place on the surfboard that needs more weight to anchor it down will help prevent the nosedive. Take note that these tips may not always work all the time. Since you are shifting your weight back, it puts on the breaks and keeps you from catching the wave at all. These approaches are best used if you really feel you are going to Pearl. Ideally, you have to keep calm and have faith in yourself. Keep paddling to keep the forward momentum. Paddling helps because as the wave peaks and gets steeper, the nose should pop back out of the wave. Tip #2. Paddle! Paddle! Paddle! Another factor that may be causing you to pearl is how you paddle. You may either be paddling too slowly or not enough. When catching a wave, you’re not technically catching it like how a baseball player tries to catch a ball. Baseball players typically run toward the ball then stop and position to let the ball come to them. In terms of the wave, you are more like hopping on the train than catching a ball. See, when you hop on a train, you need to be running as fast as the train so you can grab it and jump on it as it is moving along. With wave catching, you almost want to try to race the waves to the shore and not let them catch you. Therefore, it is crucial to paddle faster and match the speed of the wave. By paddling as fast and as efficiently as possible, you’ll go at a speed where the wave can catch you and lift you instead of stumbling on you and beating you down. Tip #3. Proper Wave Positioning Proper wave positioning is another critical factor you should not overlook. No matter how fast and efficiently you paddle, if you are too far inside, the wave might be too steep and may tumble over you and send you down. On the contrary, when you are far outside, you can catch it when it … Read more

How to Surf a Crowded Lineup: Pro Tips and Tricks

April 3, 2023November 6, 2021 by Luke

people surfing AT THE BEACH WONDERING HOW TO SURF A CROWDED LINE UP

Gone are the days when we could rock up at our favorite surf break and be one of, if not the only person in the water. With over 20 million surfers worldwide, and a surf population growing at 12% per year, secret spots are slowly becoming less secret, and popular surf breaks are often too crowded to catch a wave. Although it is never ideal when the lineup is full of people, it is often something we need to deal with if we want to catch a ride. By remaining patient, visual, friendly, and willing to put in some extra work, a crowded day does not need to be a bust. Crowded breaks are undeniably annoying, but the following tips will help you better navigate overpopulated surf lineups and make the most out of your day. What Are the Downsides of Surfing in a Crowded Lineup? No one likes to surf in a crowded lineup, and for good reason. Once you have read the downsides of crowds in a surf lineup you will begin to understand why. High Competition Unlike snowboarding or skating where you can constantly ride your board, in the ocean, even when surf conditions are perfect, you still need to wait for a wave to break. Furthermore, in most cases, the rule goes that only one surfer should ride a wave at a time (although there are exceptions to this rule), which makes waves even rarer. Add a bunch of people to the lineup and it is easy to see how a relaxing surf can quickly turn into a fierce competition for the few available waves. Fewer Waves for Time If you are lucky enough to find yourself in a crowd that respects how a surf lineup works, you will be able to avoid the savage competition for the waves, but this comes with a disadvantage. If everyone is waiting their turn, there are five waves per set, and twenty people in the water, it is easy to see how you will be waiting a while for your ride. This can of course be an advantage of its own but is not ideal if you just paddled out for a few quick waves. People in Your Way When there are too many people in a lineup you will constantly find yourself dodging someone. Unless everyone in the water is a good surfer and follows surf etiquette to the tee, you will constantly find people paddling out through the middle of the break, throwing their boards away, or falling off waves at the peak. As you will need to maneuver around them, you will not be able to ride the wave as you wish. This can become frustrating, especially when you have waited so long for your turn. Crowds Are Dangerous Having a few people in the water makes surfing safer as there are people around if something goes wrong. When a few people become a big crowd, the opposite is true. The more surfers there are in a lineup the higher the chance you have of running into someone else. This can, in extreme cases lead to concussions<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>, lacerations, and loss of consciousness, or if you are lucky, a broken or dinged surfboard. In a large crowd, if someone was to lose consciousness it would be a lot harder to notice them missing. Tension in the Water When there are a lot of people in a lineup tensions always seem higher. Everyone is on edge waiting to charge the next set, constantly on the lookout for other surfers, and slightly annoyed that they are not surfing as much as they wish. This, of course, is not always the case but will happen more times than not. Although some lessons can be learned from this, it does take away from the relaxing, nature-immersing experience that surfing can be. Are There Benefits to Surfing a Crowded Lineup? No one will choose to surf a crowded lineup over an empty one because the benefits do not come even close to the downsides, but this is not to say that there can’t be any upsides at all. Teaches You Patience One of the greatest lessons a crowded lineup can teach you is patience. Both for the waves and the people around you. While you wait for your wave, instead of becoming annoyed with the waiting, practice patience, and you will find yourself enjoying the waiting as much as you enjoy the surfing. Teaches You to Work for What You Want Surfing in a crowded lineup means that you cannot simply sit and wait for a wave to come to you, you need to work for it. This lesson, taught through a non-ideal surfing situation, remains true in all aspects of our life and should be contemplated while in and out of the water. Competition Makes You Better Fierce competition can be off-putting, but healthy competition provides an amazing platform for improvement. As you will be fighting for your waves, you will need to surf better than those around you. This will likely mean pushing yourself to the max and learning a thing or two in the process. Teaches You to Deal With Pressure A crowded lineup can become a stressful situation, especially when a set forms further out and breaks on top of the lineup. Although crowds can cause a lot of pressure, learning to deal with this in a somewhat safe environment will begin to prepare you for larger, faster swell and harsher conditions. 15 Tips for Surfing a Crowded Lineup To successfully surf a crowded lineup you need to be prepared for what is to come and pay close attention to details. Finding a balance between respect and fighting for your wave is important. 1. Study the Break You should never go for a surf before you have assessed the waves, currents, weather, and lineup. Doing so can put yourself and others at risk. This is even more important when you will be paddling out into … Read more

Fin Placement on Surfboards: Everything to Know

April 18, 2023November 6, 2021 by Luke

Just as the size and shape of your surfboard determine its agility, buoyancy, and stability, so does your fin set up affect the way your surfboard performs. When choosing your fin placement, everything has an impact. The number of fins you use, how close to the nose or tail you place them, the angle that the fins face, the size of the fins, and how close they are together will all play a significant role in the way your surfboard handles. Below is a breakdown of how all these factors affect your ride, and which work best in different situations. Fin Location Fin location affects speed, turning, and stability. This is because the way your board handles comes down to the angles that the water can travel beneath your surfboard. A well-balanced fin placement will provide the most diversity with surf conditions but will underperform when compared to a customized setup. For example, a fin set up created for speed will outpace a balanced board, but will not perform as well when conditions become choppy or the waves become larger. Fin Position Relative to the Board Towards the nose: Fins closer to the nose will feel looser as your back foot does not dig them as deep into the water. Towards the tail: Fins closer to the tail of your board create more stability and hold, but are less agile. You should expect a larger turning radius when your fins are near the tail of your board. Loser to the rails: Fins placed closer to the rails provide less friction and sharper turning angles and reduced stability. Closer to the stringer: Fins in the center of a surfboard create extra drag but hold the board more stable in larger or faster surf. Fin Position Relative to Each Other Closer Together: The closer together your fins are clumped, the faster your board will react to your movements, but the board will feel looser. Fins placed closer together are best for trick surfing in medium-sized swell. Further apart: Fins placed further apart from each other will feel more stable in the water but have a larger turning angle. This fin setup is best for larger, fast, barreling waves. Fin Position Summary Fin position for speed: Fins spread further apart and near the back of the board will provide the least drag with the most stability. Fin position for quick turns: Fins clumped closely together, closer to the nose of your surfboard will slide more and make the board more agile, therefore providing a smaller turning ark. Angle of Fins Just as the position of your fins affects the way your board handles and performs, so does the angle that your fins face, relative to both the center of your board and the board’s belly. The amount of water that flows beneath your board and the angle at which it moves between the fins make a significant impact on how your board feels. The Fin Toe The fin toe, also known as the splay, refers to the angle that your outer fins face in relation to the center fin. Outer fins are usually “toed in”, meaning the front of each side fin is facing slightly towards the centerline of your board. Fins with greater inward angles (toe-in) will respond faster to movements and feel loose while producing more drag. Fins that are set straight (zero toe) will be faster as they allow more water to travel past them at faster speeds, will feel more stable, but will not be as responsive. In short, zero toe fins are faster, steady, and have a wider turning angle, while toed in fins are more responsive, loose, but slower. The Cant A fins cant is its angle in relation to the bottom of your surfboard. The greater the cant, the more the bottom of the fin is angled towards the outside rail. Fins with a zero cant are straight up and down (the base of the fin is at 90 degrees with the base of your surfboard). Fins set with a zero cant will feel faster as they do not create as much drag at the expense of responsiveness. The greater the cant, the more drive you will feel, especially when surfing on the board’s rail. Number of Fins Four major fin setups are commonly used on surfboards. Although most boards will have either a thruster setup or a single fin, there are many surfers worldwide that prefer a more alternative approach. Single Fin Single fins are the fin setup for surfboards and are most commonly seen on longboards . In this setup, only a single large fin is used near the tail of the board and along the stringer. Although single fins are outdated and not used widely in competitions, they are still held dear by many as they provide a different surfing experience. Single fins are often long and wide which provides control over a larger surfboard, but sacrifices maneuverability. If you have not surfed a single fin board before then you may feel unstable and find it difficult to make quick turns, but will experience more speed due to the reduced friction from fewer fins. Twin Fin Becoming popular in the 1970s when Mark Richards used fish boards to win the World Championships four times in a row, twin fins provide extra speed and maneuverability. Twin fins are fixed near the rails of the board and usually in line with the back foot. Twin fins are more stable than single fins but can feel loose in the water as the missing center fin makes deep, sharp angles such as bottom turns tough. Twin fins are ideal for small and medium surf but will likely slide too much in larger swell. Twin setups are primarily used on fish boards but it is not uncommon for a surfer to remove the center fin from their shortboard in search of a different experience for the day. Thruster/ Tri Fin A thruster setup is the most common … Read more

How To Stop Swim Fin Cramps | Most Common Causes

April 26, 2023October 20, 2021 by Luke

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

What to Do with Broken Surfboards

April 5, 2023October 18, 2021 by Luke

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

How Do Surfboard Rentals Work? | What To Know

April 4, 2023October 18, 2021 by Luke

With a growing population of 12% per year, the surfing community is expanding faster than ever. With a combination of this and a slowly dying economy, fewer people are willing to front the average of USD 640 to get into a new sport. This, along with the ever more popular surf tourism industry, has made surfboard rentals more popular than ever. Renting a surfboard is, in theory, as simple as things get. You walk into a surf store, choose the board that is best suited for you and the current conditions, pay the rental and deposit, and you are off to catch some waves for the day. If you are planning to go on a surf trip but want to avoid lugging your surfboard travel bag with all your gear along with you, then renting a surfboard may be the answer you are looking for. Pros and Cons of Renting a Surfboard Before diving into how to rent a surfboard and what to expect, it is worth understanding the pros and cons of doing so. This will allow you to make the best decision on whether renting a surfboard is right for you. Pros Cheaper than buying a board. Large choice of different surfboards. All surfboard gear is included. Easy advice if you are new to surfing. No need to carry your surfboards around the globe. No need to clean and store your own surfboard. Cons Breakage fines are often high. Renting a board multiple times can be more expensive than buying. Rental boards are often low quality. You may not be able to find a board that suits you. You will be limited to surfing in spots that have surf and rental shops. Things to Keep In Mind When Renting a Surfboard Before running into the first surfboard rental shop you see and grabbing any old hunk of junk, you should keep in mind the following. Although renting a surfboard is easy, it is also easy to get screwed over by high prices, low-quality surfboards, and unfair deals. Choose the Shops Location Wisely The location of your surf shop will make a big difference to your day’s activities. Choosing a surf store on the beach, right in front of the break you want to surf is always better than needing to drive to a rental store, hire a board, and then drive back to the break. That being said, surfboard rentals close to the beach are often more expensive than those further away as there is often more competition. Look at the Surf First Before you even consider stepping foot into a rental shop you should spend some time watching the waves. This is true whether you are planning to rent a board or if you have brought your own. Without watching the waves, it is impossible to know what surfboard you will need, where you will paddle out, and if the conditions suit you and your abilities. Slow down, take a breath, watch a couple of sets roll in, and then make your decision on what type of surfboard you would like to ride for the day. Compare Prices and Rental Times Once you have a good idea of how the waves are breaking you should take some time to consider which rental shop you will use. There will likely be fierce competition between rental stores at popular surf beaches, which means you will be able to find an array of different deals. It is worth popping into a few and asking about their prices and rental times. Surfboards are usually rented for 1-hour, half-day, and full-day periods, although weekly rentals are sometimes possible. Surfboard rental prices average around the following, although prices always differ depending on the country and even location within a country: 1 – 2 hour rental: $10 – $20 Half day rental: $20 – $30 Full day rental: $30 – $50 Decide how long you will need the surfboard, and choose a price range that suits your budget. It may also be worth finding a deal that allows you to swap out your board at any time. This is especially helpful when you rent a surfboard for a long time as the wave conditions are likely to change. Look For a Full Setup If you walk into a rental store to find that fins, leashes, or wax are rented separately, then kindly give the owner your middle finger and walk out. Surfboards for rent should always be ready for pick up and include all the necessary accessories. Some shop owners will try to take advantage of those who are new to an area or when they look like a tourist. Never accept a rented board that is not ready to walk straight into the water. Deposits and Restrictions As with most things in the world, it is unlikely you will be able to rent a surfboard if you are not 18. This might be an annoyance, but it is simply the way things are. If you are under 18 then ask your parents, guardians, or older friends to rent the board for you. Furthermore, you should be prepared to pay a deposit. These deposits can be as little as simply paying for your rental upfront to leave a larger sum of money to cover any damages that may occur to the board. Although this is common, do not allow a shop to charge an extremely high deposit or to keep any of your essential travel documents such as your passport. Choose Your Surfboard Wisely Once you have assessed the waves and have chosen a rental store with good deals, it is time to choose a surfboard. When you choose a board you should pay attention to how big the board is, what size board you are comfortable using, and the quality of the board. Choosing the incorrect surfboard for the waves will not provide the most amount of fun. Similarly, choosing a damaged or low-quality board could leave you with problems in the … Read more

How Does a Surfing Lineup Work? | What You Should Know

April 5, 2023October 8, 2021 by Luke

Surfing has often been seen as a sport for rebels, outcasts, and the slightly insane, which is why it is often surprising to find that there are many unofficial rules when it comes to how a surfing lineup should work. There are approximately 35 million surfers in the world, and without a “rule book,” a break can become incredibly dangerous. Although there are numerous surfing etiquette rules that all surfers should know, there are six main rules that apply to the lineup and involve who has right of way, dropping in, snaking, where to paddle, and board control. To help keep yourself and others safe in the water, you would be wise to learn how a surfing lineup works and to stick to the rules. 6 Golden Rules of a Surf Lineup The closest to the peak gets the wave. Don’t drop in on other surfers. Wait your turn. Don’t snake other surfers. Paddle around the lineup. Don’t throw away your board. 1. The closest to the peak gets the wave If you do not understand who has the right of way on a wave, it is near impossible to follow correct surfing etiquette. In a way, all of the lineup rules stem from this single rule: the surfer closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. In other words, the surfer who is closest to the breaking section of the wave, or the surfer that has the longest potential ride has the right to the wave. 2. Don’t Drop In on Other Surfers Dropping in on another surfers wave is one of the most disrespectful things you could do while surfing, and ironically, one of the most common mistakes that new surfers make. If a surfer is riding a wave from the peak and another surfer drops in on the wave in front of them, it is known as dropping in. Doing this will cut off the other surfer, therefore ruining their wave. This is why it is important to be aware of who is closest to the peak. If it is not you, then it is not your wave. 3. Wait Your Turn Just because you can paddle for every wave, does not mean you should. This is especially true in a busy lineup. A surf lineup should work as a circular system. If you are at the peak and catch a wave, once you have paddled back to the lineup you should join the queue from the back and wait your turn. If you constantly skip the line and paddle straight to the peak you will very quickly annoy other surfers in the water, which in some cases will get you kicked out of the lineup altogether. 4. Don’t Snake Other Surfers As a surfer needs to be at the peak of a wave to claim it, some surfers choose to jump the line and sneak their way into the peak like a snake. Snaking is a way of paddling around other surfers so that you are closest to the peak of the wave, and therefore technically have right of way. This is closely tied to waiting your turn after catching a wave. If you have just made it back to the lineup then do not paddle to the peak and steal the wave from someone else. You, technically you will be in a position to “claim” the wave, but through the eyes of other surfers, all you are is a thief. 5. Paddle Around the Lineup When paddling out to the back of the break, you should never paddle straight to the peak. Doing this will put you in the way of surfers riding the waves. The last thing you want is to wait in a lineup for your wave, finally, take off on it, only to have to bail from your ride because a disrespectful surfer is paddling directly through the break and straight toward you. This is something that would surely piss you off, so don’t do it to others. Instead of paddling directly to the peak, you should paddle around the break. This can be done by riding a rip current, simply paddling around the main break, or by taking a walk down the beach and then paddling back to the lineup once you have passed the backline. 6. Don’t Throw Away Your Board Surfboards are hard, sharp, and can cause some serious damage. If you cannot control your surfboard in the conditions that are presented, then you have no right to paddle out. If you are the type of person to ditch their board the second a large set comes in, only to swim down and avoid being tumbled, then you need to reconsider your actions. Although doing this does not directly affect the lineup, it is seen as a dangerous and careless act when done around other surfers. If you cannot make it to the backline without ditching your surfboard then it is best to come back another day and put some effort into improving your duck diving. Tips to Improve Surfing Lineups Now that you are aware of the rules of a surfing lineup it is up to you to learn, remember, and follow them. The following tips are great ways in which you can improve how you act in a surfing lineup and will make following the above lineup rules easier. Greet Other Surfers at the Lineup Putting a little effort into greeting other surfers when you first arrive at a lineup will take you a long way. Getting to know the other surfers in the water, or at the least, being friendly will reduce the chances of them dropping in on, or snaking you. This will also make it more likely that if you make a mistake someone will politely correct you, instead of getting angry. Call Your Wave and Direction Communication is key when in a surfing lineup, especially when it is crowded and the waves are breaking in multiple directions. Even … Read more

How to Glass a Surfboard (7-Step Guide)

May 12, 2023August 18, 2021 by Luke

Building surfboards isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Whether you’re an amateur or an expert builder, you can expect the entire process to take at least a week to complete. Fortunately, attempting this DIY project is pretty manageable if you proceed with proper preparation, trusty supplies, uncompromising meticulosity, and of course, godly patience. In this post, we’ll talk about one of the most crucial steps involved in surfboard building: the glassing process. Pre-Glass Planning Glassing refers to the process of waterproofing and finishing a surfboard. This is accomplished by laminating layers of fiberglass cloth onto the board and then seal-coating it with resin. To better understand how this all comes together, it’s important to plan about some factors before you gather your tools and supplies. These are the glass schedules that you’ll use, the resin, and the board’s tint. Surfboard Glass Schedules The amount of fiberglass cloth that you’re going to laminate onto your board is known as the glass schedule. This will determine your board’s final weight and strength. Simply put, more fiberglass translates to heavier weight, but also sturdier build. Fiberglass Weights Fiberglass cloth is typically measured in ounces per square yard. This denotes how much resin it takes to completely saturate the cloth. The most commonly used fiberglass for surfboards is 4 oz. and 6 oz. Most surfboards have two layers of fiberglass on the deck for durability purposes. This is where most of the action happens, after all. Hence, it needs to be able to withstand strong impacts. 4 oz. and 6 oz. are generally used together for strength and safety reasons. A sample glass schedule with both weights is 6+4 x 4, which means that there’s a 6 oz. and a 4 oz. layer on the deck, and a 4 oz. layer at the bottom. Fiberglass Cloths There are also two common types of fiberglass cloths for surfboards: the E-glass and the S-glass (also called S-2 glass). E-glass refers to “electrical grade” as it was initially made for electrical purposes. This is the most common cloth for glassing a surfboard. S-glass, meanwhile, was made for military purposes. Of the two, the S-glass is the stiffer and stronger cloth, and it’s also the more expensive one. It’s often used on decks since its main purpose is to prevent dents and dings as much as possible. The two less common fiberglass cloths are the WARP glass, which is also an E-glass, and the Volan. The WARP glass has more fibers up the weave’s length, which adds vertical strength to your board. Oftentimes, the WARP is overlain with a standard E-glass for added stability. The Volan, on the other hand, is a heavier cloth that generally comes in 8 oz. and 10 oz. sizes. It was originally used in the boat and tools industry. It was also what surfboard makers used back in the 1950s to 1960s. Since Volan is a heavy cloth, it is typically used for longboards where weight is considered a plus. Common Glass Schedules Lightweight: 4+4 x 4 (common in competitions) Lightweight Plus: 4+4 x 6 (lightweight with extra sturdiness at the bottom) Standard: 6+4 x 6 (strong and durable; good for egg and fish boards) Heavy-duty: 6+6 x 6 (minimum requirement for a longboard) These are just some of the common glass schedule combinations for surfboards. Of course, you’re not limited to these. After all, the schedules you’ll choose will depend on the board type you’re glassing and its purpose. Polyester Resin vs. Epoxy Resin Surfboards can be glassed with two types of resin: polyester and epoxy. If you need help with choosing, we’ve previously reviewed 5 products that have been proven to work well with surfboards here. Listed below are some of their pros and cons: Polyester Resin Pros & Cons Pros Gives the board a lively and bouncy feel, especially when new Affordable and easy to get Cons Polyester resin tends to degrade faster Smelly and not the best option health-wise Epoxy Resin Pros & Cons Pros Tougher and stronger; can handle harder impacts More health and environment-friendly Cons More expensive Yellows faster than polyester resin Sometimes, people also use these terms to refer to the board’s core (e.g., fiberglass boards and epoxy boards). This is an important consideration, since the board’s material and the resin you must use go hand in hand. Here’s the general rule to remember: For polyurethane boards (fiberglass), you can use either polyester or epoxy resin. For expanded polystyrene (EPS, Styrofoam, or epoxy boards), you must only use epoxy resin. This is because the polyester resin can melt away the epoxy board’s core. Thus, before you buy your resin, make sure that you’re getting the right one for your board. Freelap vs. Cutlap The last piece of the puzzle before starting the glassing process is choosing whether you’re doing a clear glass job or a tinted one. That’s because this will eventually lead to choosing between freelap or cutlap technique. Freelap Technique For clear glass jobs, you can do freelap. If you wish to design or paint your surfboard, do it before you start glassing your board. This technique involves saturating the fiberglass overlaps with resin and simply sticking it onto the other side of your board. Once the resin cures, you’ll have to sand down the overlaps until it’s flush with the board. Be careful during the sanding process as you don’t want to hit the foam while doing so. This is done to prevent air bubbles once it’s time to glass the other side. Cutlap Technique Cutlap, meanwhile, is the technique to use when you’re using tinted or pigmented resin. This involves taping off the other side of the board’s outline with masking tape. The tape is usually 1.5 inches thick from the edge of the rail. Sometimes, masking paper is also used to ensure that no color makes it to the middle of the board. Doing this marks the lap line and … Read more

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