Surfing: Ride Waves, Experience Thrills & Conquer New Height

What Is Para Surfing? The Sport for the Adaptive Surfer

December 6, 2022by Luke Morris

The elite of the para surfing community gathered in Pismo Beach, California, from December 6 to 11, 2021. For the sixth edition of the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Para Surfing Championship, they battled the waves and demonstrated their abilities. Surfers from 24 countries competed, with the International Surfing Association (ISA) hoping that the sport’s expansion will help the governing body achieve its goal of competing in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. If you have been a huge follower of surfing, you’d understand this part of surfing particularly caters to our adaptive surfers. But, if you’re new to para surfing and you are looking to find out more, we’ve prepared a good read for you. What Is Para Surfing? Para surfing is a modified style of surfing that allows people with physical limitations to surf on a surfboard. The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the sport’s international governing body. Since 2015, the organization has crowned adaptive surfing world champions. The original categorization of adaptive surfing has transformed into para surfing in recent years, especially when surfing became an Olympic sport. What Is Adaptive Surfing? Surfing ocean waves on a surfboard while overcoming a physical restriction is what adaptive surfing is all about. Adaptive surfing, however, means a lot more to the global community of adaptive surfers, the hundreds of local and international organizations that support the sport, and the army of volunteers who donate their time to adaptive surfing events. Surfers leaving their wheelchairs and crutches behind to hit the waves are adaptive surfers. Because of developments in board modifications, bespoke prostheses, and the warmth of wetsuits, it is making surfing more accessible to children and adults. ISA Para Surfing Classification To compete in para surfing events, athletes must have a qualifying impairment. The physical disabilities are specified in the International Standard for Eligible Impairments, as defined by the Athlete Classification Code of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The ISA Para Surfing Classification is a process in which qualified Para Surfing Classifiers evaluate competitive adaptive surfers’ strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination to place them in one of nine Para Surfing Sports Classes. The classification goal is to place each athlete in their best surf class to ensure high competitiveness and a more equitable playing field, reducing the influence of impairments on sports performance. The ISA Para Surfing Classifiers start by determining whether an athlete has an underlying health condition that could result in an “IPC approved” or eligible impairment. The classifier panel will determine whether the impairment(s) fulfill the Minimum Impairment Criteria. ISA Para Surfing offers seven physical classes and two visual sports classes. Para Surfing Sport Classes Sport Class Description Stand 1 Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with an upper limb amputation or congenital or impairment equivalent or short stature. Stand 2 Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with a below-the-knee amputation or congenital or impairment equivalent, or leg length difference. Stand 3 Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with an above-the-knee amputation or both lower extremity amputations or congenital or impairment equivalent. Kneel Any surfer who rides a wave in a kneeling or sitting without paddle position with an above the knee amputation or both lower limb amputations or congenital or impairment equivalent. Sit Any surfer who rides the wave in a sitting position that does NOT require assistance paddling into a wave and getting back on the board safely. Prone 1 Any surfer who rides the wave in a prone position that does NOT require assistance paddling into a wave and getting back on the board safely. Prone 2 Any surfer who rides the wave in a prone position that DOES require assistance in the water, paddling into a wave, and getting back on the board safely. Vision Impairment 1 Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with IBSA classification Level B1. Vision Impairment 2 Any surfer who rides a wave in a standing position with IBSA classification Level B2 and Level B3. 10 IPC* Approved Eligible Impairments Physical Body Function Impairments (5) Physical Body Structure Impairments (3) Visual Impairments (3) Impaired Passive Range of Motion Limb Deficiency IBSA Vision Impairment B1 Impaired Muscle Power Leg Length Difference IBSA Vision Impairment B2 Hypertonia Short Stature IBSA Vision Impairment B3 Ataxia Athetosis *IPC=International Paralympic Committee Terminology Definitions: Spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, low stature, congenital limb deficits, leg length discrepancies, amputations, and eyesight impairments are all fall under approved underlying health conditions or medical diagnoses. Impaired passive range of motion, impaired muscle power, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, vision and intellectual disability are the Paralympic impairments. Para surfing does not employ intellectual disability at this time. Despite impairing function, several impairments are classified as “Non-Eligible Impairments” for Para Surfing. According to the International Paralympic Committee, non-eligible impairments include discomfort, hearing loss, low muscle tone, hypermobility, joint instability, endurance, and poor respiratory function. Each Para Surfing Surf Class has minimal impairment criteria for each eligible impairment. The minimal impairment criteria were developed based on the impairment being severe enough to impact the sport of surfing. Amputated fingers, for example, are regarded as a disability, although missing digits is not enough of impairment to affect surfing. For a list of qualifying impairments, minimal impairment criteria, and descriptions of each Para Surfing Class, see the “ISA Para Surfing Classification Rules & Regulations.” Para Surfing Eligible Impairments Impaired Muscle Power Surfers with decreased muscle power have an underlying health problem that prevents or limits their capacity to move or create force by contracting muscles spontaneously. Examples include spinal cord damage, whether total or incomplete, tetra or paraplegia, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, and spina bifida. Impaired Passive Range of Movement A lack of restriction of passive mobility in one or more joints characterizes surfers with a limited range of motion. Arthrogryposis and contracture caused by chronic joint immobility or trauma to a joint are … Read more

What is Wing Surfing? | Everything You Need to Know

December 1, 2022by Luke Morris

As a surfing enthusiast myself, I’m always on the lookout to try new trends in the water as much as I can. So when I heard about a sport similar to kitesurfing and wakeboarding minus the line, I just knew I had to give wing surfing a try. (Hey, kitesurfing is all fun and games until your line collides with someone and you end up in a big, tangled mess!) So what is wing surfing exactly — and is it here to replace some of the famous watersports we already know of? In this article, I’ll be sharing with you information about it including tips on how to get started with this sport. History of Wing Surfing In 1986, an avid windsurfer named Tom Magruder created a non-motorized, wind-powered wing inspired by how seagulls fly. His invention was called the ‘Wind Weapon’, a windsurfing sail made by combining the aerodynamic contour of airplanes and bird wings. Magruder’s innovative wing enabled surfers to launch into flight even in flat water. But unfortunately, the Wind Weapon didn’t take flight in production as its hardware was too heavy and hard to control. Since windsurfing wasn’t mainstream during that time, Wind Weapon failed. It was way ahead of its time and people weren’t ready for it yet. When the 2000s came, some companies also started to design and develop inflatable wing prototypes for stand-up paddleboards, but similar to the Wind Weapon’s fate, these models didn’t find success. Slowly but surely, however, windsurfing competitions started to use hand-held sails to help surfers glide over frozen lakes. As the era changed and hydrofoils started to catch people’s attention, the wings went for a strong comeback. In 2019, they were commercially produced again and were welcomed with open arms by windsurfers looking for new challenges. This time, the wings are to stay for good. What is Wing Surfing? Also referred to as wing foiling, wing surfing is a water sport that gives you the freedom to glide in the water without any lines or ropes restraining your every movement. To wingsurf is to ride a SUP or foil board while you carry with you a hand-held wing or sail that helps propel the board in the water by using strong winds. Basically, it’s windsurfing and kiteboarding minus the tangles. Although the wings are a good addition, I wouldn’t say that wing surfing is here to replace other watersports. Merely, the wing/sail is just a compliment that can be paired with any kind of board that you may have. You can use the sail for riding kiteboards, skateboards, or even snowboards. However, you should take note that the wing wouldn’t make you surf or paddle faster, it’s just there to add more fun and flair to your sport. A lot of people have also developed a liking for wingsurfing as it’s safer than kitesurfing. It’s also simpler as it only requires basic boarding/surfing skills, good intuition, and minimal equipment. If you want high-performance wing surfing, you can combine your hand-held wing with an e-foil to reach maximum speed, upwind ability, and great maneuverability. Watch celebrity surfer, Kai Lenny, take his wing and e-foil for a test ride in the video below. Now, if you’re into SUP, you’ll find the portable sail for wing surfing helpful, especially during windy days. The wing eliminates the need for paddling, and it makes you ride faster even with a wind speed of only 5 to 10 knots. For wing foiling, however, you’ll need about 10 to 15 knots to be able to ride both downwind and upwind. Wing surfing Vs Kitesurfing Wing surfing and kitesurfing have common similarities (i.e. the use of kite, board, and wind force), however, they share a single difference, which is the use (or the lack thereof) of lines and ropes. Aside from that, wing surfing is also relatively safer and faster to progress with. Groms are more independent when it comes to learning and performing their first rides because the rules of wing surfing are not so technical. With the kite wing acting as a sailboat, they can perform limitless freestyle and wave-riding tricks on their own. They’re also less stressed, so they spend more of their time and energy being stoked. What You’ll Need Wing surfing is a low-impact water sport wherein you’ll ride on top of a board while you hold an inflatable sail that will help you glide the water’s surface. That said, you’ll need your wing (kite wing/wing foil), board, leashes, and protective gear to start. Wing The kite wing or wing foil for kite surfing is a cross between a windsurfing sail and a hang glider sail. It should be made from lightweight materials and comes with little to no resistance so it’s easy to maneuver without your arms tiring. The wing works by letting the wind blow it and lift it up as it propels you and the board forward. I’ve personally tried a bigger wing and I found it difficult to get over my head or prevent its sides from getting in contact with water; therefore, I suggest you go for an all-around wing and stick to the ideal size of 4 to 5 square meters. It must also be durable and can withstand a wind speed of up to 25 knots. Unlike kitesurfing, you don’t need to wear a harness in wing surfing. But you do need to wear a wrist leash so it won’t fly away from you in case you accidentally let go of the wing during a wipeout. This leash will be attached to the wing’s edge and on your wrist. Since you will be holding on to the wing the entire time of your session, the handlebars must be soft and ergonomic. It should also be located at the centermost part of the wing so it folds easily when traveling. Now, don’t be alarmed if some wings have attachment points where you can strap harnesses. This is allotted for people who also want to … Read more

Different Types of Surf Breaks | A Comprehensive Guide

November 9, 2022by Dan Harmon

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

Charlie Don’t Surf Meaning (Apocalypse Now)

November 6, 2022by Luke Morris

You’ve probably seen the infamous Charles Manson t-shirt with ‘Charlie Don’t Surf’ written at its back or heard of The Clash’s cult classic song of the same title. It’s a phrase that’s inspired countless art, songs, and multimedia references, and has created a huge impact in surfing culture, not only in America but also in Southeast Asia. But where did this statement really come from, and what’s the meaning behind this iconic phrase? “Charlie Don’t Surf” is an iconic line from the 1979 war film ‘Apocalypse Now’ — a movie that retells the novel ‘Heart of Darkness’ by Polish writer Joseph Conrad. Written by John Milius and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film tackles about America’s sanguinity, as well as the realities and brutalities of the Vietnam war. ‘Apocalypse Now’ — The Film Where It All Started Viet Cong is the armed communist revolutionary group of North Vietnam, who fought with South Vietnam and troops of the United States during the Vietnam war. Since Viet Cong has the initials of VC as in Victor-Charlie in the NATO phonetic alphabet, the American soldiers also referred to them as ‘Charlie’. In the movie, “Charlie Don’t Surf!” was said by the lieutenant colonel, William “Bill” Kilgore. He was a good commander according to his men, albeit he sometimes go overboard with his decisions as a surfing afficionado. A member of his troop, Lance B. Johnson, is a professional surfer who’s also infamous for taking drugs. Perhaps it’s because of overconfidence or impulse, Kilgore instructed one of his officers to get his surfboard because he wanted Lance to surf in Charlie’s Point — a beach that stretches for miles with peaks reaching six feet and good surf breaks all year round. The problem is, they have to take out a Vietnamese military installation there before they can get to Charlie’s Point. This means engaging in a dangerous battle with a ground they can’t even hold for a long time. For this reason, one of the soldiers said, “Well, I mean it’s pretty hairy in there. It’s Charlie’s Point!” “Charlie don’t surf!”, replied Kilgore. After the helicopter attack of the village where the Viet Cong’s military camp is, Kilgore then ordered Lance and his men to surf the waves, saying, “If I say it’s safe to surf this beach, it’s safe to surf this beach. I’m not afraid to surf this place. I’ll surf this f*ckin’ place.” The Meaning Behind the Famous Line “Charlie Don’t Surf” doesn’t only imply that the Viet Cong don’t surf, as it goes much deeper than that. When Kilgore shouted this in reply to his officer, he also indirectly hinted that they’re going to take their waves, whatever the means could be. According to the film’s writer, Millius, the inspiration for the famous line is the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon, who after winning the war in Aqaba, went spearfishing and said to one of his crews, “Now, we’re eating their fish”. This line mirrored the “Charlie Don’t Surf” statement in which both of them implied that they’ve conquered the enemy’s ground, and now they’re going to take what’s not theirs as an added insult to the injury. America’s Surfing Culture during the 1970s Surfing, sooner or later, will find its way to ‘Apocalypse Now’ as per Millius. This is because during the seventies, the Californian culture was strongly influencing the world — from the hippies to the nirvana, and surfing to rock and roll. In the movie, teenage soldiers led the battle in the Vietnam war. It’s a representation of how the Californian culture and power are taking over and assaulting the Asian culture. From how they were hopping down the helicopter and putting flame jobs in their gun pods, mindlessly shooting over the line of napalm trees of the village, to how they surfed the waves after they’ve taken over the local’s land. After the filming of the movie, Milius retells the story of how some of the actors suffered depression and post-traumatic stress disorders, which is similar to what the Vietnamese veterans suffered when they came back from the actual war. Offscreen Legacy ‘Apocalypse Now’ is a film that shows the savagery and the truth behind civilization; hence why it’s one of the most famous movies of all time. In an interview with Rolling Stone, John was asked about how the viewers and the Vietnamese veterans reacted to the premiere showing of his movie. In which he said, “When the lights came up, I looked around and saw that people were sitting transfixed. Vietnam vets were there, too, weeping. I was stunned by how good the film was and what Francis had done. I was proud.” Shooting Locations The movie, ‘Apocalypse Now’, gained no support from the US Department of Defense because of its anti-Vietnam theme; therefore the movie was not filmed in Vietnam, as the war was still ongoing there. Instead, the war movie was filmed in the Philippines, where the current president of that country during that time, Ferdinand Marcos, lent the production crew the helicopters and gunships they needed. Some of the beach surfing scenes were filmed in Baler Bay, which is located in the northeastern part of the Philippines. During the film shooting, the locals observed the actors and how surfing worked, so when the production crew left their surfboards after filming, the children took over the boards and used them to surf. Today, Baler is one of the surfing attractions of the Philippines, and it’s also hailed as the ‘Surfing Capital’ of the country. Aside from Baler, the movie was also filmed in other beach locations such as Manhattan Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach, Cannon Beach, Waimea Bay in Hawai’i, and Lake Powell in Utah. Art and Culture The iconic line “Charlie Don’t Surf” didn’t just add an additional flare to the surfing culture, it also became an inspiration for songs, game themes, and art pieces. The following are just some examples: A 1980 hit song, ‘Charlie Don’t Surf’ by The … Read more

Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch – Perfect Waves

September 5, 2022by Luke Morris

“Kelly has created a quintessential, perfect wave. And, to be able to get that over and over again is really going to push the envelope for surfing like it’s never been pushed before.” – Gerry Lopez Kelly Slater only dreamt about a surf ranch. He had it in his thoughts, with all the concepts carefully planned and executed in his mind. Finally, in 2015, the ten-year experiment to create the perfect inland wave happened. Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch opened the doors of fully functional artificial waves for anyone who wishes to ride a hundred miles of perfect waves. Still, many people ask – how are these magnificent waves formed? Are they rideable? Is it worth it? This article will take a deeper look at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch, and we’ll let you decide for yourself. The Kelly Slater Wave Company and the Surf Ranch One of the most famous man-made waves in the world, Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch, was ten years in the making. The project transformed an abandoned waterski park in Lemoore, California, into an upscale surf ranch. His team at the Kelly Slater Wave Co combined cutting-edge science, engineering, and design to develop the most extended and rideable open-barrel artificial wave in the world. What’s best about this “freak of technology” is that it is powered entirely by solar. The team partnered with PG&E’s (Pacific Gas and Electric) Solar Choice Program that lets clients go 100% solar without installing any solar panel. This technology allowed Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch to pioneer wave technology that supports sustainable power initiatives. Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch: How It Works The first thing you need to understand is how the technology used in Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch is far different from those used in wave pools. Unlike Waco Pool’s Perfect Swell Technology that creates three different wave sets, Surf Ranch gives you a single long open-barrel ride. What the Surf Ranch can compare with is the Wavegarden’s Lagoon and Surf Poel in The Hague. Its system uses a simple plow design where a specially designed submerged foil is pulled down a straight track at high and low velocity. This pulling motion displaces the water to create a wave that breaks along the wave pool’s specially designed bathymetry or depth of the pool. The large and noisy machine gets adjustments that temper the speed of the plow that affects the wave’s steepness and size. What makes it different from the Wavegarden’s Lagoon is how the wave only plows a rideable swell on one side of the track. Yet, the Surf Ranch is bi-directional, and it goes in one direction to create lefts and the other direction to create rights. The Surf Ranch’s pool is 700 meters long and 150 meters wide. It clocks in at 45 seconds, making it the longest of any of the world’s wave pools ever. It generates a wave that ranges from 3 to 6 feet about every two minutes. Then, it takes roughly 3 to 4 minutes for the water to calm between waves. How To Get In? The Surf Ranch is still limited, mainly for regular surfers. You can’t show up at the Ranch without any confirmed booking. But, if you get in, there are three ways to surf the pool as an everyday surfer: VIP experience Hiring the Surf Ranch for the day Friends and Family Day The VIP Experience includes accommodation, merchandise, access to concerts, catering, and two 1-hour surf sessions on the wave pool with all the equipment you need. This all-inclusive deal costs $5,499 and a $182 booking fee. Note that there is no guarantee that you will be the only VIP throughout the day. Thus, you might end up sharing the 1-hr session with other visitors. The Surf Ranch, if rented for the day, will cost you $50,000 during peak season. Off-season costs are at $35,000. While this option is open to everyday surfers, understand that this price tag could be for groups composed of team riders for a brand, national teams, or training camps. That’s roughly $415 per wave during high season and $290 during low season! The costs can be a little intimidating, but you can still surf at the Surf Ranch on special occasions. Kelly Slater, after all, has a good heart and lets staff’s family and friends try out the wave. If you know the right people, you can definitely get in. Facts and Figures About Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch This wave pool location 200 miles from the coast and surrounded by dairy farms holds many facts you will find interesting. Here are some of them. Kelly Slater was 14 years old when he first experienced riding in an artificial lake. It was a surfing demo he and his brother Sean made in a small surf pool in Texas. It was 2006 when he met up with the British amateur surfer and aerospace engineer Adam Fincham. Adam specialized in geophysical fluid dynamics. He, later on, became the head scientist of Kelly Slater Wave Company. One of the potential names for the Surf Ranch was “Kelly Slater Surf Experience.” The prototype was unveiled in 2015. It pumped 45-second barreling waves. The lake’s contours were designed and perfected with the aid of advanced supercomputers. “The Vehicle,” the 100-ton hydrofoils run down a track with the help of more than 150 truck tires. It goes 18 miles per hour. The Surf Ranch’s depth that reaches 6.5 feet can be adjusted to fit beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. The World Surf League bought a significant stake in the Kelly Slater Wave Company in 2016. This move paved the way to the Surf Ranch Pro (later renamed Freshwater Pro), a professional surfing competition held annually at the Surf Ranch. The Surf Ranch address is 18556 Jackson Ave, Lemoore, CA 93245. By 2026, the Surf Ranch will be more than what it is today. It will be a 155-acre structure with an additional public wave pool and various support facilities. The Surf Ranch took … Read more

The Shaka Sign | Surfing’s Famous Hand Gesture

August 14, 2022by Luke Morris

Kitesurfing man on a wave looking up at his kite and throwing a shakka!

It is every famous surfer’s hand gesture – the unmistakable pinky and thumb salute. The famous Shaka sign… but what does the shaka sign mean? The Hawaiian Shaka Sign The famous greeting flashed by surfers and Hawaiian natives, the Shaka sign has been well-adopted by people worldwide. You might even remember that one group picture you had when you were younger when you raised your fist and bent your three middle fingers. While the Shaka sign’s popularity is undisputed, many are still unaware of what it means and where it originated. If you are one of the many who are still clueless, this article will take you back in time to know more about this famous hand gesture. What Does the Shaka Sign Mean? The pinky and thumb salute can mean different things all at once. It can be “Right on,” “Thank you,” “Everything’s great,” or “Take it easy.” But, its most certain meaning is to “hang loose.” Yes, the Shaka sign expresses all these friendly messages and more. How to Do the Shaka Sign? A kamaaina knows that the right Shaka sign is one where the three middle fingers are curled up while the thumb and the pinky finger are extended. But, it doesn’t stop there. You raise your fist by chest level, knuckles facing out. For emphasis, you can quickly turn your hand back and forth, of course, while smiling. Where Did Shaka Sign Originate? Local lore credits the Shaka sign to Hamana Kalili of Laie. Hamana Kalili worked at a sugar mill where his job as a presser needed him to feed the cane through the rollers to squeeze out its juice. One day, his hand got caught in the rollers, and his three middle fingers – index, middle, and ring were left crushed. After the incident, Kalili got a new job as the security officer for the train that used to run between Sunset Beach and Kaaawa. His new job includes keeping kids from jumping on the train and taking joyrides while approaching and departing the train station. In his attempt to warn kids to stay away, Kalili waves his hands with three missing middle fingers while yelling. The kids adopted the strange-looking warning and later became a signal to let other kids know Kalili was not around or wasn’t looking. Another belief relates the origin of the shaka to the Spanish immigrants who bent their middle fingers and took their thumbs to their lips to gesture sharing of drink with the natives. Check out this lovely video that gives a brief history of the modern Shaka and its creative variations. But, Why Is It Called “Shaka?” The term “Shaka” came not from Kalili’s story but a popular television advertisement in the 1960s. Lippy Espinda, a car salesman, used this hand gesture along with a catchphrase that he claimed he taught himself – “Shaka Bradah!” Later on, it spread among the locals, and the rest is history. Conclusion The Shaka sign is more than just a wave or a thumbs up. This hand gesture is a symbol of the Aloha Spirit, which brings together the mind and spirit to think and display good feelings to others. Saying “Aloha” or giving out the Shaka sign means mutual regard and affection for the other person. It is a respectful (and cool) sign of respect and mutual understanding. Related Resources Surfing Etiquette A Beginner’s Guide to Surfing Best Surfing Tips for Beginners Are Surfboard Protection Plans the New Wave? What To Wear Under A Wetsuit Luke MorrisLuke Morris is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has inspired him to create a community where like-minded individuals can come together to celebrate their shared passion.

Top 10 Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers

August 2, 2022by Luke Morris

Before deciding to buy the best surfboards for intermediate surfers, you should be asking yourself: Am I an intermediate surfer? Go and pick a more experienced surfer who’ll watch you surfing and let him/her observe how your surf level is. This is an excellent way to be more confident in buying the most suitable surfboard that’ll match your skills. Moreover, intermediate surfers are the ones who can paddle out alone while remaining stable on board. They’re already familiar with the wave movements and can move with them. Going beyond the whitewater is typically where an intermediate surfer wants to surf. So, we ask you again, are you an intermediate surfer? Well, this post will only mention surfboards best for intermediate surfers. We include all types of surfboards to fit your needs: fish, wake surf, foam/soft top, fiberglass, and the classic longboard! The Top 10 Best Surfboards for Intermediate Surfers Read through all the boards before making a choice. Let’s get it started! South Bay Board Co. Soft Top Surfboard North Gear Ocean Beach Foamie Surfing Thruster Surfboard BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard Wavestorm 8′ Classic Surfboard Wave Bandit Shred Sled 48” Twin Surfboard BIC Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard StormBlade Longboard Surfboard South Bay Board Co. Tortuga Longboard Grande Juguete 6′ Surfboard Wave Bandit Ben Gravy Performer Surfboard 1. South Bay Board Co. Soft Top Surfboard If you’re an intermediate surfer, perhaps the South Bay Board Co lineup of soft-top surfboards is right for you. These surfboards are for the casual surfer. It is an all-inclusive package that comes with surfboard fins, fin screws, a leash plug crew, and a surfboard leash. You can return the product within 30 days if you aren’t satisfied with its performance. These surfboard series include three models such as the 7′ Ruccus, 8′ Verve, and 8’8 Heritage Surfboard. Ruccus surfboard is ideal for kids as well as for experienced surfers weighing up to 170 pounds. The other models are suitable for older kids and adults who can perform faster paddling. The weight capacity is 200 and 230 pounds, respectively. Its top deck is built with IXPE foam resulting in croc skin texture for better balance and control. The diamond weave slick HDPE on the bottom section enhances your surfing speed for a more thrilling ride. 2. North Gear Ocean Beach Foamie Surfing Thruster Surfboard Are you looking for a cheaper surfboard that can satisfy your surfing level? This 6-foot Ocean Beach Foamie Surfing Thruster Surfboard might be the most low-priced board on the list. Each part of the board is carefully inspected to ensure its quality. A quality product within your budget is indeed possible with North Gear. Due to the careful assembly done by the company, the board became robust and resilient to ocean waves. Its deck, core, and hard-slick bottom are designed with expanded polyethylene, expanded polystyrene, and polypropylene, accordingly. Therefore, the board isn’t just sturdy but also durable that could last for years of surfing. Also, it is a cost-effective product. It freely includes removable fins, a leash, and a traction pad for a more enjoyable surfing experience than ever before. The maximum weight it can carry is 100 kilograms. 3. BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard Are you familiar with the BIC ballpoint pen? BIC brand is now entering sports marketing; thus they’re producing surfing products for quite some time. The fact is, year after year, BIC is one of the manufacturers of surfboards that creates the best-shaped boards around the globe. BIC Sport DURA-TEC Surfboard is suitable for both learners and intermediate surfers because of its shape design. Additionally, it is the top choice under the BIC Sports brand. BIC Sport DURA-TEC is in a collective form meaning there are many surfboard models under the series. It includes 5’10 Fish, 6’7 Shortboard, 7’3 Mini Malibu, 8’4 Egg, and 9’4 Magnum. And other models such as the Mini Nose Rider and Natural Surf 2. These boards have nearly the same features to offer. They’re all made of high-density core foam and an outer polyethylene shell for the easy wave-riding experience. Further, board construction is also bulletproof. For added control and comfort, there’s now an integrated 3D traction pad. Other accessories included are a thruster tri-fin setup and inside foil technology. 4. Wavestorm 8′ Classic Surfboard This is another surfboard product made by Wavestorm. It is almost the same as the Brushed Graphic Longboard aside from its UV-resistant design. Its colorful stripes design will not quickly fade even though UV rays frequently strike it. That’s why everyone likes the board because of its upkeep appearance. Thanks to Graphic Film Technology for making this possible. Those who are starting to learn how to surf can depend on this board because of its lightweight construction. It is incredible because you can jump on using an intermediate level surfboard during the training so that no more considerable adjustments to be done to the actual competition. There’s a removable ankle leash in case you want to show more daring surfing exhibitions. Or, in other words, remove the leash when you feel your surfing skill is leveling up. It is made of HDPE material which adds stability and durability to the entire board while surfing. Going through stronger waves is never a challenge with Wavestorm Classic Surfboard. The board can be conveniently held as it is equipped with durable extruded polystyrene and a three marine-ply stringers system. Are you a bit clumsy? The EBS cross-link located on the deck and rails can handle your clumsiness and enhances your stability. 5. Wave Bandit Shred Sled 48” Twin Surfboard When we say California, the first thing that enters our mind is the best surfers in the world. Look around that beautiful city, and you’ll find surfers all day long. With that factor, we can conclude that the best surfboards are also produced in the said country. Well, we are correct as Wave Bandit Shred Sled 48 Twin Surfboard is designed in California. Surfing on smaller waves is where this board … Read more

Top 10 Best Surfboard Travel Bags

July 18, 2022by Luke Morris

Surfing has been THE beach sport for as long as anybody could remember. But when you start to love pursuing the life of surfing on beaches, it is necessary to start looking for the best surfboard travel bags in the market. The surfboard travel bag is a must-have carrier in the world of surfing, and it is essential to order an appropriate bag for your board. Of all the surfboard travel bags available in today’s market, we’ve selected the most reviewed and picked surfboard travel bags online. Check it all out to find which bag suits your needs. Let’s get it started! Curve New Supermodel Longboard Travel Bag Wave Tribe Eco Surfboard Travel Bag Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag SurfStow SUP Deluxe Transport Board Travel Bag Dakine Regulator Triple Surfboard Travel Bag Channel Islands Travel Light CX2 Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Ocean & Earth Double Travel Compact Shortboard Travel Bag Pro-Lite Travel Double – Longboard Bag Rhino South Bay Board Co. Premium Surfboard and Paddle Board Travel Bags Dakine Daylight Surf Thruster Travel Bag #1. Curve New Supermodel Longboard Travel Bag Do you have a surfboard that is up to 23.5-inches wide or categorized as a longboard? This Supermodel is not entitled to its name without proof. It fits exactly that surfboard size and still has allotted space for the other surf gear. The Curve Travel Bag is a lightweight bag with an adjustable and padded shoulder strap. The design provides comfort in carrying the bag throughout the surfing escapade. In addition to its sophisticated look are the reflective silvers on both sides for more visibility, especially at night. Size ranges are available in the middle of 7’6 to 26” wide. The surfboard bag isn’t compatible with Infinity Secret Weapon Boards due to its 4-inches thickness. The big tooth zipper with added Delrin slider is responsible for enclosing the bag with improved security. Wetsuits and other swimming gears can be stored in a pocket stash for easy access. It also includes Velcro close features with different appropriate sizes from 7’6 to 10.2′. Plus, you can easily carry the bag from place to place with its lightweight construction. Key Features #2. Wave Tribe Eco Surfboard Travel Bag One surfboard isn’t enough for the whole squad, and so you’ll need another piece of a surfboard to let everyone enjoy the waves. Wave Tribe created a travel bag that can contain up to two surfboards at once. The design is based on over ten years of research and development just to ensure the highest possible protection for the boards. Their bags are used by thousands of surfers from Bali and South Africa. The company applies rebound technology on its interior design such as the rebound foam dynamics with padded board separators. Additionally, the nose and tail sections have a 13mm foam insert. It has two sides, which are made of quality hemp that supports the green surfing movement. The Outside A is made of Rugged Eco Hemp with rebound foam dynamics, which acts as a high impact padding protection. Reflective Energy Shield works for protecting the surfboard from the direct sunlight. This travel bag is surrounded by an easy flow zip system made of nickel-plated zippers that never rust and break. The total padding construction is 25mm thick and so considered as the most padded surfboard bag in the industry. The bag can be held through a shoulder strap or carrying handle. And it has additional pockets for the other materials. Every size and shape of surfboards like hybrid and retro shapes fit on this travel bag. Key Features #3. Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag This surfboard travel bag might cost more than the previous bags, but it comes with high-performance in keeping not just one but three boards. One board is out of sight as the bag has a false bottom that hides the board even when the bag is wide open. It can store up to 24” wide surfboard. This feature saves you money as you don’t need to buy another travel bag for the other boards your friends or family might have. The bag is built with 10mm Air Lite Foam Protection and 600 Denier Poly top and bottom to secure the boards from scratch or breakage fully. The non-corrosive zipper is used so that it won’t be easily destroyed. Moreover, it has an exterior pocket to store wetsuits and other accessories. There’s an additional internal accessory pocket. It’s well-ventilated to keep the boards cool while being stored. The two-point entry system is built with this bag to insert the surfboards separately. The two boards will smoothly slide inside the bag because of its top zip flip-top opening feature on the tail of the bag. Another entry is on the tail of the bag, which is used to insert the third board. So in short, the boards are easy to get from the bag. There are two handle options, including molded rubber handles and a padded deluxe shoulder strap. Both give extra durability as three boards are contained within. The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association nominated this travel bag as a reasonably priced board bag because of its high-quality construction and reasonable price. Key Features #4. SurfStow SUP Deluxe Transport Board Travel Bag If you’re looking for a lightweight surfboard bag that’s heavily padded, look for no other than the SUP Deluxe Transport Board Bag by SurfStow. It makes traveling easy, whether through land or plane. The bag is simple in design with Velcro fin slots, hold-down straps, and luggage tags. It is enclosed by a large and molded noncorrosive zipper which assures the security of your board. We recommend this bag for standup paddleboards. Apart from the mainboard storage, there are extra interior and exterior pockets for the other stuff. The interior pockets are designed with drainage so that placing a wet board inside the bag will not cause any lingering smell. Besides, the board paddle has a place on the bag’s exterior pocket, where it will be fully … Read more

How Long Does It Take to Make A Surfboard?

July 13, 2022by Luke Morris

The narrow planks we all know as surfboards – all riding up and down the ocean waves, withstanding the biggest and strongest splashes, weren’t made overnight. Otherwise, they would have broken at the first slap of water. Surfboards, one of the constantly evolving inventions since surfing became a thing, can be intimidating to make. But, with proper techniques and know-how, materials, and tools, it shouldn’t be so hard. The question is – how long does it take to make one? This article discusses how long it takes to make a surfboard and other surfboard-building topics, such as: What goes into making your own surfboard How much does it cost to make your own surfboard How long does it take to glass a surfboard What materials do you need to make a surfboard How Much Time Is Needed to Make a Surfboard? The most experienced surfboard shapers and makers would safely say a week or two for standard surfboards, six to eight weeks for custom boards, and eight to ten weeks for more complicated orders like glass-on and wooded fins. Surfboard shapers understand just how exciting it is to order a surfboard. It doesn’t matter if it is your first or a hundredth surfboard; you simply want to get the surfboard right away. But, shapers need enough time – from gathering materials, tracing, cutting, shaping, etc., In addition, they also have other orders to attend to. Thus the length of time they say they need. If you have the materials, a workshop large enough to make a surfboard, you can take it into your hands and perhaps cut the time significantly. Some of those who made their boards said they finished theirs in 7 to 10 days or sometimes less than that. To help you understand better, here’s a glimpse of a shaper’s schedule. First day (3 to 8 hours) Shaping blank Installing pre-glass fin boxes Second day (1 to 2 hours labor, 9 to 12 hours curing time) Laminating bottom and top Sealing coat top Third day (1-hour labor, 6 to 8 hours curing time) Hot coating bottom Installing post-glass fin boxes Fourth day (1 to 2 hours labor, 3 to 4 hours curing time) Installing leash plug Sanding top and bottom Fifth day (1 to 2 hours labor, 3 to 8 hours cure time) 2nd seal coating or gloss coating Final sanding or polishing What Goes Into Making Your Own Surfboard? Making your own surfboard can be intimidating. Partly because of the amount of time it takes for commercialized surfboard companies to finish one surfboard. But, what most people don’t realize is, making your own board even when it is outside your skill level shouldn’t be menacing. As long as you have the basic tools, you can do it! The first thing that you need to figure out when making your own surfboard is whether you are making it with your own surfboard blank or from scratch. If it is from scratch, you can prepare a block foam or buy a blank and skip the few steps to make the rough blank. These are what goes into making a surfboard from Styrofoam or epoxy resin, which is pretty similar to the traditional polyurethane surfboard or polyester resin surfboard making. Deciding on the surfboard’s design Making a stringer Gluing a stringer between block foams Removing bulk foam from the block foam Rough shaping the blank Cutting out the rough shape of the surfboard Shaping the blank Doing the artworks Fiberglassing or lamination Hot-coating Sanding the hot coat Gloss-coating Sand gloss-coating Polishing SURFING!!! Here’s to give you a better understanding of the terms mentioned: Blank – a rough piece of foam or the pre-shaped block used to make surfboards Stringer – a thin strip of wood that runs from nose to tail and extends down the center of the foam blank. This adds stiffness and rigidity to the surfboard Glassing or laminating – the second or third step in modern-day surfboard shaping where the shaper applies the fiberglass to the surfboard using either polyester or epoxy resin Hot coat – coat of resin smeared over the glassed surfboard Gloss coat – coat of resin applied across the sanded hot coat How Much Does it Cost to Make Your Own Surfboard? It will likely cost you around $200 to $300 to make your surfboard. First, the tools you need are estimated at $150. This price includes tools and supplies such as: Sander Handsaw Face mask/respirator Planer 6oz fiberglass cloth (at least 6 yards depending on the size of the board) Epoxy resin and hardener Spreaders and squeegees Fin system and fin boxes Masking tape Leash plug Black pigment Latex gloves Paintbrushes Measuring buckets Stir sticks A foam blank is what you initially need. These blanks usually cost anywhere between $70 to $140, depending on the size you plan to build. To save yourself time, look for blanks that have a built-in rocker. After all, you are not paying yourself in shaping the board, and labor usually costs around $27.16 per hour. How Long Does it Take to Glass a Surfboard? Surfboard glassing requires fewer labor hours than other significant steps in making a surfboard. It isn’t the process that takes time but waiting for the resin to cure. Generally, it takes about 4 hours for the resin to cure enough to flip the board to glass its other side. Take note that epoxy is slower in colder temperatures and quicker in warmer temperatures. You may want to plan the whole day in glassing, laminating, and sealing coats on both sides of the surfboard. Conclusion One of the most rewarding feelings in riding the waves is knowing that the stick you are riding is the one you made. It is you you are shredding the waves with. It is your personality on the surfboard. We would all want the boards we make perfect, but it’s still the best as long as they’re rideable. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: What to consider in … Read more