Surfing: Ride Waves, Experience Thrills & Conquer New Height

Pro Surfer Workout Routines

December 18, 2023May 18, 2023 by Luke

Surfing is a fun and exhilarating sport, but it is a professional career for many surfers. Whether you enjoy surfing as a casual sport or as a pro, it requires a certain amount of fitness to avoid injury and improve your skill level. If you are a surfer or considering taking it up as a sport, you need to know how to keep and stay fit to reach your full potential. Pro surfer’s workout routines target specific muscles to improve their surfing skills. Pro surfing requires good balance, core strength, flexibility, and stamina. Certain muscles work harder than others and require a target fitness program to ensure the best performance. Every surfer needs to stay fit and exercise regularly to keep their body in shape to tackle the waves. There are various ways to exercise if you are a surfer, but understanding the various workout routines and what muscles it targets is the best way to improve your surfing skill and avoid injuries. Let’s look at some workout routines and how surfers stay in shape. The Importance Of Fitness In Surfing The ocean is a playground for surfers, but its powerful waves are often underestimated. The ocean’s unpredictability has caused many surfers to find themselves in trouble, and fitness is crucial to avoid injury. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned surfer, incorporating the appropriate exercises into your routine can improve your surfing abilities, boost your self-assurance, and prepare you for unforeseen circumstances. Here are five reasons why fitness in surfing is essential and how a surfer can benefit from making it a priority: 1. Improve Performance Riding a wave takes a lot of energy, and strong, exercised muscles improve a surfer’s ability to tackle the ocean without fear. Confidence is a big part of surfing; fitness provides the surfer with endurance, improving their maneuverability and surfing performance. To improve your surfing, you need to trust that your body will not fail when you push its limits, and fitness is an essential factor in taking your surfing skill to the next level. 2. Enhance Balance And Stability Having balance is crucial when it comes to surfing. Without it, your chances of improving your surfing skills are minimal. Surfers who want to take on those big waves need to be surefooted, and that takes skill but, more importantly, a fit body. A surfer’s muscles must be strong and react quickly to sudden shifts and body movement to power through a wave. Exercised muscles provide surfers the needed strength, and a fit body provides endurance to improve balance and stability to stay on the surfboard. 3. Increase Power And Stamina All surfers respect the ocean for its strength, but mostly because it is unpredictable and has caused many injuries and worse. One of the leading causes of surfer injuries is fatigue, which leads to waves overpowering them, causing serious harm. Being fit often gives a surfer a fighting chance when they are overpowered by a wave or find themselves dragged too far out by the ocean. Paddling to the big waves often takes more power and stamina than riding a wave. A good fitness level can give you more time to practice and enhance your skills while assisting you in any trouble on the water. 4. Enhance Flexibility And Core Strength Flexibility is essential for surfing; some maneuvers push the body to twist and turn unnaturally. Core strength provides surfers with the ability to balance while their body twists, plus it prevents muscle injury when the muscle performs. Take Pilates and Yoga as examples. These fitness exercises are highly effective in strengthening your core, improving flexibility, and providing stability to your body. 5. Fast Recovery Timesg Every surfer, at some point or another, gets injured, even if they are fit and well-exercised. The advantage of being fit is that the body recovers faster, and a quick recovery makes a big difference if you are out on the ocean. Pro surfers cannot afford to be off the ocean for too long, and getting back on a wave is essential. Improving fitness prevents sore muscles giving you more time riding waves. Pro Surfer Workout Routines Pro surfers rely on their strength, balance, endurance, agility, breathing, and flexibility to take their surfing skills to the next level. To perform at 100% capacity, surfers have an advanced workout and exercise routine. Here are the areas pro surfers concentrate on when working out: Strength Surfers focus on flexibility, strength, and efficiency to increase their energy levels. Building strength is essential to save energy throughout those exhausting hours on the ocean and each exertion. Exercising the lower body is essential to get up and secure balance on the surfboard, and good upper body strength provides stronger paddling. Squats are great for building strength. How many reps and weights are up to each individual? However, pro surfers should do squats at least three times a week and increase their weight to improve their strength. Lunges increase the strength of the lower body, and surfers who prefer body-weight lunges must do 3/4 sets of 15 to 20 reps per leg. Core strength is essential for pro surfers to stay balanced, and lifts, planks, weighted sit-ups, and side planks are important exercises. Pro surfer JD Irons does 30 sit-up sets in a 40-minute routine. Upper body strength improves paddling out, and pro surfer Courtney Conlogue does sledgehammer swings, deadlifts, rope pulls, battle ropes, and pull-ups. Endurance Endurance goes hand in hand with strength, strong muscles require less energy to perform, and surfers can ride waves for longer. Cardiovascular exercise is essential to improving endurance, and pro surfer Travis Mellem paddles, swims, or cycles six days a week for 1/2 hour. Pro surfer Courtney Conlogue uses Tabata rounds to increase her heart rate, and it involves intense activity for 20 seconds and 10 seconds of rest, for four minutes in total. Balance Pro surfer Mick Fanning swears by yoga, saying that “…classics, such as the tree and the boat, are good … Read more

How To Get Past the Break On A Longboard

December 10, 2023May 18, 2023 by Luke

Longboarding is both thrilling and graceful, often appearing as if you’re dancing on the waves! If you have trouble dealing with the break, you might end up wiping out or missing the best part of the wave! Here are the best techniques and tips for beginners and pros to get past the break on a longboard. You can get past the break on a longboard by using the push-up technique to lift your torso off your board and allow the water to pass between you and the board. Then, use the rocket ship technique, where you use your weight to launch yourself over the wave, and turtle rolling to roll under the wave. A lot goes into getting past the break on a longboard; you need to consider the volume of your board and the width and keep a constant speed. We’ll cover all the crucial factors and follow a detailed step-by-step guide using the push-up, rocket ship, and turtle roll techniques. We’ll cover tips pros use and examine the differences between paddling with longboards and shortboards. Paddling Out In Big Surf On A Longboard You might really enjoy using your 6’6 Foamie board with 44L of volume – its superior buoyancy and stability are unparalleled, making riding the waves much more enjoyable! While this is true, these factors also make it more challenging to negotiate the waves when you paddle out. Duck diving is a handy technique that you can use to dive under an oncoming wave to avoid getting pushed back. It requires you to push your surfboard under the water, which can be difficult with a longboard board with a high volume (buoyancy) and stubbornly refuses to sink. So, how do you get past the whitewater on your longboard? Getting Past Whitewater On A Longboard: Step-By-Step Guide While you can’t completely stop oncoming waves from pushing you back, you can control by how much. You can use a few methods to help you get past the whitewater and paddle out comfortably at a good pace. We’ll examine the raised method, the rocket ship, and turtle rolling. The Push-Up Technique Increase your paddling speed toward the approaching whitewater or the lip of the wave. Speed is vital to help you build momentum and maximize the chances of the technique working. When the whitewater is about to hit you, use your arms to lift your torso up and off the board. This will ensure the whitewater passes between you and your surfboard, significantly reducing the resistance you feel from the wave. If you want to take the push-up technique further, you can also perform a hop motion to lift your feet into the air and off the board. The less water hits your body, the less resistance you’ll experience. This method is ideal for moderate-sized whitewater because if the whitewater is taller than you, it will lift you and push you backward. The Rocket Ship When you see the approaching whitewater, sit up and move to the back of your board, raising your board‘s nose into the air. This is important for gaining the necessary momentum for the next step. As the whitewater is about to hit you, reach your arms as high up your board as you can, and pull your weight toward your board’s nose. Watch your timing; if you don’t have enough weight at the nose of your board when the wave hits, you’ll flip backward. Shooting yourself forward with your weight will help you to propel yourself up, out of the water, and over the wave. The rocket ship is excellent for dealing with smaller waves or when the waves are too big for the push-up technique, but more powerful waves will lift you up and possibly turn you on your back, so be careful! Turtle Rolling Accelerate into the oncoming whitewater, keeping your board perpendicular to the wave (facing the wave). Use both hands and grab the rails of your surfboard. Shift your body off your board and into the water, turning your board upside down so that you are underneath it and holding it with both hands. When the whitewater hits you, jab it with your board to reduce resistance. Once the wave passes, climb back onto your board and continue paddling out. Turtle rolling is ideal if there’s a wave breaking right in front of or on top of you. Rip Currents: How To Use Them To Your Advantage If you’ve spent time in the ocean or have experience with surf lifesaving, you’ve probably heard about rip currents. While they do carry a negative connotation due to their safety risks, experienced surfers often use them to make it back to the lineup much quicker. A rip current results from water rushing back into the ocean after hitting the shoreline. When this process happens for long periods, small-scale erosion forms channels that allow the water to return to the sea. These channels are often deeper than the sand around them, which means that waves don’t break in the rip current itself. Here’s how to spot a rip current: Dark patches of water deep-colored water Fewer breaking waves Rippled surface surrounded by a smooth surface Anything floating beyond the waves (foamy, discolored sandwater) Rip currents are dangerous, so practice safety first, and if there’s a lifeguard on duty, swim where they can see you and between the allocated flags. Longboarding Vs. Shortboarding: Which Is Easier To Paddle? Longboards and shortboards are loads of fun and excitement in their own right, but when it comes to paddling, longboards are easier to paddle than shortboards. Let’s look at the facts: Length – longboards are longer than shortboards, which means they have more glide and momentum on the water. This makes them easier to paddle and catch waves with. Shortboards are shorter and require more effort and speed to paddle and catch waves with. Width – shortboards are narrower and require more skill and agility to paddle and maneuver. Longboards are wider than … Read more

Do Girls Really Like Surfers?

December 10, 2023May 18, 2023 by Luke

Do Girls Really Like Surfers? Plus Most Attractive And Least Attractive Traits of Surfers The 80s and 90s were filled with Baywatch fantasy surfers who attracted girls with a grin. Of course, this trope neglected to remember that there are girls and women surfers. Nonetheless, the fact remains that surfers do have a special allure and can be fun to date. Surfers have attractive traits, such as loving the outdoors and being fit. But it isn’t always a fun date at the beach. Plenty of girls like and date surfers. Many girls are surfers. People who enjoy the outdoors and being active find surfers attractive. However, surf culture isn’t for everyone. In addition, boy surfers that are dating or want to date girl surfers need to ensure they’re not “surf-splining” (eek). Dating a surfer is perfect if you enjoy personal space. But some people, such as girls, have romantic visions of dating surfers that involve long walks on the beach. Sure, there can be long walks on the beach while lugging a board to the secret spot. Or the non-surfer can walk on the beach alone. But surfers tend to be in the water. So, dating a surfer is either joining them or being happy doing you. What Are The Most Attractive Traits Of Surfers According To Girls? Girls are like fishes in the sea: there is a variety, and they all have different opinions. Thus, the most attractive trait in a surfer totally depends on the girl. But we’ve gathered up a few attritive traits of surfers. Surfers Are Attractive Because They Give You Space Surfer girl Ann told us she finds surfers attractive because “They give you space.” It’s true. Surfers may be on the water bobbing together, but each is on its own board and riding its own wave (usually). Plus, surfers are racing out to the beach at o’dark-early, mumbling something about the perfect waves, and won’t be seen for hours or days. Independent girls enjoy dating a surfer because it suits their lifestyle. They can still do the things they love without worrying about boys whining for attention. Surfers Love The Outdoors Lots of girls appreciate a guy that loves mother nature. Surf culture is about respecting the sea and those living in it. Besides, the sport is held in a much more beautiful and better-smelling setting than most sports. (Sorry, gym lovers, but the fragrance of BO and Axe will never beat the scent of the sea). Surfers Make Excellent Eye Candy Girls like to look just as much as the guys, and surfers have their bodies on fine display. Regardless if it is hanging out in your trunks or dressed up like a seal in your wetsuit, surfers are looking fine. As Jeannine put it, “The body of a surfer is usually of a top athlete, male or female. So, a surfer has tight everything. Who is not attracted to that?” However, we do know some of you have dad bods. But hey, you’re exercising and doing what you love, and that earns respect, appreciation, and, if you’re lucky, a date. Surfers Take Care Of Their Mental Health Gone are the days when girls are attracted to “macho men” that deny their feelings and use anger to respond to every life challenge. Also, modern girls have learned that trying to “fix” a man’s emotional baggage is impossible. Instead, women appreciate men who can talk about their feelings and have healthy outlets and management techniques for stressors, anxiety, depression, and improving self-esteem. Many surfers can, and it isn’t all because of surfing culture but the actual participation in the sport. Scientific studies have backed this up with evidence that surfing: Provides a healthy break from everyday stress Reduces the body’s stress hormone levels Activates the body’s mood-boosting neurotransmitters Helps manage depression Can boost confidence Girls are attracted to people who take care of themselves, both physically and mentally, and many surfers fit this bill. Of course, there are exceptions. Anyone who has surfed or has hung out with surfers knows that one person whose life is always on the cusp of wiping out. But you could argue they would be even worse off if they didn’t have surfing. What Are The Least Attractive Traits Of Surfers According To Girls? “Don’t steal my wave,” one surfer girl quipped on Reddit. She summed up the least attractive traits of surfers: sexism and ego. Sexism Isn’t Attractive Surfers have a reputation for being a little sexist, especially to girls who surf. There have been studies and article after article on the issue. So, if you’re a surfer struggling to get a date, maybe reassess some of your opinions about girls. Surfers Can Be Selfish Surfers are known to put the waves first and everything else second, that includes their partners and non-surfing friends. Their love of surfing comes before all else, and that can feel selfish. If that might be you, perhaps consider compromising. Just a thought. Surfers Give You Space Surfers give you space. Not all girls find this attractive. Some want their romantic relationships to be do-everything-together, and unless she’s willing to grab a board or you’re willing to stop surfing, this isn’t going to work. It is what it is. Surfers Can Have Big Egos Surfers can develop a bit of an ego. Sure, surfing helps manage mental health and improves self-confidence, but unless it comes with a slice of humility, that can become insufferable. Also, if she’s a surfer too, she might not want to hear you surf-splining her own sport to her. Seriously, back to that sexist comment. Just stop. Also, let her have her place in the lineup without you giving her hassle. How Important Is Surfing For Girls When It Comes To Dating A Surfer? “It’s not the fact that he’s a surfer that would make him attractive,” said Mana X, “but rather, the fact that he’s good at it.” She added, “Talent is attractive.” Perusing the chat boards … Read more

Common Surfing Injuries: What You Need to Know

December 9, 2023May 18, 2023 by Luke

If you enjoy adrenaline, speed, water, and risk, surfing may be the sport for you. But before you get in the water, it is always good to know about the possible injuries you may sustain, and understanding how to avoid them is equally important. Though one of the biggest fears for anyone catching waves may be shark-related, some injuries are much more common. Below, we discuss them in detail. The most common surfing injuries include dislocations, concussions, and head injuries, but may also include more specific injuries such as “surfer’s ear.” Though you may be unable to avoid them all, using the right equipment and practicing body awareness may help reduce the risk of serious injury. Whether you’re newer to the sport or a veteran surfer, knowing the injuries you may sustain and how to avoid them is valuable information to keep yourself safe and prepared in any situation. Let’s look in more expansive detail at the most common surfing injuries. We’ll also give you more detail on how to avoid these injuries and ensure you stay safe the next time you go chasing waves. Common Surfing Injuries Though there are more injuries that you may sustain while surfing, the list below is some of the most common ones. Surfer’s Ear Surfer’s ear, though common under surfers, isn’t a surfing-only injury but gets caused by prolonged exposure to cold water. Due to repeated exposure to water under 66°F, the ear’s bone develops growths that, while not initially harming the person, may cause other problems such as hearing loss, water getting trapped, and a build-up of thick or dry skin in the ear, along with recurring infections. Head Injuries And Concussions There are many possible ways that head injuries may occur while surfing, one of the most common being a surfboard hitting a surfer. With this in mind, some after-effects may include dizziness, confusion, and blurry vision. If a surfer sustains repeated head injuries, there may also be a chance of serious cognitive issues. Though concussions and other head-based trauma are common under surfers, there is also a chance that a concussion may result in loss of consciousness, with studies showing that up to 9% of participants have lost consciousness due to head trauma while surfing. Shoulder Dislocations As with many other sports, surfing also carries the possibility of dislocation, with shoulder dislocations being some of the most common. Shoulder dislocation may happen for many different reasons but putting your shoulder back into place as soon as possible is imperative since relocating after a dislocation can become more painful if you wait. You may be able to use one of these many techniques to fix your shoulder if you have the help of others; however, in severe cases when surgery is needed, it must get followed with immediate rehabilitation to ensure you can continue surfing. Ankle And Knee Sprains Another set of common surfing injuries are spraints, usually ankle or knee spraints, that may occur due to a wave hitting you too hard or slipping off your surfboard. Unfortunately, this is a common surfing injury since it is easy to have one foot slip off your surfboard while the other remains on the board; with the added pressure from a wave, it is easy for your foot or leg to go in the wrong direction. Cuts And Lacerations From Fins And Other Equipment Cuts and lacerations are the most common surfing injuries and can happen because of your or someone else’s surfboard or equipment or even because of rocks you can’t see or steer clear of. Though some of these may not be serious surfing injuries, it is always best to examine them to ensure you do not get an infection that may keep you out of the water for an extended time. Sunburn And Skin Damage Whether you were out for too long and sustained sunburn or have redness or rashes due to your wetsuit or chafing, these injuries can be very annoying, though they may not be the most severe. You can use several things to protect yourself from getting injured this way, but they are still some of the most common surfing injuries and can make your surfing experience less than optimal. Though most of the skin damage you may sustain as a surfer is minor, there are reports that surfers may be up to three times as likely to develop melanoma, a form of skin cancer. How To Prevent Surfing Injuries And Stay Safe In The Water Below we discuss some ways to avoid injuries and stay safe in the water. Wear Protective Gear, Including Helmets And Rash Guards Protective gear is essential while surfing, and it is best to remember that having fun in a way that will not lead to injury is much more important than looking good. If you want to enjoy surfing for a long time, using protective gear such as helmets to protect you against head injuries and rash guards to help prevent rashes is vital. Many people also recommend using full-length wet suits to help prevent sunburn and the possibility of developing melanoma. Practice Good Surfing Technique And Body Awareness Bad technique and not practicing good body awareness can cause many common surfing injuries discussed above. Whether you’re newer to the sport or have been surfing for years, good technique and body awareness are essential for keeping yourself and other surfers safe. If you use the correct surfing techniques, you lower the chance of sprains, dislocations, and head trauma due to collisions, and body awareness can also help you avoid cuts. Warm Up Properly Before Surfing Another great way to avoid sprains, tears, and dislocations is doing warm-up exercises before you get on your board. Some essential areas to warm up and get loose before you get into the water are your arms and shoulders, legs, glutes, ankles, and neck and back, if possible. You can find some great exercises here if you want to ensure your body is ready … Read more

Best Luxury Surf Resorts and Destinations

June 5, 2023May 15, 2023 by Luke

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

Surfing & Skating: How Skating Can Improve Your Surfing

December 6, 2023May 7, 2023 by Luke

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

Top 15 Best Surf Brands of all Time

May 5, 2023May 4, 2023 by Luke

collage of the best surf brands of all time

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

How to Pack a Surfboard for Travel

July 7, 2023May 4, 2023 by Luke

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

Pipeline Surfing Injuries | Dangerous Waves

May 3, 2023May 3, 2023 by Luke

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

Surfer’s Ear: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

December 7, 2023May 1, 2023 by Luke

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

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