Surfing: Ride Waves, Experience Thrills & Conquer New Height

Best Jet Skis for Tow-In Surfing and Rescue Sleds

March 18, 2024May 1, 2023 by Luke

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

Surf Training on Land: How to Train

December 11, 2023May 1, 2023 by Luke

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

Surfing Travel Insurance | Protecting Your Trip & Gear

December 11, 2023May 1, 2023 by Luke

The list of surf trip costs is endless, from flight tickets to accommodation, transport, food, travel gear, and a new board or two if we’re lucky, and that’s not to mention any coaching and extra activities. But one thing often overlooked, particularly on a budget surf trip, is surf travel insurance—an annoying additional cost but one that is just as essential as your plane ticket. We’re all guilty of it, right? “Ahhh, it’ll be fine; I won’t need insurance; that would be a waste if nothing goes wrong.” On surf trips, everything is, and hopefully will be, fine until it isn’t. Surf trips, by nature, are unpredictable, and there are countless opportunities for things to go awry. But when things go to sh*t, they go to sh*t very quickly, and paradisical dreams can turn into life-threatening nightmares in seconds. If you’ve got no cover to back yourself up in emergencies, then you not only put yourself in a dangerous (and potentially life-threatening) situation but under a mountain of debt you’ll be paying back for years to come. However, with a small pre-trip payment, you can prevent such situations and give yourself the peace of mind you won’t finish the trip with a $10,000 medical bill, injured or stranded. Surf travel insurance can also cover you for other surf trip mishaps, such as delayed flights and lost or stolen baggage. In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about surf travel insurance, from what to look for, the essential criteria, why you need it, and the best companies to buy policies from. We have a heap to get through, so let’s dive in. Why Do You Need Surf Travel Insurance? If you’ve been on a surf trip, you won’t need me to tell you how many things can and inevitably will go wrong. From severe injuries and emergency evacuations to stolen boards and delayed flights, surf travel insurance helps you in countless ways: Serious Injury Death Minor surf accidents Traffic collisions (Bali mopeds) Delayed flights Broken surf equipment Lost or stolen baggage Natural disaster But while the list of potential surf travel mishaps is long, not all surf travel insurance companies cover these things. Instead, you’ll have to look at specific policies to see what is and isn’t covered on your respective policy. Always check your policy wording carefully, and no matter what insurance you get, here are the essential criteria for any surf travel insurance policy. Essential Surf Travel Insurance Criteria Medical Expenses This is the big one. Medical expense coverage is crucial for any surf trip. Whether going on a mellow longboarding vacation to Sri Lanka or chasing slabs deep in the Australian desert, medical expenses cover your medical bill should you get injured. For example, if you’ve fallen off and hit the reef at Ulutwau, gotten cut up, and potentially broken a bone, you need to go to the hospital to get checked out and have a cast put on. That doesn’t come free for foreigners in Indonesia. With medical expenses covered by your policy, you can get the care you need without worrying about paying for it immediately. To hammer the importance of this home, I was once on a surf trip to Lakey Peak, Sumabwa, a relatively remote Indonesian surf paradise. One day we were eating lunch, and a surfer was being paddled in from the surf, having badly broken his leg and needing urgent medical attention and pain relief. His friends informed us, and everyone else at the camp, he was an American with no travel insurance! They did a whip round to get as much money together as possible, which I’m sure didn’t completely cover the cost of his hospital transfer and treatment. This is exactly the situation you want to avoid, and for the sake of a few extra dollars, it’s stupid not to get insurance. Medical Evacuation For serious injuries and life-threatening situations, medical evacuation insurance is needed. Hopefully, you’ll never need this, but when you do, you’ll be super thankful you had it! Let’s say you’re on a surf trip to the Mentawaiis (if you’ve been there, you’ll know how frickin remote it is). You get a head or spinal injury from hitting the shallow reef and need urgent care. The closest hospital is Padang–usually a 4-hour boat trip, but you need a helicopter to airlift you to the hospital in Padang. Padang isn’t the biggest city, and if the hospital there isn’t equipped to deal with your injury, you’ll need to be transferred to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur! Yep, that’s a lot of flying, and costs soon rack up. Medical evacuation covers these costs essential. Personal Liability Another vital aspect of your surf travel insurance coverage is personal liability. In short, this means an injury you cause to someone else. It doesn’t matter how good a surfer you are in crowded line-ups; it only takes a misread of an oncoming section to run over someone. Personal liability coverage helps cover their medical expenses if you injure or seriously hurt them. This is essential for helping them get the care they need (regardless of their insurance) and gives you the peace of mind of not having to pay for their medical expenses. What Does Surf Insurance Typically Cover? What’s covered in your insurance policy will depend on who you purchase cover with, and not all policies will cover the same thing. For example, you’ll want to cover bases such as medical expenses, evacuation, and personal liability, but often things such as baggage delays, damage to equipment, trip cancellations, etc., are things you buy as extras on top of your policy. Well worth considering. Types of Surf Travel Insurance For surf travel insurance, there isn’t a specific company that operates as a sole surf travel insurance provider. Therefore, you must look for extreme sport and adventure travel companies that offer surfing insurance. These companies provide travel insurance for backpackers traveling long term (6 months +), extreme sports … Read more

10 Highest Paid Surfers | How Surfers Get Paid

August 1, 2023April 27, 2023 by Luke

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

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

December 11, 2023April 25, 2023 by Luke

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

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

How Many Times Per Week Should You Surf?

November 30, 2023April 21, 2023 by Luke

It sounds dreamy, right? Surfing all day, every day, tropical paradise, not a care in the world! An endless surf trip. However, such a lifestyle is much more difficult and less fun than it may seem. Surprisingly, there is such a thing as too much surfing. For most of us, surfing is a fun pastime, and it should be exactly that. Still, when surfing starts negatively affecting other areas of your life, such as your career, family, and relationships, you must ask yourself some serious questions. In contrast, feeling like you don’t surf enough and stagnating can also take the fun out of surfing. If you can only surf a handful of times in a month and take one surf trip a year, being able to surf how you want to surf is tricky and frustrating. But whether you wish to improve or just enjoy surfing, there must be a perfect balance. A balance between surfing enough to satisfy your appetite and still having time to thrive in your personal and professional life. This article explores this balance. We dive into all the aspects involved with achieving a healthy relationship with surfing and establishing a surf frequency to suit you. There is no one answer to finding the ideal amount of surfing; it’s all down to you. The Benefits & Risks of Surfing Daily It’s tricky weighing up the benefits and risks of surfing every day. And while surfing all day every day sounds amazing, it takes a massive toll on your body! (Let’s face it, we’re not all John Florence and can’t all surf for ten hours daily). However, surfing as much as possible has both positives and negatives. Benefits Progress The best way to get better at surfing is to surf as much as possible. You can do all the out-of-water training in the world, eat healthily, and watch every surf movie ever made, but unless you’re in the water surfing, there is nothing you can do to 100% replicate surfing. Therefore, progression will be limited. You only have to look at the best surfer you know and see how much time they spend in the water. Chances are the best surfers you know are out there at any chance they get! The more waves you surf, the more you expose yourself to different conditions, familiarise yourself with equipment and gather more surfing/ocean reference points. Everything you notice, whether it be how a wave breaks to where to push through a turn, are all references that build up the more your surf. You’ll develop stronger muscle memory when performing maneuvers through sheer repetition, and the more you surf, the more opportunity you’ll have to practice such maneuvers. Enjoyment Let’s face it, we surfers are a greedy bunch, and the more waves we can catch, the happier we are. We’re all guilty of it, taking waves off inferior surfers, getting “one more” wave, and staying out for another 2 hours; it’s part of our nature! While this may seem selfish, the more water time and barrel vision you can clock up significantly affect surfing enjoyment; just imagine it, two weeks straight of getting barreled every day–euphoria. Risks Injury If you’re not super fit, surfing every day all of a sudden can easily lead to overexertion and injury. You can’t go from sitting at a desk for 8 hours per day to surfing all day and expect your body to say, yep, that’s ok; I feel great! Just think back to your last surf trip; you’ll know first-hand how sore and tired you feel after that first day. Surfing with sore and tight muscles only takes a tweak in an awkward position to blow out a knee or twist an ankle. Being Surfed Out If you’ve ever been on a surf trip for ten days or more, you know how hard it is to surf all day for that long. It doesn’t matter how good the waves are or even how much your surf; surfing for more than 5 hours a day is hard, let alone for consecutive days! Even the world’s best need rest days. Surfing too much can also majorly affect your surf motivation, leading to passing up sessions you would have previously been frothing for. So while this is one of the better surf frequency issues, you can surf too much. And surfing as much as possible (as a long-term goal) isn’t necessarily ideal either. For example, if you got paid to surf, whether creating content (like me) or surfing professionally, going surfing can feel like a full-time job, which is a strange feeling because it’s the best job in the world, right? But if you add finances and pressure to anything, it can feel more of a chore than a fun past time. So how do you do it? How do you strike that perfect balance between surf, rest, family, and your professional life? How do you combine these aspects to achieve a healthy life and a good relationship with surfing? Let’s find out! Surfing for Optimal Progression Whether you’re surfing for enjoyment or progression, there are a few considerations that will affect how much you progress in surfing. Water time, conditions, equipment, and enjoyment are the main ingredients for facilitating surf progression. Water Time I know I said above that getting surfed out can be detrimental to your surfing, but the fact remains the more time yous end surfing, the better you get. However, randomly surfing and repeating the same mistakes and bad habits will stagnate your surfing, resulting in the opposite effect. Instead, you want to combine lots of water time with focused sessions, where you consciously go out and work on specific maneuvers. Add in some video analysis coaching, and you have fast-tracked surf progression. Fitness Knowing your fitness level is massive in finding your optimum amount of surfing. And if you want to improve, it’s in your interest to get fit in and out of the water. If you can’t make … Read more

Kelly Slater (Surfing GOAT): Surfing Redefined

April 19, 2023 by Luke

kelly-slater-pro-surfer-how-much-do-pro-surfers make

Kelly Slater is synonymous with surfing and is one of the most successful athletes to walk the planet. The greatest surfer of all time. The GOAT. Kelly’s surfing has transcended generations, changing how surfers approach waves and redefining radical surfing. A combination of old-school flow and new-school flare led to a style of surfing that won the Floridian 11 x world titles and imprinted him in the memory of surfing forever. Kelly’s influence on surfing is clear, and his prowess in competitive surfing is what he’s so famous for. But in this article, we take a deeper dive into the life of Kelly Slater. We’ll discover how his early career played out, how he got so damn good at surfing in wave-starved Florida, and how this competitive dominance in waves of consequence. We will also look closer at his personal life, what the 51-year-old life looks like outside of surfing, and what the future holds. It’s a long and inspiring story, so grab a cuppa, and we’ll dive in! The Rise of a Young Surfer: Kelly Robert Slater was born in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on February 11, 1992. While Florida has produced some notable professional surfers over the years, the region is not typically associated with world-class waves. In fact, it’s flat most of the year. This makes Kelly’s rise to surfing success all the more astonishing. A young slater, the son of a fishing shop owner, came from a troublesome home and spent much of his childhood outdoors and at the beach. He has two brothers and began surfing at the age of 5. Kelly was competing by age ten and beating kids much older than him in contests up and down the US East Coast. Kelly started competing in 1984 and turned pro in 1990. However, his first two years on the WSL World Championship Tour (then ASP) weren’t plain sailing. He struggled for results, and it took time to adjust to life on tour and surfing well enough to beat his competitors, many of which were his idols. But by 1992, Kelly was winning—a lot. In the first five events of the 1993 tour year, he finished 3rd place or higher in three of the events before winning his first Championship Tour event at the Rip Curl Pro France later in the year. The event was held in windy Hossegor and beat tour veteran and fierce competitor Martin Potter to claim his maiden win. He later won the Pipeline Masters and his first world title, aged only 20. Kelly is still the youngest-ever surfer to win the world title. And, the eldest, winning his last at age 39. After a 6th place “blip” finish in 1994, Hawaiian legend Michael Ho won that year. Kelly went on to win five consecutive world titles in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. Yes, five! A feat is unmatched by anyone and a record unlikely to be broken. After 2002 and his fourth win, Kelly took a break from professional surfing. How Did Kelly Get So Good? Before we come back to Kelly’s competitive career and his return to professional surfing, how did Kelly get so good at surfing? For lack of a better description, the waves in Florida are terrible all the time, so how did young Slater improve, particularly in waves of consequence? Kelly would have to travel the world to surf better waves, bigger waves, and in line-ups where competition would be fierce. Line ups like on the North Shore of Oahu. It would be here that Kelly would go on to learn how to surf big waves and gain confidence as the World Tour became the dream tour, where waves of power and quality were added to the schedule, waves like Teahupo, Cloudbreak, and G-land. Hawaii Now, Kelly is renowned for surfing well in barreling waves, one of, if not the best. But it wasn’t always this way. In Kelly’s autobiography, Pipe Dreams, he states that everything changed for him one North Shore Season. One day, a huge NW swell hit Oahu, and a young Kelly headed to the island’s West side. He pulled up at a spot called Makaha, one of the original big wave spots and a legendary break in Hawaii. Here, he met with Brandon Davis, who was waxing up a big wave gun and took Kelly under his wing for the session. They paddled out together for a wicked session at 30-40ft Makaha. It was the tips Davis gave Kelly during this session that Kelly used for confidence in big surf, and Kelly still references the session today. Kelly has put more time in than anyone on the North Shore, a place where traditionally, non-Hawaiians fare poorly in competition. Kelly is now regarded as one of the best Pipe competitors ever. Heat Strategy Kelly became obsessed with surfing heats and gained a notorious reputation for using mind games in contests. He took things very seriously. While much of the World Tour contingent were partying their way around tour locations, Kelly took detailed notes on his competitors, their heat strategy, waves scores, and what he had to do to ride waves more critically. He was also part of the group of young tour rookies sticking it to the old school with a new way of surfing–the Momentum generation, Channel Islands Surfboards Another considerable aspect of Kelly’s surfing success was his decades-long relationship with surfboard shaper Al Merrick. Getting boards dialed in takes a long time. The two worked meticulously to create boards that allowed Kelly to surf more critically, perform tighter arcs and ride more in the pocket. Surfing that would fetch Kelly bigger scores. Health & Diet Kelly’s out-of-water training regime is shrouded in mystery, and no one knows what he does to stay fit out of the water. However, it’s well known he takes his health, diet, and body extremely seriously. After all, the guy’s still competing at age 51! Magic pills, perhaps? Kelly Slater’s Career (Career, Achievements & Awards) After a … Read more

Cheapest Surf Destinations: Budget-friendly Surf Towns & Destinations

July 2, 2023April 7, 2023 by Luke

Despite what many think, surf travel doesn’t have to break the bank if you go to the cheapest surf destination. In fact, many of the world’s best waves are located in some of the world’s cheapest travel destinations. This is just as well because surf travel costs add up if you’re not budget savvy. From your accommodation, plane ticket, surf coaching, food, transport, surf equipment, and non-surfing excursions, not to mention any annoying added costs like the dreaded airline surfboard baggage fees! However, don’t let all these costs make you think you better give your next trip a miss. But don’t stress; I’m not going to tell you the only way to score waves on a shoestring is to sleep on the beach, live off Mie Goreng noodles and take 12-hour night buses. While this will all help you afford your next trip (trust me, I’ve done my fair share of them), there’s a much better way to afford your next surf trip. By choosing your destination strategically and utilizing some budget surf travel best practices, you can travel and score waves in the world’s cheapest surf trip destinations for just a few hundred bucks! In this post, we dive into the world’s cheapest surf towns, from where to go, where to stay, the waves you’ll be surfing, and the typical costs involved. A lot goes into making cheap surf trips happen, so let’s get down to it. The Most Affordable Surf Towns in The World As a budget surf traveler, you must avoid expensive surf destinations such as Taihiti, the Mentawais, and the Maldives. While these are all dreamy surf trips, they’ll cost you an arm and a leg. However, there are several affordable surf destinations across the globe where you can core world-class waves without getting into debt. Here are the very best and cheapest surf destinations. Taghazout, Morocco Just a short flight from Europe, you can tap into a whole new world: a unique culture and a coastline with several world-class points. If you’re a fan of endless right points, warm sunny skies, great food, friendly locals, and low living costs, Morocco is for you. In the small town of Tagazhout, you can stay for $15-20usd and eat for $5 per meal. Pretty cool, right? In town, there are countless restaurants, hostels, and Airbnbs where you can walk to a couple of waves in town or hitchhike further up the coast. Taghazout is famous for the incredible Anchor Point, a super long right point with lucious walls and sessions for turns and tubes. Taghazout is one of the best places to score epic waves on a shoestring, especially if you’re coming from Europe! Popoyo, Nicaragua Popoyo is a budget surf travelers’ paradise—a wave-rich stretch of coast in southern Nicaragua and a spot attracting surfers for decades. Here, the wind blows offshore 300+ days per year, and the spot variety is insane. From beginner-friendly bays, super fun A-frame reef breaks, and thumping hollow beachies–Popoyo has it all! Oh, and you’ll be able to stay a stone’s throw from some of the best breaks for less than $20 per night. When it comes to affordable surf towns, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better option than Popoyo, particularly if you’re coming from North America. Puerto Escondido, Mexico Known for its thumping beach break of Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido is famous in the surfing world for hosting one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world, and even on small days, the beachie here packs a punch! Seriously, I surfed it last year and have never been so scared in 3-foot waves! What many people don’t know, however, is that Puerto is an affordable surf town with vibrant nightlife and an epic backpacker scene. So if you’re looking for great waves and a party vibe, Puerto is excellent when your bank balance is less than favorable. In town (Centro), there are several hostel accommodations with dorm rooms for less than $15 per night. Not bad for putting yourself in the heart of one of the world’s best surf towns. You can grab a plate of Tacos for less than $5, and beers are only $1-2 a bottle. Not bad, huh? Whether looking for the barrel of your life or learning surfing for the first time, you can do it in Puerto. Cheapest Surf Destinations in Europe Europe, while not synonymous with budgets urf travel, there are a few areas where you can score world-class waves on a shoestring with some planning and budget surf travel skills. Peniche, Portugal Arguably the capital of European surfing, Peniche is known for the barreling beach break of Supertubos. Supertubos is a fantastic wave and hosts the WSL CT every March. However, there are countless other waves in the vicinity, perfect for beginners and intermediates. Baleal is a long crescent-shaped bay with peaks the length of it. Baleal boasts surf schools, cafes, and a large car park to hang out and watch the waves between surfs. The perfect spot to chill, sip coffee and eat pastels. In town, check out Selina Hostel for a cheap but wicked palace to stay. You can find shared rooms for less than $20 per night, and you can make home-cooked meals for less than $5. Biarritz, France Biarttiz is a wicked surf town located in France’s South West. And while France is generally more expensive than most surf towns on our list, if you stay in a hostel and eat at the local bakeries (boulangeries), you can stay and surf excellent waves for less than $20 per day. The town is wicked, offering culture, mellow waves, and a relaxed vibe. If you’re after an epic place to soak up some European culture, surf easy waves, and drink fine wine–head to Biarritz, and you won’t be disappointed! Fuerteventura, Canary Islands While technically part of Europe, The Canary Islands sit just off the coast of Africa and are perfectly positioned to receive the large and frequent North Atlantic winter swells. … Read more

Top 4 Best Carbon Fiber Surfboards

April 26, 2023April 3, 2023 by Luke

Today’s surfers have many options to choose from when it comes to adding to their excitement. There are so many types of surfboard materials and construction methods out there, complete with all kinds of accessories and devices for virtually every purpose. In recent times, carbon fiber surfboards have risen in popularity as surfers look for boosts in performance. Also, carbon fiber, as a material, offers a lot of potential in delivering that. It retains all the best things about carbon, such as its resistance to high temperatures, abrasion, and corrosion. But it is softer and can be maneuvered into various shapes and sizes. Top 4 Best Carbon Fiber Surfboards in Review Big surfing companies are pumping more on innovations to make the surfing industry more popular, especially the mass production of surfboards. Carbon fiber surfboards are currently on the trend because of their many features, including durability, high quality, and usability. Additionally, carbon fiber is more lightweight, offers better balance, and has high strength. So, if you’re thinking of getting a board made out of this fantastic material, you will surely make the most out of surfing. To get you started, here are four of the best of them. Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto V FutureFlex Aviso DVS 5’10 Rocket Fish Surfboard Guy Takayama KOA GT20 9′ Surfboard Guy Takayama Makani Paddleboard 1. Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto V FutureFlex – Best Overall Carbon Fiber Surfboard Specifications: Height: 6’2″/188 cm Width: 75″/ 53 cm Thickness: 2.75″/7 cm Volume: 38.39 L One of the most popular carbon fiber surfboards today, the Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto V FutureFlex board, features a stringer-less parabolic carbon fiber frame construction made out of high-density EPS foam, as well as custom materials. The result is a high-performance board that delivers ultimate speed and drive. Its carbon fiber frame is built for maximum speed and drive, while still allowing for flex. This board won’t twist as much, so you can control it just the way you like it, and just as fast, too! The Hypto Krypto boasts of striking the perfect balance between traditional and modern performance, with its old-school twin-fin nose alongside its rounded pintail. It makes the board extremely fast, but also easy to control for tight pocket turns. Another feature of the board is its versatility for every user. Every day, surfers and even elite surfers will surely enjoy the board because of its versatility for all types of surf conditions – from small beach waves to as high as 8 ft. 2. Aviso DVS 5’10 Rocket Fish – Best Value for Your Money Specifications: Length: 5’10”/180 cm Tail Width: 16″/40 cm Center Width: 19.75″/50 cm Nose Width: 13.9″/35 cm Thickness: 2.25″/6 cm Designed by renowned surfing legend Dick Van Straalen, the Aviso DVS 5’10 Rocket Fish is patterned after the traditional twin-fin fish. It means that the board is built to rip through various beach break conditions and waves but with the added benefit of being more versatile. Its narrower outline, combined with its rocker and concave and different fin template, enables it for optimal performance for the top to bottom surfs. This particular model is hailed by many surfers faster than other boards and with far less resistance. One surfer compared it to the race car to the traditional twin-fin sports car. The carbon fiber composite also offers a lot of feedback and flex, but these are directional and maneuverable. 3. Guy Takayama KOA GT20 9 ft – Best Carbon Fiber Surfboard for Beginners Specifications: Length: 9’0″/ 274 cm Width: 21.75″/ 55 cm Thickness: 2.625″/ 7 cm Nose: 17.5″/ 44 cm Tail: 14.375″/ 37 cm The Guy Takayama KOA GT20 9′ features the brand’s high-performance design principles, and in fact, this longboard is a Surf Team Competition Model. Lightweight, durable, and maneuverable, it is perfect for beginner to seasoned surfers who want to rip on an exceptionally responsive board. The model features fiberglass covers both top and bottom, equating to 12 ounces in total. With the fiberglass material, there is added strength and durability to every surfing experience. There is also an added resistance to every dent. This model has been tested on Oahu, and it is excellent for handling even bigger waves. Its speed does not get compromised, and the inclusion of carbon fiber to form part of its deck and bottom adds to its durability. 4. Guy Takayama Makani – Best Carbon Fiber Paddle Board Specifications: Length: 9’/ 274 cm; 9’6″/ 297 cm Width: 30.375″/ 77 cm; 31″/ 79 cm Thickness: 4″/ 10 cm; 4.25″/ 11 cm Volume: 118 L; 135 L Another carbon fiber surfboard from Guy Takayama, the Makani (or Wind) model, is a standup paddleboard that is perfect for those who want to combine the best of both surfing and paddleboarding. With its 5-fin setup, surfers who intend to ride two-foot faces and up are in for a great experience. Its well-designed internal management components also make for excellent responsiveness and flexibility, while its carbon fiber deck makes it very strong and durable. Our Top Pick – Best Carbon Fiber Surfboard We have listed some fantastic carbon fiber surfboards in this article, but our best bet goes to the Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto V FutureFlex – for a lot of good reasons. First off, its 5-fin setup allows you to surf it as a quad or a thruster, so more experienced surfers will get a full range of experience with this one. It is also the reason it is well-loved by a lot of people, and it’s easy to find reviews of this brand that has many positive criticisms. With it, you will get great value for your money. Speaking of money, the Hypto Krypto V is not as expensive as the other carbon fiber surfboards in this article or on the market. So if you don’t have that much cash to burn, this one is a cost-effective purchase. Finally, it is designed for all types of breaks and swells. So wherever you’re going to be surfing, you can carry this one-stop board … Read more

Lost Surfboards Review | Epic Boards or Rip Off?

March 1, 2024April 3, 2023 by Luke

People can’t get enough of surfing these days. As beginners start to surf or pros continue to enhance their skills, Mayhem makes sure every surfer gets the best out of the surfboards they use. Mayhem is famous for offering a variety of exceptional surfboards for any level. Most of the surfboard-types it offers are fish, shortboard, hybrid, and gun. If you’re wondering why surfers love everything that Mayhem has to offer, some of the best features are performance and style. Sturdiness is also one thing you can assure from this brand. You’ll end up undecided on what Lost surfboards to buy because there are numerous options. Professional surfers prefer these because they can choose any surfboard, depending on the performance they need for the competition or training. Are you a newbie in the sport? It’s time to explore the wonders of Mayhem and its Lost surfboards. Top 10 Lost Surfboards Review by Mayhem Mayhem has over 10 surfboards that you’ll undoubtedly consider, especially if you want a reliable one. Here’s a Lost surfboards review for some of its exceptional entries in the market. #1. Lost Sword-Fish Surfboard Mayhem is famous for establishing a line of outstanding fish surfboards, and the Sword-Fish surfboard is one to consider. This surfboard comes with a full prevailing tail, making it very aggressive as you ride it along waves. The long, pointy nose adds an impact on its overall speed. Kolohe Andino requested this surfboard’s design, inspired by the RNF-Retro surfboard. He knows that it can get better, which is why they added an upgrade to it. You’ll find the new gradual nose rocker interesting, which measures 3 inches long. Designers retained the double side-cut, despite making the whole board narrower. The “Pelagic” structure makes it very appealing. The design may have a minimalist look, yet you can count on it as you surf on waist-high waves. If you need a speedy one for your practicing or competing, the Lost Sword-fish surfboard will not be a disappointment. The sturdiness of this board is also a plus-factor why customers love it. #2. Lost Sub Driver Surfboard Are you looking for an exceptional surfboard to keep up with your surfing skills? The Lost Sub Driver surfboard has every feature you need to game up your performance. Also, the technology of Carbon Wrap suits well with this board. Consistency is the key advantage of this competition board. It acts as a special weapon because of its optimum performance. Mayhem made this surfboard for Andino, where he won five World Qualifying Series or WQS. Aside from him, Mick Fanning gave it a try, which made him win several times in 2013. Unlike other boards with typical sized-nose, the Lost Sub Driver is a little fuller. The hip is strikingly fuller as well. Furthermore, it comes with a tail block behind the back fin, which has a curved vee. If your concern is stability, the full nose for landing airs is exceptional. When it comes to great turns, the bump on the fins angles well to the squash tail of this board. Most surfers admire if because it pushes back, especially in small waves. #3. Lost RNF Retro Surfboards Who says retro is out? Mayhem introduced a product that retro lovers will enjoy using, such as the Lost RNF Retro surfboard. It’s one of the best fish-type surfboards because it features the technology of C4 Surfboard Technologies. This surfboard comes with a double side-cut structure as its noticeable feature, along with side-cut grips. The color of the bottom part of the board follows a vintage color while the other side is white. Furthermore, it has a broad spit tail. If you’re not aware of what RNF means, it’s “Round Nose Fish.” This surfboard is one of the best options for surfers because the deck is thinner. It provides further convenience as you use it. Furthermore, you can anticipate sharper turns, as well. Aside from comfort, you can go faster as you surf without compromising the board’s glide. With the split keels’ set up, most surfers find the board’s agility very handy, especially during competitions. Furthermore, the side-cut grips will let you ride this board smoothly despite direction changes. #4. Lost Cobra Killer Surfboard Finding the firmest surfboard can be tricky, especially if there are numerous options available. Mayhem makes it easier to decide which board-type to choose. One of its best entries is the Lost Cobra Killer surfboard. The leading edge of this surfboard is that it doesn’t need a trailer fin to perform well. The pulled in-pin on the concave behind the fins is enough to satisfy pro surfers. It has exceptional responsiveness, providing convenience on every sharp turn. The design of the Lost Cobra Killer surfboard is an upgrade from a Twin-fin style. Customers love its color. Moreover, they admire the double concave bottom, which promotes a lot of drive. You also don’t have to worry about your feet’s stability because it’s reliable. If you’re looking for another distinct feature, this surfboard flexes its 0.50-inch gap between the wooden stringers lessens undesirable turning or twisting as you ride it. Moreover, a lot of customers love the tail and fin patches. #5. Lost Party Crasher Surfboard Can’t find the best hybrid surfboard? Mayhem makes sure to include one in its list for your consideration, like the Lost Part Crasher surfboard. Surfers compare it to the Lost Smooth Operator and Crowd Killer surfboards, yet it has something more to offer. This board features a shortened rail line, reducing 6 inches from the tail-size of the Crowd Killer. This feature is ideal for far-reaching and quicker turns. Gliding is also smoother with its reduced nose rocker. The Lost Part Crasher surfboard’s tail rocker is very suitable for short beach breaks and tight pockets. Surfers will not find it too hassle to turn. It’s the main reason why they find this board controllable. This board comes with a concave structure, along with a low rail volume. Its outline lifts … Read more

Feed Your Stoke. Join the Surf Hungry Crew