Essential Surfing Gear

When you first walk into any surf shop you may be overwhelmed by the mass of surfing gear and flashy advertisements around you, but don't fret. A lot of the things on the shelf are just that, things on the shelf.

Surfing is a great sport in that at its most basic level all you'll ever really need is a surfboard. And while there are a few things that will definitely prove useful at some point in your surfing like a leash or wax, it's up to you how much extra you get.

If your new to the sport I would suggest going as basic and simple as possible at first. It will save your wallet and also give you some experience and insight into what other things you may desire later for your surfing.

Any beginner should be able to get by with a good surfboard, leash, wax, and maybe a wetsuit depending on location. While flashy stomp pads seem to be the thing, wait until you know what they are used for before throwing down the extra money.

Once you've been surfing a while you'll have a better idea of the following items that you might like to have. I'll give a little insight into each but realize that while they all have their function and seem worth getting, you can quickly blow your bill up and leave with a car full of things you might use once or twice.

Surfboard racks are going to be the most common way people transport their boards to and from the beach. They come in all different sizes, capacities, and price ranges. Worth having if you really get into the sport, but wouldn't recommend splurging for one to early.

There are also all different types of board bags to protect and transport your surfboard. The big three are going to be socks, daybags, and travel bags. While good for valuable boards and traveling, not necessary for beginner boards or any epoxy boards.

Some random goodies you'll probably get upsold are surfboard fins, surf combs, nose guards, and stomp pads. Avoid your consumer impulses.

Surf combs are nice but you can get your wax off just as easily with any old credit card or thick cardstock. Nose guards can be nice for your shortboards, but if you NEED one, you probably shouldn't be on a shortboard anyways. And you'll know if you need a stomp pad when you're at that level.

As far as staying comfortable in the water the options are endless. Bikinis, board shorts, rash guards, wetsuits, spring suits, booties, hoodies, and webbed gloves.

Your needs here will really depend on your location and body type. For tropical and warmer regions you can easily get by with bikinis and boardshorts.

Rash guards are nice if you burn or chafe easily, but can be cold in the wind.

For cooler temperatures you'll start getting into the spring suit and wetsuit range.

There are other things people may consider surfing gear like waterproof mp3 players, tide watches, and flip flops. But as these are all completely unnecessary for surfing in my opinion, so I'll leave them for others to review for you.

Return from Surfing Gear to Homepage