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Archive for the ‘Surfing’ Category

Surfing is one of the few surface water sports that require you to have the right equipment and surfing gears if you want to perform well. Buying beach shorts and any surfboard that looks cool is not the right way to start your surfing career. Learning to surf is just half the battle, bringing with you the right equipment makes for a successful and enjoyable surfing experience.

1. Boards

Keep in mind that surf boards come in different shapes, sizes, and of course, additional specifications that improve your surfing experience. There are heavy boards and lightweight boards; some have no fins while others have two or more. There are also boards with a leash you can tie to your ankle so you won’t have to worry about parting with it when you get wiped out by a huge wave. Selection of a board for surfing should be decided on your personal preference and not just for looks alone. Beginners might want to start with lightweight boards to give you better control and maneuverability. Some boards are made for speed while others are designed for competitions and overall performance. If you’re new at this then you might want to ask an expert help you pick the right one.

2. Wet Suit

If you’re planning to surf in a warm tropical climate then beach shorts or swimsuits should be your preferred choice. However, if the weather going to be cold in your surfspot and waters are freezing then it is best to keep your warmth by wearing a wet suit. Like surfboards, wet suits vary in design as well. Some cover your entire body except for the head while others look like a combination of tight-fitting shorts and sleeveless shirts. Pick one that is most comfortable and offering maximum protection from the cold if you’re attempting to surf when the weather turns foul.

3. Safety Gears

A novice surfer should never attempt the waves if you don’t have your safety surfing gears with you. If you’re going to be surfing on the ocean or where tides can bring you out to sea in a matter of minutes then you need to bring a floatation device or wear a floatation vest to keep your head out of the water in case you are wiped out from your board. Some expert s advice you to bring a GPS device so you can keep track of your location just in case you stray too far from the beach. Other safety gears include a pair of goggles and a first-aid kit.

4. Surfboard Maintenance

A responsible surfer never leaves their boards unattended both before and after use. It is necessary to have your board repair or cleaning kit with you when you’re going out to surf. Cleaning kit includes a wax and a cloth to keep your boards clean and waterproof so they’ll last longer and improve your performance on it.

There might be more surfing gears out there that is not among the list above. Ask an expert to give you a few tips on how to select the right equipment to improve your surfing experience, keep you safe from harm, and of course, avoid spending too much than what your budget can handle.

It’s really rare to see surfers get injured. But, you need to remember that although surfing is relatively a safe sport to do, there are dangers that you should be aware of. You still need to be careful whenever you hit the water as surfing has its inherent dangers.

In surfing, drowning is by far the most obvious risk there is. And, there are quite a number of ways where you can unintentionally raise the odds of drowning whenever you go surfing.

The first is by not being prepared to surf. You need to remember that you will be dealing with strong waves and if you get wiped out, you will need to swim. Also, being able to swim is not enough as surfing will put you in a place where the waves are very strong, which means that you need to be physically fit in order for you to get yourself out of harms way.

You have to remember that it is common for surfers to fall off their boards. In fact, even the most advanced surfers still fall off their boards.

Training is the key in order to prevent the risk of drowning or at least minimize the risks. When you fall off the board or you get wiped out, the first thing that you need to do is locate your board. You have to keep in mind that your board is positively buoyant which means that you will be able to use your board as a floatation device when you experience a wipe out. If you lose your board or if it drifts to the shore, you will need to swim back. This will require you to have a strong stamina as you will be dealing with strong currents.

So, before you surf, it is important that you should get fit first and also learn how to swim. By being a strong swimmer, you will be able to pull yourself out of dangerous situations in case you are wiped out whenever you go out to surf.

Another common error is by not being alert. Although surfing looks like a simple sport, you need to remember that there are quite a number of things that you need to be aware of whenever you go surfing. For example, the winds near the shore can shift rapidly which can throw you off balance and push you off your board. Riptides and current eddies are also things that you should be aware of as it will prevent you from swimming ashore easily.

You should also always follow the unwritten rule in surfing, which is never to surf alone. Your surf buddy is your backup and you are also his or hers. If you do get in to trouble, your surf buddy will be able to assist you. For example, if you unexpectedly experience getting cramps while swimming ashore, your surf buddy will be able to help you get out of the water safely. You should also do the same for them.

You also need to be aware of underwater rocks, unseen underwater formations, and coral reefs which can potentially damage your board as well as your body. Marine life can also be a problem, such as jellyfish, and sharks. Watch out for the presence of all these things and you will be able to know whether it is safe to surf or not.

Surfing is a fun sport. However, you need to remember that surfing has its inherent dangers. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will be able to surf safely and also have a lot of fun in the process. Also, you might want to check the waves if it is suitable for your skill level. You wouldn’t want to surf a wave that you can’t handle, would you? Surfing a wave that is too dangerous for your skill level can have disastrous consequences.

If you’re a surfing fan then it is only normal for you to crave for better surfspots than having to spend all of your life skimming the waves on the beach in your area. At some point, surfers tend to crave for more challenging venues that offer more to their surfing experience. If you want to be an expert in the sport then you need to try your skills in different surfing conditions of other surfing destinations in different parts of the world. Here are some of them you should know about.

1. Australia

Australia is said to be the surfer’s paradise — a place where waves reaches towering heights and never ran out for any surfer to try their skills on. The best areas for surfing in Australia are those in the eastern edge of the continent, specifically in Queensland and New South Wales. The weather conditions of the Pacific Ocean offer more waves that any surfer can glut on. Also, Australia is also considered as the surfing capital of the world so you can have as much fun surfing as partying with the rest of the surfer out in the sandy beaches after a day of skimming through the waves.

2. California

If you’re looking for waves that reach up to 50 feet in height then you need to visit California as your next surfing destination to try out. Half Moon Bay is well known for its great surfing conditions — both wind and currents product towering heights at an average of 30 feet and can reach as high as 50 feet if you’re lucky.

3. Mexico

Another surfspot you might want to try out is the one in Mexico, specifically in Kandahar. The assorted surf breaks make for excellent surfing conditions that can challenge even those who are considered experts in the sport. The North Pacific Ocean yields favorable surfing conditions in Kandahar in May or June — a perfect holiday destination for fun and surfing.

4. Hawaii

Hawaii is practically a world-renowned surfing destination today. Considering that the sport is said to have originated from the local natives of the island, expect to see a lot of towering waves and dangerous surf breaks that can be a challenge for seasoned surfers looking for the wild ride of their lives. If you’re a beginner then you might want to stay away from the Banzai Pipeline and its towering waves.

Planning Ahead

Australia, Mexico, California, and Hawaii are just some of the best surfing destinations that a surfing aficionado would want to visit to find the best surfing conditions with towering waves, strong winds, and of course, challenging surf breaks to test your skills to the fullest. Keep in mind that not all of these surfing conditions are suited for all surfers. Some have towering waves that beginners might want to avoid if they’re not confident in their abilities. It is best to plan ahead and survey the surfing conditions to see if it is worth the trip or not.

If you are a surfing enthusiast, then you should know about Nosara, Costa Rica. This place is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world where you will be able to experience some of the best waves that you will ever get to ride. With beaches that are extremely clean, and almost never crowded, you can be sure that you will be able to find this place to be a surfer’s paradise.

With ideal surfing climate combined with fantastic waves that is described as unparalleled all over the world, you can be sure that you will have a lot of fun surfing in Nosara. With a relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, and stable economy, you can be sure that you will be able to afford surfing here.

Nosara, Costa Rica has a lot of surfing spots that you can try. Some spots are for experts only, while there are also spots that can cater to novices and beginners.

Playa Guiones is one of the most ideal surfing spots in Nosara. You will get good waves in this part of Nosara and is perfect for novice and advanced surfers. If you are looking for better waves, Playa Ostional will be able to provide it for you. However, this spot is only recommended for experts to surf in as there are sharp rock formations in the area, and heavy shark population. Also, Playa Ostional features blistering hot black sand beaches which are less accommodating to surfers.

The great thing about Playa Guiones is its pink sandy beaches as well as its multiple peaks from both the left and the right. With ideal beach breaks, you will definitely have a great time surfing here. If you want to travel to the hottest surfing spots in Nosara, you have to expect that this will be no easy feat as there are only very few paved roads in the area. However, according to surfing aficionados who already traveled across Nosara, it will be well worth your time even if you have to walk some distance just to get to the perfect surfing spot in the area.

Nosara, Costa Rica also has a long surfing season. You will be able to enjoy the best waves during October up until May. For the most ideal surfing experience, you may want to go to Nosara, Costa Rica between December and April. With this kind of surfing season, you will be able to have a lot of flexibility when it comes to your travel plans.

The best time to surf is in the morning. There are fewer surfers in the area and you will also be able to experience the best waves during this time of day. This means that if you really want to make the most out of your surfing in Nosara, then you will want to skip or avoid overdoing your wild nightlife and parties.

Nosara, Costa Rica is one of the best surfing destinations that you should try to visit. If you are truly a surfing aficionado, then you will definitely want to get to this place. Here, you will be able to have a lot of fun surfing. With a great climate combined with fantastic waves, you can be sure that your travels will be well worth it.

Surfing seems like you just go out in the water and ride every wave that passes you by. However, if the beach is crowded with other surfers, you might want to remember that you need to follow certain rules. This is why you may want to know what’s cool and what’s not when it comes to surfing in a crowded beach. Or, you may want to know about the surfing etiquette.

Basically, there are different rules in different surfing location. However, most surfers will agree on the most basic rules.

First of all, you may want to remember that the beach belongs to no one and it also belongs to everyone. What this means is that anybody can surf but you should do it in a way where it will not make it impossible for other people to surf. You may have heard about surf Nazis who push anyone out of the way and where violence and threats are their method of intimidating people not to surf in a particular area. This is considered to be not cool.

Surfing has an unwritten rule about who surfs first. Basically, the person closest to the breaking wave has the first choice whether he or she surfs first. However, it doesn’t entirely mean that other surfers on the water should wait forever. In most cases, other surfers just wait for the next wave while in other situations, they wait their turn only after the surfer has popped up and has caught the wave.

After that, they will now be able to pop-up and catch the same wave provided that they will not interfere with the first surfer who caught the wave. Another unwritten rule is that if two surfers are unable to decide who is on the inside, the surfer who pops up first is the one who has priority to surf first.

In some beaches, waves can break both left and right. However, some surfers will surf across the wave as well as in front of the wave. This means that it increases the possibility of collisions, which is really no cool. In this situation, another big rule in surfing should be kept in mind, which is communication.

It is important that you should make eye contact with the other surfer. Then, you should signal the other surfer which way you plan on going in order to avoid crossing over to their path. You can shout if you want but you need to remember that not every surfer can speak English. So, you may want to do hand signals and shouting just to make sure.

Surfing means that you should watch the back of other surfers. Even if the other surfer is a complete stranger, you should always advisable that you should watch out for their safety as they will also do the same with yours. Always be on the lookout for rocks, high reefs, jellyfish and other dangerous marine life. Warn them if you see anything that can be dangerous for the surfer.

All in all, you just need to be fair or cool. This way, everyone will be able to enjoy their day at the beach surfing. These are some of the few unwritten rules that you should try following whenever you go out to surf. By following these rules, you can be sure that everything between you and the other surfers will be cool.

Surfing is definitely a fun sport to try out — the exhilarating experience of skimming through the waves with the sun and wind on your face — priceless. However, surfing is not without its risk especially if you’re aiming to overcome the huge, towering swells to cater to your need of a thrill and challenge. If you want to avoid putting your life at risk on this sport then you need to take extra care with surfing preparations before you challenge the waves.

Let’s take it into consideration that you already have the necessary training and skills to be a good surfer just to avoid a humiliating wipeout while skimming through the swells. Here are some last minute preparations you need to consider to avoid getting into a bad situation later on.

1. Equipment Check

The best surfing condition is not only applicable to your chosen surfspot; it is also necessary to check your equipments and gears to make sure that everything is in their perfect condition before you wade out into the surf. For starters, you need to bring with your safety gears, like a leash that ties your board to your ankle, a GPS tucked somewhere in your wet suit pocket in case you are washed out to sea, and of course, a floatation device or jacket to keep you afloat without having to swim for it. Also, if you’re going to surf in cold weather then make sure that you keep your body temperature warm by wearing a wet suit to keep the cold off your skin.

2. Survey the Location

No surfer should surf in a beach without knowing what they’re up against. It is an important preparation to scour the surfspot for hidden risks, like shallow areas with coral or sharp rocks, sand bars, or any physical obstacles that can put your life at risk when you surf the waves. If you’re not familiar with the area then take time to paddle around to inspect the location or ask a local expert to give you some advice.

3. Warm-Up Exercise

Since surfing is a physical activity at best, you need to make sure that your body is in top physical shape before attempting the impossible. First, it is essential for any surfer to do some warm up exercises to avoid cramps later on. Squats and stretching can help unwind those tight leg muscles so you won’t have any trouble keeping your balance. Also, stretching increase muscle flexibility to keeping a firm control on your board is made easy. Don’t forget to exercise and stretch your arms as well since you will mostly likely do a lot of paddling and swimming before it’s all over.

There are just of the important surfing preparations you need to consider before attempting the waves. Also, you might want to re-assess the size of the waves and wind condition so you won’t have to face towering waves that you aren’t ready to handle yet.

As a surfer, you know that you need to constantly practice in order to improve your surfing skills. Like any other sport, there is basically no end of practicing in order for you to improve your skills. This is why you will want to know where to go to in order for you to improve your surfing skills.

For starters, there are basically quite a lot of surfing destinations that can offer great waves and great beaches. However, not all are destined to be the best place to practice surfing. Some are even so dangerous that even seasoned pros shy away from riding the waves. An example would be the Banzai Pipeline in Oahu.

Hawaii is one of the most traveled surfing destinations in the world. Because of the virtually never ending coastlines and numerous secret beaches and surfing spots, surfers from all over the world travel to this state just to experience what surfing is really all about. Besides, surfing virtually originated in Hawaii. So, where else would be the best place to learn how to surf and practice your skills in surfing?

Hawaii doesn’t just offer big waves, but it also offers a variety of waves that everyone with different skill levels will surely love.

Also, aside from surfing, there are tons of activities that you can do in the Hawaiian Islands. After a day of surfing, you can head out to one of the countless bars in the Hawaiian Islands and have a beer or two with your surfing buddies. Or, you can also go to some of the wild beach parties held in some parts of Hawaii. If you prefer to relax, there are also spas located all over the state where you will be able to get a relaxing massage.

You can also go shopping in Hawaii. You can even purchase surfing accessories in the island or even a brand new surf board.

If you consider yourself as a naturalist, then you can spend your day looking for secret surfing spots that can be found all over the islands of Hawaii. You can ask the locals where to find one or you can befriend someone who knows a secret surfing spot.

Hawaii provides every type of wave for every type of surfer. Whether you are a beginner or an expert surfer, you will be able to find something that will satisfy your surfing needs in Hawaii. Again, this place is the perfect place for you to hone your surfing skills.

Hawaii is considered to be the home of surfing. Here, you will be able to find the waves that will be ideal to your surfing skill level. If you are an expert surfer and that you are looking for the big waves to practice your moves on, then the Banzai Pipeline would be your ideal place in Hawaii to surf on. However, if you are just a beginner who just wants to have fun surfing, then you will find plenty of beaches around Hawaii that will be able to provide you with 2 to 4 feet waves. There are also faster but smaller waves that advanced surfers will love.

So, the next time you plan on honing your skills as a surfer, you may want to visit Hawaii. Here, you will be able to find the wave that you will enjoy and one that you will be able to handle. Whether you are an expert surfer or just a beginner, you can be sure that Hawaii will be able to provide.

As a surfer, you know that that physical fitness aspect can affect the way you surf. Basically, it will affect your wave count as a surfer. If you noticed that you are catching fewer waves that what you were used to before when you were younger and fitter, then it only means that you are getting out of shape. Maybe it’s all those late night parties you had with other surfing buddies after a day of great surfing? Or, maybe you just got lazy to exercise?

Whatever it is, you have to remember that physical fitness is always important if you are a surfer. So, what should you do to get back in shape? Well, the answer would be to exercise. However, you need to remember that before you start a new exercise routine, you need to first assess your current fitness level. You should also start out slow in order to avoid injuries which will prevent you from surfing altogether.

First of all, you need to remember that the exercise program you do should be tailored to surfing. This means that you shouldn’t do bodybuilding exercises or bulk up. What you need is to be fit enough and stay in shape in order for you to catch more waves. Going through a bodybuilding program will only result in having a stiff body, which is definitely a no-no for surfers.

As a surfer, you need to go for a program that has a good mix of cardio exercises, strength training, stretching, and plyometrics.

For strength training, all you need is 6 types of exercises with 2 sets and 15 repetitions for each set. Cable trainers are great but free weights can also work. Do exercises that will target your abs, chest, legs, arms, and back. With stronger body frame, the more you will be able to handle difficult waves.

Plyometrics will be able to provide you explosive bursts of energy which is what you need if you are a surfer. Exercises will include leapfrogging across the floor, jumping squats, and indoor rock climbing. You can try practicing surfing pop-ups over and over again as this is a good plyometrics exercise.

Cardio is a very important type of training for surfers. Always remember that surfing is all about stamina and cardio exercises can give you more stamina. You have to remember that surfing will involve long stretches of paddling as well as long distance swimming. Using a treadmill is a great way to develop your stamina. And, another fantastic cardio training is swimming. You can also use an elliptical trainer.

Also, you need to remember that flexibility is important in surfing. It will also help avoid injuries. For this, you can take yoga classes. Or, you can simply do stretching exercises before and after you workout. It is also recommended that you should do stretching exercises before you hit the water to surf. This will make you more flexible and also prepare your body for a brutal beating which is exercise.

Being physically fit is very important if you are a surfer. Whenever you workout, you have to monitor your performance level. If you do everything right, you will be able to catch more waves and you will also be able to have a more satisfying surfing experience.

Every surfer dreams of traveling the world to surf the best waves that the world has to offer. If you are already bored surfing the same waves in your area, then it may be time for you to pack your bags and surfboard and visit some of the hottest surfing destinations in the world.

So, where should you go to?

First of all, you need to assess your skill level. You have to consider that different surfing destination have different waves in terms of size and speed. This is why it is always important to research about the surfing condition in a particular area you plan on visiting before you set off. This is to make sure that you will be able to get the waves that you want and also waves that you will be able to handle.

If you have the surfing skills of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, then you may want to try going to Banzai Pipeline in Oahu. Known to produce some of the best and dangerous waves in the world, you can be sure that you will find surfing here to be very challenging. This place is definitely a no-no for beginners as the waves can get so intense that even pro surfers shy away from riding it. Also, you might want to remember that the danger here is very real. In fact, there have been surfers here who died surfing the Banzai Pipeline. So, you better be sure that you are able to handle the big waves produced here.

If you are fortunate enough to get an invitation from the private surf camp in Tavarua, Fiji, then you definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity. Here, you will see that there are 2 world class breaks. Combine it with breathtaking scenery and beautiful coral reef you can be sure that you will be able to consider this place as a surfer’s paradise.

Teahupoo, Tahiti is another world class surfing destination that you should visit. Exclusively for experienced surfers only, you will see that this place will let you live out your dream of surfing some of the most beautiful waves in the world. Here, you will be able to surf waves that can exceed 10 feet, perfect barrels, and heavy current. This place is definitely a surfer’s dream. In fact, almost all pro surfers have been here at least once. So, there is really no reason why you shouldn’t visit this place to go surfing.

If you feel like going to Europe, then Mundaka, Spain is the place to be for surfers. Mudaka is one of the most famous surfing destinations in Europe. Here, you will be able to experience waves with speed that every surfer dreams of riding. You will find that the current here is strong, which only means smoother, and much more exciting ride. You should also remember that this place is for experienced surfers only as the tides here can be quite strong.

There are quite a lot more surfing destinations that you can visit in the world. From Hawaii to South Africa to Australia, you can be sure that you will be able to find the right surfing destination for you. Always keep in mind that you should first do a little research about the surfing conditions in the place you plan on visiting in order to make sure that the place you visit will satisfy your surfing needs.

A surfer needs to be in top physical condition in order to perform well out in the waves. It is not a good idea to become too dependent on your equipment that you disregard to train your body to be suited for different surfing conditions. A surfer should be constantly undergoing surfing exercises to keep their main equipment — their bodies — in top physical shape for the sport. Beginners, who often disregard physical training and concentrating more on harmonizing their bodies with the board, should stick to the basics if they want to succeed in this activity.

Reasons Why You Need To Train Your Body

There are several reasons why a surfer needs to constantly hone their physical condition to become an expert surfer, such as:

1. Improved Performance

That’s right; a surfer needs to be in the right physical condition for them to do well with the sport. You might not know it but arm and leg muscles needs to be in their peak conditions. For example, you need to have strong arm power if you want to pull yourself up from a lying position to catch a wave as quick as possible. Same is also a requirement for paddling to maintain the right speed. Leg power is necessary to withstand the waves and help you maneuver easily as you perform your feats. Depending on the size of the swell, you need to have the endurance to maintain an even stance while skimming through the swell, especially if it’s a big one.

2. Fit for Competitions

Aside from surfing as recreation, there might come a time in your life that you want to join surfing competitions to show off your skills and to get a trophy as part of your achievement in the sport. You need to have your body in peak condition if you want to have a chance at being a winner during surfing competitions.

3. Avoid Cramps

Did you know that a lot of surfing accidents is often attributed to getting muscle cramp while doing their feats along the waves? Some surfers drown because their muscle cramped up during swimming or getting wiped out because their muscles gave way on them as they maneuver their boards. If you don’t want suffer life-threatening situations during surfing then you need to have a regular habit of training your muscles to withstand the stress.

4. Survival Of The Fittest

If you’re a surfer who loves to count the number of waves you rode during a surfing trip then you need to undergo surfing exercises to make sure that you have the necessary stamina to keep your count rolling. Catching a wave is not as easy as waiting for it out at sea. You need to paddle out and match your velocity with the waves to catch it at the right moment for a successful surfing maneuver. Also, some swells tend to last longer than usual, especially if you’re aiming for the big ones, so you need to have the necessary endurance and muscle power to see it through the end.