Surf boards, Shop, and Clothing
Surfing culture has woven its way into popular culture quite seamlessly. It could be the laid back attitude of surfers as they taunt the extreme power of the sea, or it could be simply the comfort that surf apparel provides. While true surf wear can be constricting and is used more for warmth and protection from abrasions, such as a wet suit, the surf clothing that is worn before and afterwards is quite comfy and loose.
Surfing is one of the only sports that actually harness a force of nature that is created thousands of miles away. Other sports rely on the athletes own physical exertion or gravity for play and riding. Wind is the only other force that is harnesses for play, and it has even been incorporated into branch of surfing called kite surfing, which doesn’t require waves, just a strong wind, and a windsurfing board.
Catching a wave is the tough part. Timing is critical and the surfer must be an accomplished paddler to catch the really fun waves. Not only do they have to paddle out into the ocean balanced on a surfboard they have to dodge and “duck dive” incoming waves or risk losing all their progress towards the break. An incoming wave can pound a surfer into reefs, rocks and other surfers if they are not prepared, damaging boards and bones alike. A leash helps keep the board from washing out to sea just incase the inevitable happens.
Most beginners start surfing on long boards that can be as much as fifteen feet long. They have less taper than a short board and float better as well. This makes them much easier to stand up on once a wave has been caught. They are slow turners and stable riders that are still popular among the oldest surfers. Complex tricks can be performed including balancing acts, multiple riders and one of the most difficult moves, the surfboard switch where two riders simultaneously jump from one board to the other while riding the same wave.
More accomplished surfers choose to use short surfboards, anywhere from 10ft and under. These have a much more rounded shape which makes them a little shaky when going strait, but makes them turn and whip very quickly. The feeling is like carving the wave with a sharp knife. These boards are much more frisky and maneuverable than a long board and are truly exhilarating to ride and fun to watch.
Surf gear and surf wear can be found at surf shops which dot popular beaches and are found in many surfing locales. If it is a popular surfing destination be assured there will be at least a few shops that can meet any needs. Surf clothes can be found at even more places, they can even be found in major department stores in areas without a wave for hundreds of miles. Surf and skate culture has become adopted and hybridized into mainstream “cool” which continues the sports evolution and has driven it popularity into the sky.
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