And a whole lot more.

You ready? 

Let’s go.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SURFBOARD

Buying a new surfboard is a pretty big decision, with some pretty big consequences. 

Get thew wrong board and you’re stuck with a dud. Something that’ll zap your love and enthusiasm out of the sport. 

Get on the right board however, and you’ll fall in love, and progress quicker than you ever thought possible. 

BUDGET

Everyone has different budget expectations, and this will factor into the equipment you’re able to choose from.

As with everything in life, you generally get what you pay for, so be discerning when shopping for surfboards at the lower end of the price spectrum - especially those sold in retail giants like Kmart, or Wallmart etc. 

Yes they’re cheap, but they’re terrible quality too, so I’d avoid these like the plague if I was you.

Generally speaking, you’ll need to invest a minimum of around $300+ to get yourself on something that is fit for purpose. 

GOALS

The type of surfboard you should get will also depend on your surfing goals too. 

Understanding your goals and objectives will help to decipher which type of surfboard you should get.

ABILITY

Probably the biggest factor of all when determining what size surfboard you should get is your ability.

Not the ability you aspire to be at, but where you’re at right now.

If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll be able to get yourself on the right surfboard for max progression (which is what you want right?)

But if you’re overly optimistic, and are a little over zealous in your perception of your ability right now, you’ll undoubtably make a bad purchase decision, and find yourself on a board that holds you back.

Be honest, be humble, and you’ll be sweet.

WHAT IS A GOOD SIZE SURFBOARD FOR BEGINNERS

If you’re just starting out, bigger is better - by far.

You’ll catch more waves, learn faster, and have a whole lot more fun in the process.

As a rough guide you’ll want to get yourself on a surfboard that's 8ft+ (9ft preferably).

Also, avoid hard resin-based surfboards at this stage.

They’re heavy as hell, harder to surf, and can do a lot of damage if they hit you too.

Instead, stick to soft-top, foam based surfboards until you're ready to progress.

WHAT SIZE SURFBOARD SHOULD I GET FOR MY HEIGHT AND WEIGHT?

The size surfboard you should get will vary dramatically depending on your height, weight, and ability too.

To help you in making the right purchase decision, use the surfboard size chart below as a guide:

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN CHOOSING A NEW SURFBOARD

Alright, getting a new surfboard is a big decision, so be sure to avoid these oh-so common mistakes:

TOO SMALL TOO QUICK

We see it all the time in our surf school, students riding surfboards that are too small too quick.

The result?

They don’t catch any waves, and they don’t get any opportunity to practice any of the rad stuff that we teach them.

The most common mistake by far. 

FASHION OVER FUNCTION

I get it, we all want to look the part, and no one wants to look like a kook, right?

Which is why all too often surfers will choose fashion over function, and get the board that looks nice, but is a terrible match for their ability.

If your goal is to get better, choose a surfboard that’s going to help you get there.

If your goal is to just look cool, by all means go nuts and drop the cash on the next bright shinny object, just don't say I didn't warn you...

SHAPE MATTERS

Surfboard volume is one thing, but the actual shape of the surfboard plays a much bigger role than people give it credit. 

Wider, thicker surfboards will give you more stability and paddle power.

Thinner surfboards will do the opposite. 

Put simply don’t just go on volume alone, be sure to select a shape that’s conducive for your level too.

BEING A TIGHT-ARSE

Surfboards aren’t cheap, I get it…

…but, god damn they give you a whole lot of joy.

So, if you can afford it, try not to skimp on quality wherever possible.

Your surfboard is going to be with you for a while, and you want to make sure it’s fit for purpose, and is something you’re going to love riding.

Think of it as an investment in yourself, and choose accordingly.

WRAPPING IT UP

Being on the right size surfboard will speed up your progression, 100%.

It’ll help you to catch more waves, and perform better when you’re on them too.

Just don’t make the mistake of jumping on a board that’s too small, too flashy, too quickly.

Not unless you want to stagnate your progression that is.

Do yourself a favour, be honest with where you’re at, be modest, and get yourself on a surfboard that’s going to help, not hinder your progression.

Onwards and upwards.

Yew!

Rowan

And a whole bunch more...

WHAT IS A TRACTION PAD?

Traction pads, aka 'deck grips', or 'deck pads', are an alternative to surf wax used by surfers to add grip to their surfboards to stop their feet from sliding off. 

Traditionally made from EVM foam, surfers attach these traction pads to the deck of their surfboards.

Traction pads are most commonly used exclusively on the tail of the surfboard (known as tail pads), however, it is possible to get deck grips for the front foot too. 

A deck pad set-up with both back and front traction pads is known as a ‘full deck grip’.

DO YOU NEED A TRACTION PAD ON A SURFBOARD?

No. Traction pads are not essential to riding a surfboard, however many people prefer surfing with them.

Prior to their invention surfers would use surf wax exclusively, which is more than adequate, however traction pads do offer a number of advantages (more on that in a minute).

SURFBOARD TRACTION PADS VS WAX

Traction pads or wax? Which is better?

Lets take a closer look at each:

TRACTION PAD

SURF WAX

DO YOU NEED WAX WITH A TRACTION PAD

The answer is, it depends.

If you’re riding a full deck grip you should be ok without any wax, although even in these circumstances surfers will add additional wax to any areas that may need it just in case.

However, more commonly, surfers will ride with a tail pad only.  In these circumstances you’ll absolutely need to add wax to the rest of the surfboard for traction. 

TRACTION PAD PLACEMENT

Ok, I’ve seen some pretty wacky traction pad placement in my time, with bad placement being the hallmark of kookiness in the sport. 

So, use the placement guides below to make sure you get it right.

TAIL PAD PLACEMENT

As a rule of thumb, the tail pad should be placed as far back as possible, over the back centre fin.

Why? 

Well, the further back you can place your back foot through turns, the more drive and power you’ll have as a result.  

FRONT PAD PLACEMENT

The placement of a front traction pad serves two purposes.

1. It’s needed for traction under foot when riding a wave.
2. It’s required for traction when paddling. 

This means that it not only has to be placed where your front foot usually goes, but also needs to be placed such that your chest can grip the board when paddling too.

To find out where this location is, lie on your board without fins on.

Take note of your paddle position, as well as your feet position after pop up, then mark this zone with a pencil for reference.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRACTION PAD FOR A SURFBOARD?

There are a few different traction pad designs that may influence your decision as to which is right for you. 

Here’s what to look out for:

ARCH BAR: An arch bar is where the centre piece of the tail pad will be raised to fit into the arch of your foot. 

FLAT GRIP: A flat deck grip will have no arch bar to speak of and be flat throughout.

NUMBER OF PIECES: Some grips will come as a single piece, and some with as many as 5 pieces or more. 

The number of pieces adds no performance enhancements whatsoever, but is just a case of personal preference.

GRIP SIZE: Deck grips will come in different sizes - width's & heights - so be sure to get the right fit for your board.

At the end of the day, traction pads are 'much of a muchness' if you ask me.

Sure, the brands will likely be trying to sell you on the newest innovation, but in all honesty, they're all pretty much the same, and do just as good a job as one another. 

It's mostly down to personal design preferences more than anything.

My one caveat though is the arch bar, this'll likely be the one thing that you'll notice most, and for what it's worth, I always prefer grips with an arch bar over flat ones.

Make of that what you will.

HOW TO INSTALL A SURFBOARD TRACTION PAD

Below is a step by step guide to installing a traction pad on a surfboard:

STEP 1: REMOVE WAX, DIRT & GRIME

The first step is to make sure you’re working with a clean surface, so be sure to remove all wax, dirt, and grime.

This can be done using a wax remover, or alternatively white spirits or turpentine will do the job just fine. 

STEP 2: ROUGHEN IT UP

Glue naturally adheres better to rough surfaces, so you’ll want to give your board a super light once-over with sandpaper to roughen things up ready for application.

STEP 3: LINE IT UP

Grab yourself a pencil, and without removing the adhesive covering, lay the traction pad on top of your surfboard. 

Make sure it’s centrally aligned down the stringer of the board, and make sure that the kick-pad is as far back as possible over the back fin. 

Once in place, mark out the edges with pencil.

STEP 4: CENTRE FIRST

Most traction pads come in three parts: One centre piece, and two sides. 

Align the centre piece first, then remove the top part of the adhesive tape, making sure not to remove it all at once. 

Bit by bit, remove the adhesive tape and stick the deck pad to the board and apply lots of pressure - being careful to avoid any air bubbles in the process. 

Continue this until the whole piece has been applied. 

STEP 5: NOW FOR THE EDGES

With the centre piece firmly in place and perfectly aligned, continue the same process with the two side pieces. 

STEP 6: THE WAITING GAME

Once applied, wait 24hrs for glue to dry before taking in the water.

*The recommended drying time is 24hrs, however most pro’s will typically slap a deck pad on and hit the surf instantly, so use the 24hr dry time as a guide if you can, rather than the rule.

WRAPPING IT UP

Deck pad, or no deck pad?

In truth, it’s all down to personal preference, with most people opting for a tail pad only setup, with wax on the rest of the board, but there is no right or wrong.

Different strokes, for different folks, hey!

Anyway, I hope this article answers all your questions and concerns, and for what it’s worth, I ride both a tail pad & wax setup, plus dabble in the full deck pad setup too. 

Just in case you wanted know...

Yew!

Rowan

Is it all same, same? Or is there actually a difference?

Keep reading to find out.

But first…

WHAT IS A LEASH?

A leash is a urethane cord that surfers use to attach themselves to their surfboard to stop the board floating away when they fall off.

One end of the leash attaches to the ankle via a velcro strap called a ‘cuff’, and the other attaches to the leash plug at the tail of the surfboard with a thick string (known as a leash string).

Leashes come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to suit different surfing conditions and board lengths, so it’s important to make sure you select the appropriate size. 

PARTS OF A LEASH

QUICK RELEASE STRAP: For removing strap fast if leash gets stuck around rocks, etc.

CUFF: Fastens the leash around a surfers ankle

RAIL SAVER: Protects the rails of a surfboard from damage caused by the cord.

LEASH STRING: Attaches the leash to the leash-plug on a surfboard.

SWIVEL: Stops the leash from tangling up in knots.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SURF LEASH?

A good leash will be durable, reliable, trustworthy, and hopefully not get tangled in your toes too often (easier said than done…).

So when hunting out a new leash be on the lookout for the following:

QUALITY

A leash is a safety device and not something that you want to skimp on. Invest in quality wherever possible.

DOUBLE SWIVEL

A swivel helps to stop your legrope from getting tangled up. Having a double swivel (one at your ankle, and one attaching to the rail saver) will keep tangling to a minimum.

RAIL SAVER

Believe it or not, but a leash cord can cut through the rails of your surfboard with enough pressure. That’s combated however with a rail saver, a thick nylon strap that attaches the urethane cord to the board.

STRONG VELCRO

The velcro is often the first thing to deteriorate on a leash, so choose something that’s hard wearing and strong.

DO I NEED A SURFBOARD LEASH?

If you’re new to surfing then yes, absolutely you’ll need a leash. 

If you’re an advanced surfer, are in complete control of your equipment, and virtually never fall off, then sure, you’ll be comfortable surfing without a leash.

But for the rest of us mere mortals, wearing a leash at all times is a good idea.

HOW THICK SHOULD MY SURFBOARD LEASH BE?

Leashes generally come in two thicknesses: Competition or Regular.

SURFBOARD LEASH LENGTH CHART

As a rule of thumb, choose a leash that is roughly the same size as the board you’re riding:

WHICH FOOT DOES A SURFBOARD LEASH GO ON?

Regardless of which surfing stance you are, your leash should always be attached to your back foot.

BEST LEASH BRANDS

If you’re on the hunt for a new leash, these are some of the best surfboard leash brands at the moment:

WRAPPING IT UP

By now you should know exactly what legrope you need for your board, which one to choose, and why.

My one word of wisdom for what it’s worth is to invest in quality.

Sure, it’ll be more expensive in the short term, but that investment could save your life one day.

So see it as a safety investment rather than an annoying expense and choose the best one you can afford. 

Yew!

Rowan

You ready?

Lets go…

SURFBOARD PARTS: THE COMPLETE LIST

We're going to be breaking each part of the surfboard down step by step, in detail below:

NOSE

The front part of a surfboard is called the ‘Nose’, and its shape helps to determine the overall outline of the surfboard itself.

STRINGER

The stringer on a surfboard is typically a thin layer of plywood that runs down the centre-line of a surfboard, binding together to two sides of the blank (the foam part of the board).

In recent times however, with the introduction of new advanced construction materials and methods, surfboards no longer stick to the traditional ply stringer at all times.

In fact, some surfboards have no stringers whatsoever, and some have stringers made from balsa wood running down the rails of the board too.

Regardless, the stringer has become synonymous with the centre-line of a surfboard, so whether it has one or not, you can still refer to the centreline as the stringer and get away with it.

DECK

The top of a surfboard is known as the deck, and this is where your feet will go.

There’s not too much to know about the deck of a surfboard as there are very few variables, however the one thing to look out for will be whether it’s really flat, or more curved.

Why is that important?

Well, the roll & shape of the deck will influence the surfboards volume overall, and the more advanced you get the more sensitive you’ll become to minor adjustments in shape like this.

RAILS

The rails are the sides of the surfboard.

They help the surfboard to grip into the waves face as you ride along it, and they impact the way a surfboard turns. 

Here are the different rail shapes to look out for:

You also get what's known as hard rails - where there is a hard sharp edge, and soft rails - where the rail is fully curved.

TRACTION PAD

Although not a part of a surfboard's anatomy as such, with so many surfers choosing to use a traction pad I couldn’t avoid adding it to this list.

A traction pad is a foam-based pad that surfers attach to their surfboards for extra grip. 

Most surfers will opt to ride with a Tail Pad (a pad just for their back foot), although it is possible to get full deck traction pads too.

LEASH PLUG

A leash plug is an accessory that is inserted into a surfboard during the manufacturing process.

The plug serves the purpose of attaching a surfer to their board via a leash. 

Insignificant at first glance, but an important part of a surfboard for sure.

LEASH/LEGROPE

A leash is a chord that attaches a surfer to their surfboard to stop it from floating away during a wipeout.

They come in different sizes and thicknesses depending upon the equipment you’re riding.

TAIL

The tail is what surfers refer to as the very back of a surfboard, and they come in lots of different shapes and sizes - purpose built for a certain feel, or way of surfing.

The type of tail shape you choose to ride will vary depending upon your ability, and they type of waves you like to surf.

Here are the most popular:

FIN PLUGS

Just like the humble leash plug above, fin plugs too are added to a surfboard during the construction phase.

In times gone by, surfers would have fixed un-removeable fins, fiberglassed onto their boards.

However in recent times - with advancements in technology - surfboards are almost exclusively made with removable fins today.

The two fin systems that have the monopoly of the market are: FCS & Future Fins.

Both have their pros and cons, but in all honesty they’re much of a muchness.

FINS

Fins attach to the bottom of a surfboard at the rear, inserted into the fin plugs. 

They help a surfer to pivot and turn their boards, and to hold speed and drive through turning manoeuvres. 

They come in a bunch of different shapes and sizes, and will vary depending upon your size, weight, and the type of surfing you’re looking to do.

Here’s what to look out for:

SURFBOARD FIN ATTRIBUTES

SURFBOARD FIN SETUPS

CONCAVE

Concaves represent the contours that shapers craft into the base of a surfboard. 

The ebbs, flows and different shapes effect the way water moves under a surfboard when riding a wave - having a surprisingly big impact on how a surfboard performs.

Here’s a list of the different types of concaves and what to look out for: 

ROCKER

Rocker refers to the overall curve that a surfboard has from tail to nose.

The size of the rocker will impact the speed of a surfboard and its ability to turn.

Generally speaking, a surfboard will have a nose rocker, and a tail rocker, with a flat section in the middle to help the board plane.

As a quick rule of thumb:

Nose Rocker: Big = Slower, and more forgiving. Small = Faster, and less forgiving.

Tail Rocker: Big = Slower, more extreme turns. Small = Faster, less extreme turns.

EPOXY OR PU

Epoxy or Pu refer to the material construction of a surfboard.

Eash has their own pros and cons, and your choice will vary depending upon the type of surfing you want to perform, and your expectations.

Here’s a breakdown of each:

PU

PU surfboards are made with a foam blank with a stringer that is shaped, then covered with fiberglass and polyester resin. This type of surfboard is popular because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to repair. PU has been the construction of choice for decades, up until recent advancements in Epoxy alternatives.

EPOXY

Epoxy surfboards are made with a lighter foam blank (with, or without a stringer) that is shaped, then covered with fiberglass and epoxy resin. The epoxy resin is stronger, lighter and more durable, although it does have some trade offs - notably in their ability to flex. 

Because of the additional complexities of shaping epoxy surfboards they tend to be more expensive overall, however as mentioned above, they are far more durable.

BOTTOM

This is a bit of weird one…

We have loads of flashy names for all the other parts of a surfboard, yet for the under side, we have none.

So, the bottom of a surfboard is called, well, the bottom.

#needtogetmorecreative

WRAPPING IT UP

If you’ve ever been unsure about the anatomy of a surfboard, what each part is called and what they do, hopefully this article has cleared all that up for you. 

Moving forward you should be able to hold your own in any surf related conversation no matter how nerdy it gets.

You can thank me later…

Yew!

Rowan

And a whole heap more.

If you're ready, lets get started...

WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT BEGINNER SURFBOARD?

The best beginner surfboards will help you to improve faster by:

The board will be buoyant, stable, and easy to ride.

But how do you know which surfboard to choose, and which is right for you? 

The key attributes to look for are: Volume, Length, Width & Shape.

So, let’s take a closer look at each below:

VOLUME 

The volume of a surfboard dictates its buoyancy, and it's important because this buoyancy is what helps your surfboard float.

In surfing terms we measure this volume in litres. 

Beginners that choose surfboards without sufficient buoyancy will struggle to catch waves, which will have a big impact on how quickly they improve. 

Likewise, too much buoyancy will feel cumbersome, clumsy, unresponsive and hard to manoeuvre. 

So getting the volume right on your surfboard is super important.

Here's a surfboard volume chart to help when choosing a new surfboard:

SURFBOARD LENGTH

Longer surfboards have more surface area, are more buoyant, and make catching waves easier - which is why they're the recommended for beginners. 

So what length should you be looking for? 

As a good rule of thumb, look for a surfboard roughly 90cm or 3ft longer than your height. 

SURFBOARD WIDTH 

A surfboard's width is an important metric, as wider surfboards are more stable - and stability is what you need as a beginner surfer. 

The increased surface area provides a solid platform for you to pop up to your feet.

But how much width should you be looking for? 

A good surfing board for beginners will be upwards of 20 inches wide, anything less that this will be too narrow, and make the board wobbly.

SURFBOARD SHAPE

It's all very well knowing the volume, length, and width of a surfboard, but they're of little use without the right shape. 

Let me explain.

It's possible to have a surfboard with the right volume, length and width - yet be a terrible surfboard choice for beginners.

It could have a super pointy nose (bad for stability), and a really thin, pulled in tail (again bad for stability too). 

So it's no exaggeration to say that the shape is definitely a big deal.

The things to look out for with a beginners surfboard shape are as follows:

The best beginner surfboards will have a wide, forgiving nose and tail shape for maximum stability - giving you a stable platform to improve quickly.

SOFT TOP VS HARD TOP

As a beginner, should you be riding a soft top surfboard, or a had top?

We recommend a soft top every time, and here's why:

6 OF THE BEST SURFBOARDS FOR BEGINNERS RIGHT NOW...

We've helped literally hundreds, if not thousands of people learn to surf and help with their equipment choices over the years, so we know a thing or two when it comes to the best beginner level surfboards for maximum progression.

Below are our top picks on the market right now:

MORE INFO: https://foamysurf.com/

*Note: As the title of this article suggests, this is a guide to the 'Best' beginner surfboards on the market right now, not necessarily the best value - or the cheapest. It is possible to find entry level novice surfboards for much cheaper than the ones listed above - but beware, as quality will undoubtably be sacrificed. 

BEGINNER SURFBOARD FIN SET UP

You might be wondering a little about fins. 

What's the best set up for a beginner surfboard, and what to look for. 

The best fin set up for a learner surfboard is a three fin 'thruster' set up - two fins on either side, and one at the back.

This fin set up is the best for stability and control, both of which are super helpful when learning to surf. 

SURFBOARD FIN OVERVIEW FOR BEGINNERS

You can find our comprehensive, in depth surfboard fin guide here, but for a quick overview, find out more below:

DECISION TIME: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SURFBOARD FOR A BEGINNER

Ok, so there's a hell of a lot of info in this article and you're probably wondering which board is right for you.

I'd love to be able to give you an exact recommendation, but without seeing your ability in person that's just not possible, so instead use these guidelines below to help you along:

- If you're not catching tonnes of waves each time you go surfing, you need to be on a bigger board. Stay on that bigger board until catching waves is not a problem for you whatsoever.

- Repetition wins: You want to be on a board that gives you plenty of opportunity to practice your pop up, turning, etc.  A bigger board will help with this.

- Only drop down in board size if/when you're feeling impeded by the manoeuvrability of your current board.  Drop too early, and you'll stop catching waves and rob yourself of all those learning opportunities.

- Dropping down in board size comes with considerable downsides: Much harder to catch waves, much harder to balance.

CONCLUSION

Alright, we've given you the best beginner surfboards on the market right now, and we've taught you everything you need to know to make an informed purchase decision.

The rest is up to you.

But, if you've still got questions, as always, hit us up in the comment section below.

BUT FIRST, SETTING THE CRITERIA

Surfers need wetsuits for more than just warmth, that's why we'll be judging each wetsuit in this list against the following: 

Our mission is to find the best surfing wetsuit possible, and for that, they'll need to excel across all four criteria - and they'll need to be available for both men and women.

The best, most flexible, most durable wetsuits - at the best price possible.

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO WETSUIT CONSTRUCTION, & WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

If you're a beginner and you're unsure what all the technical jargon means, and you don't have a clue what to look for, don't worry, we're here to help. 

At rapid pace we're going to breakdown the technical terms for you, and enlighten you as to what to look out for.

Without further ado, lets dig in:

WETSUIT SEAMS

The seams of a wetsuit are what binds the different parts of the wetsuit together.  Much like if you were stitching together a jumper - wetsuits too consist of multiple panels that must be stitched together also.

But not all stitching and seaming methods are created equal, far from it (more on that in a minute).

Here's a breakdown of the most common types of seams and what to expect:

FLAT LOCK SEAMS

Flat lock seams are the cheapest, simplest seams you can get.

They're constructed by placing two pieces of neoprene side-by-side, and sewing the raw edges directly together. 

WARMTH RATING: 1/10

GLUED, & BLIND-STITCHED SEAMS (GBS)

GBS seams help prevent water from penetrating your wetsuit. 

They're made by first gluing the neoprene panels together, then blind stitching from one or both sides. 

Blind stitching is a process whereby the needle doesn't penetrate the wetsuit material the whole way through, stopping any water from penetrating.

WARMTH RATING: 5/10

TAPED SEAMS

Taped seams usually sit on top of already glued and blind stitched seams to further prevent water leaking through. 

The tape adds lots of extra insulation, plus protects against any pin holes that can occur during the construction stages.

WARMTH RATING: 8/10

LIQUID SEAMS

Liquid seams cover the stitching panels with a layer of rubber for flexibility and a complete barrier to any water leaking through. 

They're incredible when new, but do deteriorate rapidly.

WARMTH RATING 9/10 

WETSUIT THICKNESS

This one's pretty self explanatory.  It's purely the thickness of the wetsuit that you're about to buy.

In surfing we measure this in millimetres.

Typically, you'll have two different thicknesses of neoprene (this is the material that wetsuits are made up of) for different areas of the body.

For example you'll have increased thickness over your chest and back for extra warmth of your vital organs, and reduced thickness over your arms and legs for flexibility.

Here's a breakdown of wetsuit thickness as a guide:

ZIPS: BACK ZIP VS FRONT ZIP VS ZIPPERLESS

Front zip, back zip, or no zip at all?

There's a few to choose from so lets take a closer look at each:

BACK ZIP

The classic!

The old back zip has been around since the very beginning, but things have changed a little since then.  

Sure they work well enough, and they get the job done, but there are better options out there.  

You'll find back zips on most budget/low end wetsuits on the market.

CHEST ZIP

These have been in vogue now for the past five years or so and there's a good reason why.

They're hard wearing, robust, they stop a huge amount of flush, and...

...they fricken look good too right?

The go to choice for the core surfer for sure.

ZIPERLESS 

Yup, it's now possible to get wetsuits with no zips at all. Sure, it takes a little wiggling to get in, but once in, they offer heaps of flexibility and freedom. 

They're not the most durable however, or the best at minimising flush.

Great for a summer wetsuit, or a shorty.  Not so great for a winter wetsuit.

WETSUIT MATERIALS

All wetsuits are made with neoprene, the material of choice for a number of years. 

However there are a number of variations and additions as new technology comes to market with ever more insulation, alongside increased flexibility. 

Lookout for things like: 

BEST WETSUITS FOR SURFING 2023

OK, we've scoured far and wide to give you this comprehensive list of the best wetsuits for surfers on the market right now. 

Enjoy!

WRAPPING IT UP

Well, that's a wrap I guess. 

We looked long and hard to find the best surfing wetsuits on the market right now - so you don't have to. 

So, all that's left is to get suited, and go hit the surf.

You got this

SURFING GEAR MEGA LIST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED, PLUS LOTS THAT YOU DON'T...

1. SURFBOARD

The surfboard is obviously the most essential piece of gear you'll need. 

They come in all shapes and sizes, and it's important to be on the right surfboard for your level. 

Beginner surfboards will be big and very buoyant for stability, whereas more advanced surfboards will be small, built for manoeuvrability. 

2. WETSUIT

Surfers wear wetsuits to keep themselves warm in cooler waters.

The best wetsuits for surfing are built from high quality neoprene, to provide a thermal layer to keep warmth in, and the cool out. 

3. LEASH

A surfboard leash, or legrope as its often known attaches to a surfers ankle connecting a surfer to their board, and stopping the surfboard from floating away when you wipeout. 

They come in a few different sizes, varying to match the size of the board you're riding, from 6ft to 9ft.

4. SURF WAX 

Surfers use specially designed wax to add grip to their surfboards. 

Rubbed all over the deck of their boards, the wax helps surfers to stand on their boards without falling. 

You can learn how to wax a surfboard here.

5. RASH GUARD

Rash guards are tight lycra tops that surfers sometimes wear in warm climates to protect them from the sun whilst they surf, also reducing rub and chafe from paddling too.

6. SUNSCREEN

Surfers spend a huge amount of time in the sun, and as such need to wear sunscreen a lot. 

Not all sunscreens are made equal, so do your research and find one that will offer up proper protection in the surf.

7. SURF FINS

Surfboard fins help a surfboard to turn, and they come in a bunch of different shapes and sizes. 

The type of fins you ride will impact the way your board rides, so you'll want to do your research to be on the right fins. 

This guide to surfboard fins will fill you in on all the details.

8. SURFBOARD BAG

Surfers use board bags to store their surfboards safely when out of the water, and also for surf travel on airlines too. 

You can get board bags that store just a single board, all the way up to coffin bags that can carry upwards of five surfboards.

9. DING REPAIR KIT

Dings are an unavoidable part of surfing, so owning a ding repair kit is an unavoidable bi-product. 

Being able to fix small dings on the fly will save you a few bucks, and minimise time spent out of the water. 

10. BOARD RACK

If you've got a quiver of boards, why not get yourself a board rack for the home?

A safe place for storage, and a great way to show off your equipment too.

11. SURFBOARD TRACTION PAD

Surfers use traction pads as an alternative to wax to add grip to their boards. 

Most surfers will add a traction pad to their surfboards tail, this is called a tail pad.

12. WETSUIT BOOTS

In colder water, the first thing to get numb is your feet. 

That's why surfers wear wetsuits boots to continue surfing in even the most frigid of waters. 

If you surf in cold water, you'll need to get yourself some boots.

13. WETSUIT HOOD

Ice-cream headaches are an all too familiar occurrence for surfers in cold water. 

To combat them, surfers wear wetsuit hoods. 

With a huge amount of heat being lost from the head, a wetsuit hood will go a long way to keep you warm in cooler waters. 

14. EARPLUGS

Earplugs stop water from going in your ears when you surf. 

They're very useful, as extended periods of time with ears exposed to cold wind and water can result in surfers ear, a situation whereby bone grows over the ear canal. 

Earplugs stop this, so they're well worth the investment. 

15. SURF WATCH

Surf watches can help you to track the tides, swell forecasts, and they can even track how many waves you get in a session.

Pretty cool if you ask me.

17. WAX REMOVER

Every now and again, you're going to want to remove the old wax from your surfboard. 

This can be done with a specialised wax remover product, or simply with Turpentine - either will do the job. 

18. WETSUIT DRY BAG

A wetsuit dry bag is an epic way to transport your wet wetsuit around with you. 

Chuck your wetsuit in, lock it up, and throw it in the car and you're away.

19. FIN KEY

Depending upon the fin system you're using: FCS or Futures, you'll need a fin key for removing and tightening your fins. 

Easy to come by, and super cheap, an essential bit of gear for every surfer.

20. KEY LOCK

A key lock is a piece of surf gear that often gets overlooked. 

Get one of these and no longer will you have to store your key on your wheel arch, instead your key will be securely stored all the time.

21. SURF HELMET

Surf helmets are coming back in to vogue as the stigma of wearing them is finally being dispelled. 

Worn by surfers riding big, dangerous waves.

22. SURF HAT

With the ozone layer not what it once was, exposure to harmful UV is a big deal. 

And thankfully, surfing hats are now excepted and seen in line ups all around the world. 

23. WETSUIT GLOVES

Wetsuit gloves will be needed if you're surfing cold water. 

They come in different thicknesses from 2mm-6mm.

24. WAX COMB

Wax comb's are little tools that surfers use to remove old wax from their surfboards. 

Cheap, and easy to get hold of - a wax comb is a key component of all surfers toolkits. 

25. SURFBOARD ROOF RACK

Surfboard roof racks are an alternative, cheap way for transporting boards on your car roof. 

If you travel to the surf and haven't got room in the car, get yourself a set of these. 

26. SURF CHANGING ROBE

Believe it of not, but these surf ponchos or changing robes were invented by my mate in Cornwall, UK (true story). 

They're pretty cool, and allow you to get changed in the cold without exposing your cold bits - not that there's much to see in times like these

27. SURF TIE-DOWN STRAPS

Surf tie-down straps will help you strap your boards to any car - regardless of whether it has a roof rack or not. 

I travel with these religiously, and they've got me out of trouble in a number of situations.

28. NOSE GUARD

The nose guard is a bit of a relic to the 90's. 

What is it? 

It's a little piece of rubber that sticks the the end of your board with the goal of adding protection from injury. 

29. INDO BOARD

The Indo Board is an epic toy for practicing balance for surfing. 

Sure, they don't come cheap, but damn they're fun.

30. GO PRO

Now that you're doing all this surfing you're going to want to document it right?

And what better way to do it than the best action sports camera on the market, the Go Pro.

31. ZINC

Zinc is what surfers use as the ultimate protection for their skin against the suns harmful rays. 

A non-negotiable, this should 100% be a key part of your surf gear.

32. CHANGING MAT

Such a cool idea hey. 

Get changed on the mat to keep your wetsuit clean, then wrap it up and done.

I love it!

CONCLUSION

Do you need all the gear on this list just to go for a surf? 

Absolutely not. 

But, maybe I've tickled your tastebuds on a few extra pieces of kit to add that little extra spice to your surfing. 

Yew!
Rowan

WHAT DO BEGINNER SURFERS NEED?

Beginner surfers need only start with the essentials. 

Sure, there’ll be the desire to get all the best kit straight away, but in all honesty, just the basics will do at this point. 

You can use the checklist below to see what you need.

SURFING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

WRAPPING IT UP

You don't need everything on this surfing equipment list, but you'll definitely need all of the essentials. 

Sure, it's a bit of an upfront cost to get started, but once you've made the investment, the ocean is free to enjoy from there onwards.

A one time fee that'll keep paying you back each time you hit the surf.

Anyway, if there's anything you think I missed from this equipment list let me know in the comments and I'll add it to the post.

Yew!
Rowan

And, we’ll debunk the myth of whether surfers actually pee in their wetsuit or not (yuk!).

All will be revealed below

WHY DO SURFERS WEAR WETSUITS?

Surfers wear wetsuits to keep themselves warm in cold water so that they can surf all year round, regardless of the water temperature.

Wetsuits are made of neoprene and come in different thicknesses to cater to different water temperatures, for example:

The thicker neoprene sections are to protect the vital organs (chest and back), with the thinner areas on the arms and legs for extra flexibility.

If you're interested to know more and want to know the best wetsuits for surfing right now, click here.

DO SURFERS WEAR ANYTHING UNDER THEIR WETSUITS?

Many beginner surfers opt to wear swimwear underneath their wetsuits, which kinda makes sense I guess, and it’s certainly convenient when getting changed.

However, almost all advanced surfers around the world will go eau natural, and wear nothing underneath whatsoever.

Go figure.

The likely explanation is either for that extra percentage of performance, pure laziness, or because guys tend to hate wearing dick-togs (unless you’re from Brazil that is). 

Either way, there’s no right or wrong - whatever floats your boat.

WHY DO SURFERS WEAR BLACK WETSUITS?

Surfers wear black wetsuits because black absorbs light, hence will warm up more than any other colour. 

And seeing as wetsuits are all about keeping you warm, black is the default colour of choice.

Sure, you can get wetsuits in all different colours which will be more predominant in warmer climates, but when things get super cold, black will reign supreme, always.

DO SURFERS PEE IN THEIR WETSUITS?

On the topic of wetsuit warmth…

Do surfers pee in their wetsuits? Damn right they do (guilty )

Why? Well for a couple of reasons I guess. 

First up, if the surf is pumping that last thing you want to do is drag yourself out of the water, de-robe, all for a wee. 

Secondly, as gross as it is, peeing in your wetsuit in cold water is like a momentary, inbuilt hot water bottle, which at the right time and place - can be heaven. 

Ahhh.

That heaven can soon turn to hell though when you get changed, and realise you smell like a urinal. 

It’s worth it at the time though I promise.

CONCLUSION

Hopefully this article has given you a few insights as to why surfers actually wear wetsuits, and unearthed a few untold surfer truths you never knew. 

Yew!
Rowan

WHY DO SURFERS WEAR EAR PLUGS

Surfers wear ear plugs to stop water from going in their ears, not just because they don’t like the feeling, but more so to stop the onset of surfers' ear (more on that in a minute).

Ear plugs wedge into the ear canal, creating a barrier whereby no water can penetrate, keeping the ear canal perfectly dry - even in the surf. 

You’ll find that surfers in colder climates are more particular about wearing ear plugs in the surf as the risk of surfers' ear is increased in cold water. 

DO I NEED EAR PLUGS TO SURF?

No, absolutely not, in fact the majority of surfers choose to surf without them. 

Most surfers however, do surf in warmer climates where their use is not quite so important.

Do you need to surf with ear plugs? Not necessarily.

Should you wear them?

Definitely advisable for sure. 

6 OF THE BEST EAR PLUGS FOR SURFING

Ok, now that we know why surfers wear ear plugs, and how important they can be, let's take a closer look at which ones are the best on the market right now.

CONCLUSION

If I could advise one thing, it'd be committing to, and investing in, some decent ear plugs.

Why do I say that?

Well, I know first hand about surfers ear (my ears currently are about 90% closed, and it's annoying), and wished I'd bothered to use ear plugs as a kid surfing growing up. 

Anyway, all of the ear plugs on this list will serve you well, so better to invest in something, anything, rather than going without. 

Yew!
Rowan