The essential surfing equipment. What do you need?

Are you thinking of getting started in the world of surfing? If the answer is “YES” you are in the right place. If you want to enjoy and be connected with nature, you have almost everything you need to get into the water. Now you just need to know the essential surfing equipment. Are you ready? Take note and let’s get started.

Let’s start with the most obvious and necessary, the surfboard. Before you start surfing you need the board that best suits your level. Therefore, if you are a beginner we recommend you to choose a longboard. These are ideal for foam and small waves. Another advantage of these boards is the ease of paddling and standing up. In addition, once you improve, you will be able to choose another board that adapts to your progress.

Another essential surfing equipment is the leash, also known as ‘invento’ and ‘amarradera’ in the Canary Islands. It is a rope that connects the board to the surfer. This way, you will avoid losing the board every time a wave comes. However, the most important function of the leash is to keep you safe. Losing your board can be a big problem for your safety. The leash is your “lifeline”. In surfing, the leash is attached to the ankle of the leg that you put behind you when you stand up.

The fins make it possible for your board to grip the wave and also help you manoeuvre it. Although surfboards generally have three fins, this can change depending on the type of surfing you do, from one fin to five. Also, not all fins are the same. It is one of the most curious surfing materials because depending on its shape, height, profile, size and flex it can change a lot how your board moves.

A wetsuit will be necessary depending on where you are. When the water temperature is low or you want to stay longer in the water, wetsuits will be your best friend. There are different types of wetsuits to suit every surfer’s needs: long wetsuits, sleeveless, short, etc. To choose a wetsuit you will have to look at the millimetres of thickness it has, the more millimetres the more it will protect you from the cold but the less freedom of movement you will have.

If you think that to stand up on the board you only need a good balance, you are wrong. Wax is an essential surfing equipment. Wax helps you to keep your feet on the surfboard without slipping, it improves the grip you have on the board. Before you buy the wax you should know that there are different types depending on the water temperature. If you are not sure which one to buy, get advice from a professional.

Just like the wax we have the grip that will help you not to slip and to be more adhered to the board. You will usually find it on the back of surfboards, especially on smaller boards. Both the grip and the wax are different options, neither stands out over the other, it’s all a matter of trying and choosing.

After a brief overview of all the essential surfing equipment you need to know about, it’s time to get down to work, grab a surfboard and enjoy the waves. Check out the sea conditions and go for it – see you in the water!