Surfing Equipment
Surfing Equipment – Surfboards
There are a variety of Surfboards, the main types are:
- Longboard (over 9 ft) – long, wide and thick with a rounded nose. Most stable and buoyant, but difficult to manoeuvre.
- Shortboard (under 7 ft) – short, narrow and thin with a pointed nose, therefor easy for experienced surfers to turn, but also less buoyant and stable.
- We measure surfboards and surfing equipment in feet and inches.
- Mini Malibu (under 9 ft) shorter version of a longboard and it offers both stability and manoeuvrability.
- Soft Board (all sizes) designed for beginners initially but now surfed by experienced surfers in all conditions. B Soft Boards are safe, stable, buoyant and user-friendly.
- Most surfboards have 3 fins (Thruster) for stability and turning assistance.
- We know that a stable, buoyant surfboard is essential to develop your surf skills.
- Board size will depend on your height and weight.
- I recommend a Soft Board for first time surfers.
- After that a Mini Malibu is recommended for intermediates.
- Do your homework before you buy – or speak to Keith at the surf school; you might get the wrong board!
Surfing Equipment – Wetsuits and Accessories
We use O’Neill Wetsuits in Perth
- The leg rope, also known as a leash, is a safety device that connects the surfboard to your back ankle (right ankle for natural stance and left ankle for goofy stance – I will explain stances in another post.
- Your leg rope must be FIRMLY attached and face outwards from your ankle.
- A decent quality wetsuit keeps you warm in cool to cold water.
- The two main types are: Steamer – full length for cold water and winds and a Spring Suit for cool water.
- A standard wetsuit zipper is positioned at the back.
- Wetsuits must be firmly fitted, not loose in other words skin tight.
- A rash vest can be worn under your wetsuit or simply to prevent rashes from wax and they also offer great sun protection.
- I recommend, like your wetsuit, it should be firmly fitted, not loose.