SURFING

Here at Aussie Beaches we know and understand the value of the three "S's" - Sun, Sand & SURF - and with that comes the human instinct of challenge - conquering the wave - for anyone that has ever seen the high rolling waves at any beach - you can't help but be impressed by the sheer repetition - nor not wonder as to whether you're up to the challenge of - SURFING - so whether it's your 1st time or you HANG 10 everyday - Aussie Beaches will have a beach to suit your needs.

Surfing can be learnt by anyone who can swim - whether you teach yourself or pay for lessons.

Firstly, let's talk about equipment for Surfing -

Boardbags -
Designed for transporting and/or storing your surfboard and the type required will depend on specific needs

• Day Bags - standard lightweight, waterproof/semi-waterproof bag - generally with no additional padding - suitable for day to day travel and will hold 1 board
• Travel Bags - specifically for boards that travel with additional padding to offer greater protection and in some cases will hold up to 4 boards

Boardshorts -
The preferred item of clothing for those surfing in warmer waters - with a huge range of choice at Surf Shops, Department Stores - made from light weight man-made material which is quick-drying

Leashes -
The Surfboard leash connects the surfer to his/her board, so that in the event of coming off your board - you and your board are only as far away from each other as the length of the leash

Surfboard Fins -
A surfboard needs fins to steer the board and these are located on the underside of the board - in addition to this there are two types of fins - removable and fixed and boards may have multiple fins - with the number depending on the usage - more fins = stability, less fins = maneuverability

Surfboard -
The surfboard is the one piece of equipment that you can't surf without and they come in various designs and are made to suit all different conditions such as your skill level; as well as the surfing conditions of the beach.
Surfboards Types

• The Softboard - may also be called foamies - made from a soft foam construction enables boards to be extra buoyant, allowing the beginner to catch waves more easily than on a traditional board - theyare available in both adult and child sizes - once the adult surfer is confident - should move to a more suitable board
• The Pop-Out - a production line made board - made from foam and thick fibreglass - it is heavier than the Softboard, making it steadier in the water - which is a benefit for a beginner;
• The Mini-mal - may also be called funboard - shorter version of the original Malibu Surfboard - it is more stable, buoyant and
• The Longboard (or Malibu) - easy to catch waves and are both bouyant and stable, however due to its length it is the hardest to get to the lineup as well as being harder to turn
• Shortboards (Thruster) - designed for high performance surfing, with multiple fins and a narrow body for both faster turning and rail to rail maneuvering
• Fish

• Choose a board that is a minimum of 15 cms longer than your own height
• A wider board will give more stability on the waves
• A thicker board will be more buoyant and makes paddling easier
• Determine the frequency that you will use the board - if it's the annual holiday- go for the Softboard, on a monthly basis - try the Pop-Out, Mini-Mal or Longboard, and if you're going more frequently - you'll quickly adapt to any board you use
• Second-hand Boards are also an option, but should be personally inspected prior to buying as repairs to any faults could prove to cost more than a new board - remember - if the price seems to good to be true - there is normally a reason for it

Wetsuits -
The wetsuit is ideal for surfing in any conditions and comes in a variety of options - ranging from the full suit which covers from neck to ankle, or the shorties which comes with short sleeves and short legs, or the suit that has detachable arms and legs, then there is also the vest or the jacket - they are generally all made from the same material which is super light and super stretchy

Secondly - how to SURF" -
For any one just wanting to give it a go - click here for the basics for "Learning to Surf"

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