Surfing basics: what surfing gear do you need to get started?

Surfing basics: what surfing gear do you need to get started?

Surfing is an exciting sport that can appear mysterious to non-surfers, but new surfers can get started with a few pieces of equipment and a little practical advice.
So, you want to enter the world of surfing, but you?re not sure where to start? First of all, it?s important to note that surfers are the members of a global "club" that has its own rules, rituals, music, clothing, and even vocabulary. For an outsider, all of this can appear quite mysterious, but once you join the club and love it, you?ll catch on quickly. But, if you don't want to feel or look like a "kook" (an inexperienced and goofy new surfer), get your hands (and your feet) on this basic surfing gear.

Board
When it comes to surfboards, size matters. The most important aspect of any surfboard you will own will be its ability to keep you afloat. A bigger person needs a bigger board. You should not be taller than your board stood on end. Surfboard companies now make what they call a ?fun shape? board, which is a more stable board for beginners and infrequent surfers. This is a medium length board (somewhere in between a shorter, high performance board and a bulkier long board) with a rounded nose. Expect to pay $300- $400 for a new board, and less for a used board. If you have never surfed, try to find a used board to get started. As you learn, you?ll be better able to choose a new board that will be right for your body and your surfing style.
Taking care of your board will help it last to see many years in the water. Purchase a ding repair kit at your local surf shop. Dings are nasty little cracks and holes in the fiberglass of your board that let destructive moisture into the board's foam interior. The foam will suck up the moisture and damage the interior foam. In addition to repairing dings as soon as they occur, be sure to rinse your board with fresh water after each use, and store the board away from sunlight to avoid discoloration.

Leash
To remain attached to your board (so that you don?t have to chase it to the beach after your first ?wipe out? and so it doesn?t interfere with other surfers) attach a leash from the back of the board to your ankle. The leash should be as long as your surfboard and will be attached to the foot you have in the back when standing on your board. Normal footing is left foot forward, and "goofy footed" is a stance with the right foot forward. Both stances are acceptable, and you should use whichever is most comfortable for you.

Wax
You will need to apply surfboard wax to your board anywhere where your feet are going to touch. The wax gives you traction as water glides across your board and around your bare feet. When you are starting, apply wax to the entire top of the board. As you improve, you may only need to wax the sections of the board where your feet normally are. Choose a wax suited for the temperature of water in which you will be surfing. Colder water requires softer wax that will not get too slippery as it hardens. Warmer water calls for harder wax that won?t melt in the heat. Your surf shop will be able to sell you the wax appropriate for your area.

Clothing
In warmer water, all you will need to wear is a pair of surf shorts or a bathing suit. Surf shorts are known for their flashy prints, but you might want to stick to something a little more conservative at first. If you are surfing in colder water, you may need a wetsuit. Wetsuits come in a variety of styles and weights. Again, a visit to your local surf shop should be all you need to find a wetsuit that works for you. If you buy a wetsuit, you will want a rash guard, which is a thin shirt used to protect your skin. Even in warmer waters, a rash guard worn alone can be a welcome addition to your surfing wardrobe as it acts as a sunscreen to your torso.

Sunscreen
Speaking of sunscreen, wear it! Surfing is no time to try to get a tan. The sun from above and the glare off the water give you a double-dose of damaging rays. Apply a heavy-duty, waterproof sunscreen before entering the water, and remember to reapply throughout the day.

Surf Report
Be informed before hitting the beach. Most surfing areas have a local surf report, which you can find on the web or through a surf shop. Lifeguards are also good resources for surfing information. They are often surfers too, and they can tell you where to, and more importantly, where not to hit the water. Pay attention to surf warnings and remember that in surfing, as in any sport, if you put safety first, you'll avoid many unforeseen problems. Don't ever go out in the water if you feel uncomfortable about the situation. It is not worth it. You can surf another day. There will always be waves.

Surf?s Up, Dude!
Most seasoned surfers are welcoming to newcomers because they remember what it was like when they caught their first ride. They love the sport, and they will be happy to share their surfing tips with you. Drop by your local surf shop and talk to some people. If a surfer takes you under his or her wing, pay attention, and be grateful that you?re gaining membership into one of the most exciting clubs in the world.

Sandal Basics What to Look for in a Good Fitting Sandal

Sandal Basics What to Look for in a Good Fitting Sandal

Perhaps one of the oldest forms of footwear is the sandal. From some of the oldest civilizations to the current world, sandals have adorned the feet of everything from kings to commoners. While they still maintain a prominent place in the world of footwear, not everyone is completely familiar with the proper fitting of a sandal. With tennis shoes and even casual or dress shoes, it is much easier to understand the fit because there is cover over the foot and there is a toe to the shoe. With sandals, though, it can be much more difficult to understand. The fit of a sandal, though, is no less important than that of other shoes, and so it is best to understand the proper fit of a sandal.

Like most other types of shoes, sandals vary greatly in look, in purpose, and in comfort. Some shoes are for use on the beach, casual attire, and even for certain sports like beach volleyball or hiking. With each type of sandal, comes a variety in look and feel. The fit of sandals, though, is actually consistent. You should, like with all of your footwear, find a pair that fits you best and will take the best possible care of your feet. So what is it exactly you should look for? Let's find out.

First and foremost, a sandal should always support you properly. When it comes to health as well as comfort, the arch of your foot needs to be cared for as much as possible. The arch of the foot is what helps you maintain posture as well as the ability to walk efficiently. To find a sandal that fits properly you want something that will support that arch. Some shoes will do that through the use of actual arch support built in from the start. Others, on the other hand, have cork soles and will mold to your foot over time. No matter which way it is done, any shoe you put on, and especially a sandal, should have good arch support to prevent fatigue as you wear them.

Secondly, a sandal should have a sole slightly larger than you foot. That may seem obvious at first, but it is easy to end up with a sandal that your toes dangle over or the sides of your foot push against. For a sandal, that in many cases has a sole that will form to your foot, you need plenty of room so that it can form properly. If the sandal has a harder sole, then it would hurt your feet if you do not have plenty of room. Everything about a sandal should be for the comfort and health of your feet and the size of the sole is no exception.

Another thing about the sole is that it should be thick. The only thing separating your feet from the ground is the sole. The sole needs to be thick enough to protect you from that wear. To keep your feet healthy, you need to keep them away from the ground and a thick sole is exactly what you need. When shoe shopping, you look for a fairly thick sole with other shoes, so why would you not do the same with your sandals? Always check the sole.

Fourth, the straps should hold your sandal on you securely. The sole needs to stay against your foot and the only way that is going to happen is if the straps keep it there. When you are shopping for sandals, try to find one with adjustable straps. Though elastic may be cheaper, you need to be able to adjust the straps as the sole wears or the straps stretch out.

When shopping for sandals there are several things you should keep in mind. Always make sure you have proper arch support so that your feet stay free of fatigue and healthy. In addition, you should find a sole that is big enough for your feet, and in addition to that it should be thick enough to protect you from the ground. Lastly, look for adjustable straps that will be able to help them fit to your feet securely. To ensure that you have all of these things, you need to make sure you try on any sandal you are thinking of buying. That is the only way you will know that it is truly the right sandal for you.