One of the greatest things about surfing equipment is that once you've purchased your surfboard and wet suit, everything else is fairly inexpensive.
The most important things you'll need if you're taking up surfing are of course your surfboard, surf wear as well as high quality wax to keep from slipping off your board.
Surfboard and wet suit pricing varies greatly however you don't want to go cheap here.
Remember, in most cases, you get what you pay for.
If you believe surfing is going to become a long-lasting passion, it's really well worth spending a little bit more for top quality products.
Wax can be bought inexpensively from surf shops, normally for under $10.
Several of these shops will toss in the wax free of charge if you're buying a surfboard or other more expensive items.
Choosing Your Surfboard Your surfboard is going to be virtually the most essential item that you'll want to research when considering surfing.
There are different boards for various conditions as well and skill levels.
The Malibu is a type of surfboard commonly used by beginners simply because its bigger, has thicker mals and is much is much easier and more stable to stand on.
The most popular surfboard is the shortboard, aka thruster which is used to execute fast moves on waves and is about 5'8'' to 6'10'' long.
The fish is a smaller version of the shortboard at about 4'8'' and 6'0''.
These board selections should have you covered when it comes to shopping for your surfboard.
Surfboard Fins You attach fins to the bottom of your surfboard which helps support your board on the waves.
You can buy both detachable and fixed glassed fins.
Surf Wear If you're planning on surfing year-round and the water temps are too frigid for board shorts, then you'll want a good wetsuit.
Wetsuit engineering as improved their performance and comfort over the years.
They're now super light, super stretchy and there are several varieties that you can purchase without zips.
If you're lucky enough to surf in warm water, you'll be able to wear boardshorts.
They are made of light weight, fast drying fabric.
An easy alternative to wetsuits.
Leashes Surfboard leashes are used to affix the board to your leg, ensuring that after you fall off the board you won't need to swim back to the beach to recover it.
Surfboard Wax Surfboard wax is applied to produce traction on the surfboard deck.
Deck Grips Deck grips are another option instead of applying surfboard wax.
They have an adhesive back that is utilized to permanently affix it to your surfboard.
Boardbags Boardbags are a must have if you want to keep your surfboard safe and ding free while you're transporting or storing it.
They come in three styles, sock, soft boardbag as well as a hard case.
There is a huge amount of different kinds of surfing equipment that you'll see at your local surf shop and on the beach.
Take your time to research your choices, ask questions and observe.
And most of all have fun!