All Articles

The Wetsuit Dilemma: Sustainable Choices for the Everyday Surfer

The Surf Poncho: Your Post-Session Sanctuary

The Solo Surfer’s Guide to Reading a Strange Lineup

Shaping the Soul: The Art of the Custom Surfboard

The Forgotten Variable: Swell Period and Why It Rules Your Session

The Pelican’s Guide to the Dawn Patrol

The Phantom Peak of Brandon Bay: Chasing the Elusive Slab of Dingle’s North Shore

The Magic of the Long Left at Inch Beach

The Unsung Hero of the Quiver: Why a Surf Poncho is Your Best Essential Extra

Chasing the Endless Point: The Mystic Pull of Scorpion Bay in Baja

The Superbank: Surfing the Golden Thread of the Gold Coast

Kicking the Oil Habit: How the Surf Stoked a Sustainable Wetsuit Revolution

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Surfboard Evolution

Bob McTavish, with his “V-bottom,“ and Dick Brewer, shaping for pros on the North Shore, were pivotal shapers. Surfers like Midget Farrelly, Wayne Lynch, and most famously, Nat Young (winning the ’66 World Contest on “Sam”) proved these new sticks worked. In Hawaii, Gerry Lopez mastered the pipeline on shorter, more maneuverable boards. These pioneers showed the world what was possible when you traded stability for high-performance.

They’re your digital lineup. Forums and social media groups are killer for getting beta on new spots, gear reviews, and connecting with surfers worldwide. You can share footage for tips or plan a surf trip with people you meet online. Just remember, the same respect applies—don’t be a keyboard warrior or blatantly ask for secret spot details. Use them to share stoke and knowledge.

Beyond a good board, a quality, warm wetsuit is a game-changer. Being cold is a session-killer and totally unsafe. A proper suit that fits well—not too baggy, not too tight—lets you surf longer in more seasons. For warmer waters, invest in a good rash guard with UV protection. Your skin will thank you after a four-hour dawn patrol. Comfort in the water means more focus on surfing, not on shivering or chafing.

Surf Icons & Heroes

Andy’s style was all about explosive power and commitment. He attacked waves with a deep, carving bottom turn that launched him into massive, critical maneuvers. His backhand reentry was a trademark weapon—a vicious, tail-throwing blast of spray. He combined progressive aerial tricks with classic, powerful rail surfing, making him a complete threat in any conditions, from Pipeline to Trestles.

Start by checking with local surf clubs or eco-crews at your home break. Follow surf conservation non-profits like Surfrider Foundation or Waves For Change on social media for event alerts. Many surf brands also host benefit contests or clean-up days—peep their community pages. Online, a quick search for “surf philanthropy” or “ocean charity events” will point you toward epic gatherings where you can donate your time or skills for the blue.

Bring a tried-and-true daily driver that handles most conditions, plus a step-up for bigger, more powerful days. If you’ve got space, a small-wave specialist like a fish or a longboard is a game-changer for those mellow sessions. Consider the likely swell and your destination’s vibe—don’t just bring all your good-weather boards if you’re chasing serious juice. A versatile quiver means you’ll never be kooked out of the water.