All Articles

The Art of the Drop: How Your Takeoff Sets the Stage for the Bottom Turn

The Resin Rumble: Polyester vs. Epoxy in the Evolution of the Surfboard

Beyond the Board: Duke Kahanamoku and the Spirit of Aloha That Shaped Surfing

The Pop-Up’s Hidden Secret: The Weightless Pivot

The Twin Fin Revival: Why Two Fins Might Be Your Next Favorite Ride

The Best Wetsuit Seams for Staying Warm and Flexible in the Lineup

The Bottom Turn: Surfing’s Most Underrated Power Move

The Carving Cutback: Mastering the Arc for Steeze and Flow

Layne Beachley’s Inner Barrel: How Seven World Titles Were Won Between the Ears

Finding the Pocket: The Art of Positioning for the Perfect Barrel

The Great Foam Debate: PU vs. Epoxy in Surfboard Evolution

The Wetsuit That Saved the Ocean: How Recycling Your Rubber Keeps the Stoke Alive

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Surf Icons & Heroes

It’s the ultimate call to courage in surfing culture. The phrase was born during the 1978 World Surfing Championships at Sunset Beach when conditions were massive and dangerous. Competitors were hesitant, but everyone knew Eddie would have already been out there. It transcends surfing now, meaning to step up when things get gnarly, to face fear with commitment, and to always have your crew’s back. It’s a mindset of pure, unwavering commitment to the challenge, no matter how heavy it gets.

It’s the primary accelerator, man! A powerful bottom turn converts the gravitational speed from your drop into projected speed across the wave face. By compressing and then extending your legs while engaging the rail, you’re essentially pumping the wave. A good, solid turn off the bottom loads the board like a spring, unleashing energy that propels you down the line and up into your next section. No good bottom turn = no speed = a lame ride.

If the conditions are way above your skill level, sit it out. If you’re feeling ill, exhausted, or your gut says “no,“ listen. Watch for red flags like strong offshore winds, a rapidly incoming tide, or a nasty rip. If the locals are all on big-wave guns and you’re on a funboard, it’s not your day. There’s no shame in watching from the beach. Live to surf another, more rippable day.

Surf Lingo & Slang

Your quiver is your collection of surfboards. No single board works for all conditions, so you need different sticks for different days. A typical quiver might include a high-performance shortboard for good waves, a fish for small, mushy days, and a longboard for when it’s tiny or you want to noseride. Building your quiver is a lifelong obsession, constantly tweaked based on where you surf and how you ride. It’s a surfer’s toolbox.

The golden rule is simple: the surfer closest to the peak has right of way. Dropping in on someone’s wave is the ultimate kook move and causes collisions. Always look both ways before you take off, like checking for traffic. Respect this rule, and you’ll earn respect in the water. It’s not just about courtesy; it’s about preventing nasty wipeouts for everyone involved. Paddle wide of the peak if someone’s already on it. Your wave will come, brah.

For sure, but you gotta use it right. UV rays are a silent board killer, bleaching colors and weakening resin. A bag with a light-colored exterior reflects sunlight, providing a solid shield. Just remember, a black bag left in the sun turns into an oven—so if you’re leaving it on your racks, a reflective silver or white bag is the call. It’s like sunscreen for your precious log.