Surf Technique Deep Dive

You gotta be willing to put in the work, mate. Dawn patrol is your best friend—most crew is still in bed. Walk further down the beach or take a longer paddle than everyone else. Get off the beaten path; explore lesser-known coasts and be self-sufficient. Learn to read forecasts for spots that only work on certain swells or tides. Sometimes it means surfing when it’s smaller, or when the conditions are less than perfect. The best waves often come with a side of adventure, not convenience.

For sure, even if you’re not out to win. Contests are like family reunions for the local scene. The vibe is all about shared stoke, cheering each other on, and talking story between heats. You’ll meet everyone from hot-dogging shortboarders to soulful longboarders. Volunteering to help run the event is an even better move—you become part of the backbone of the community instantly.

First, you gotta let the board dry out completely, which can take a few days. Then, grab some coarse-grit sandpaper and rough up the area around the ding, making sure to feather the edges of the existing glass. Clean out any loose foam or old resin. Wipe it down with acetone to get rid of all wax, oil, and dust—this is crucial for the new resin to stick. A clean, dry, and rough surface is key. If you skip this, your patch will just pop right off after a few waves.

Totally! That’s the beauty of them. They’re the ultimate multi-tasker for the surfer lifestyle. Rock them straight from the lineup to the beach BBQ, or for a post-sesh smoothie run. They’re perfect for travel, hiking to a secret spot, or just chillin’. Just give ’em a fresh-water rinse if you’ve been in the salt to keep them from getting crusty. Just remember, if they have a mesh liner, maybe skip the fancy restaurant—opt for the linerless, more casual pair for maximum all-day comfort.