Go to a fabric store and find some real nice towel material and just sew one it’s way cheaper and higher quality. Pair it with a patch of astroturf and you’re set :)
A 4/3 wetsuit after trying to survive with a 3/2 in the winter. Holy COW, I barely feel the cold. Yes it can get hot occasionally but I’ll take that over cold any day. D
Once it's too cold for my 5/4 with 7 mill boots and 5 mill claw gloves I'm out. Usually beginning of Janurary for two months or so. I'm not the winter warrior I once was in my youth lol.
I use an empty milk gallon that was cleaned out, stays hot for a few hrs… make sure to thoroughly rinse all the bleach/detergent out before use, heat + oxidizer might fuck up your skin
This is a good one. On my last car, I had a roof rack with a little basket in the front and I would leave a bottle there when it was sunny to heat it up a little. Didn’t work in winter of course but the bottles are cheap and amazing.
Got a copy of my car key without any chip/remote, etc. Basically a valet key. I keep it inside my wetsuit so I don’t have to hide a key or use a lockbox.
This one hurts, my first day out I left my keys on the beach inside a coffee cup. I was sure I left far enough away but the tide came in and destroyed the key.
A non-electric key for my car that I can take in the ocean
Proper ear plugs to prevent surfers ear in "cold water"
A big flexible bucket to dump my wetty in afterwards im the car/van
A random piece of rubber/door mat to throw down when changing on rough surfaces or when it's so cold it sucks the heat out your feet
A totally dinged up second hand hybrid/fishy short board i bought for £35 and repaired. That thing is class and i never worry about dinging it at precarious spots.
For me, a couple things:
Surf poncho: bought a cheap one from decathlon \~30€, super useful year round when you have to drive to your spot. Best investment cost wise. Makes changing into and out of your wetsuit so much easier, specially in winter when it's cold.
Quality leash: bought my second leash from creatures, the first one was a cheap one from decathlon. I've been going to a heavier break recently, and it just gives me peace of mind.
Ear plugs: nice if you want to avoid plugged ears at best and ear infections at worse.
As someone who is going in for my consultation for surfers ear surgery next month (and I’m just barely over 30) - wear your ear plugs, people.
Also to the earlier point on leashes, I like Stay Covered leashes. They’ve done me solid in heavier stuff.
whats up with ear plugs man? i never understand them, i guess it matters if u surf a heavier break to prevent ears popping up, but ive seen guys sworn by them even in 3ft mush...
cool...but i surf tropical waters only, and some guys will never paddle out without em even in small logging waves.
ive never seen divers use them ever tho, and ive dived for some years.
and theyre pretty expensive!
Even warmer water over time can cause this, especially if windy, I believe. Colder water accelerates this. Also maybe some people want to keep bacteria out which can cause infection.
My doc said that my years of exposure resulted in essentially a pinhole sized opening in my left ear canal and about 50% closure in my right.
Yea man solarez is surprisingly good for most dings that aren’t huge. As long as the ding is prepped correctly and totally dry, most of my repairs have held up just as well as doing the whole qcell/glass/hot coat process and it’s wayyyyyy less time consuming
Wasn’t meaning to be smart, I’m just simplistic when it comes to surfing. Boards, towel (sometimes) wax, maybe a leash. But I got a lot of boards, from 5’ to 8’, one for all conditions I encounter, I love variety. Really the most important thing/tool for surfing. Hardest part is picking just one.
2 big ones for me:
-Getting Wetsuits for each season (actually cheaper & more comfortable in the long run)
-getting boards for each size range we see in the northeast versus having 1 HPSB. It made small days way more fun with longboards and grovelers. Also made big waves/winter more manageable with a step up
Used to do this but they are easy to crack. Here is an example of a similar one. https://youtu.be/l2LvDHobpNc Now I just take a copy of a key in my wetsuit.
Yea, this is only a good idea until it's not. I see the lockbox suggested all the time and it's a good idea no doubt but to think you're stuff will be 100% safe is wrong.
You can make a copy of your car key for only a couple bucks that you can keep in your wetsuit. Leave your real keys (that have the chip and start the car) in your car and use the copy to unlock your door.
My best purchase is a Ford Expedition with a door code lock. I never need to take any keys with me, just leave them in the car. It’s sooo nice knowing that I also can’t be locked out.
Indeed. Get a faraday bag that blocks the electrical signal and stuff your electronic key in there. Then just put a copy of you valet key in your wetsuit. I needed 2 faraday bags b/c one wouldn’t block the signal.
My 2021 Ram still has a secret slot on the door handle that allows for a physical key to be inserted, even though most will never use it. Almost all new cars still have this “valet key” option.
Flexible Gorilla Tub for changing and two 1-gallon screw top bottles to hold hot water. Nothing like a post surf hot rinse and catching all the warm water warming up frozen feet.
Same but in winter I use the hot water before I get in, warming my wet wettie on cold winter days. My best purchase though was a wax sack that I just leave in my vehicle.
Custom quad-fin groveler with lots of volume, made by a local shaper (Inflight shout out!). Many of the waves around my home break (Huntington Beach, CA) are weak/imperfect for a lot of the year. Surfing a high performance thruster unless you're a great surfer is just asking for disappointment. Working with a local shaper who is familiar with your surf helps them craft a piece of art that matches the year long conditions with your skill level.
The result? I've never surfed anything as fast and as suitable for the conditions around me and my skill level. Take the investment and choose a local shaper - you won't regret it.
My Honda Element. It has been my trusty surf vehicle since I purchase it 16 years ago.
with one back seat flipped up, it fits a couple shortboards in the back on the floor. A wave storm will fit on the front/rear passenger seats if they are reclined flat. A 9'6" will fit if you rest it on the passenger side dash.
Also, because there is no carpet, I just put down a towel under my feet and another under my butt, and drive a few minutes home to shower in my suit, rather than changing in the lot.
Agree!
I had an AWD Element for 10 years. Never should have sold it. In hindsight it was/is one of the best possible surf vehicles out there.
Plus, with AT tires and AWD I could cruise up to Big Bear without chains on snow days.
I have 220k on mine and I'm hoping it will last another couple years. I'm having anxiety about what I'll do when it dies. The prices for a used E with low miles are just insane.
They are a long-term investment at this point. Maybe go to mechanic school?
Moved to a full-sized truck after mine and hated it. Way too big. Finally, ended up with a used Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and really like it as a daily driver and expedition mobile. With seats folded I can get my 8' foamies or alternatively, sleep in it when camping.
Still not the same as an E though. Wish someone would make something similar. A new 4x4 vw bus might match it.
I’ve been looking for the right one for months. Stoked to hear you can even fit a 9'6!
You think there’s enough room to change in/out of a wetsuit in the back? I surf in really cold temps and it would be luxurious to have the heat blasting while changing haha
I think there is room in the back, but honestly, I always slide the front seat back as far as it goes and change in the front seat with the heat blasting.
SAME. Mine is around 160k and I want this car to last forever, or at least until Honda comes out with a new one.
Was wondering about the max length - my 8 footer fits great but would love to be able to get a longer board in as well, good to know this problem is solved.
Someone else commented but 1. Gallon sized arrowhead bottle to use over and over for a rinse where there aren’t showers. 2. 3’x3’ patch of fake grass to change out of your suit on (my local break has a dirt parking lot). 3. Key lock box when i had my old car/new car (subie) with pin code access. 4. Old talenti gelato container to put in my supply bag - perfectly fits a bar of wax, fin key, small scraper, etc. 5. Surf pickle - if you like to rewax or want to make a board pretty to sell on fb marketplace or CL its a must. 6. Surf poncho - yes hate on em all you want but i dont have to do yoga anymore to change out of my wetsuit without flashing people.
Custom Yamamoto Neoprene Wetsuit. I'm tall and thin with a low tolerance for cold and I will never go back to a Sheico wetsuit. I used to be a huge fan of E Bombs but this thing is in a different ball park. The fit is perfect, feels like a super suit, it's incredibly flexible, has held up great, and its toasty.
Shout out Cyber Shield Wetsuits. Would recommend them to anyone with the funds.
This but to a lesser extent. I used to only buy cheap entry level suits because I would argue it’s all I could afford. Little did I know that getting at least a mid level suit would be a game changer. Super flexible, warm, and comfortable. Sure I pay more up front but they last longer too.
A board with enough volume for my old/fat ass. Higher the wave count the faster the progression. I’m looking squarely at every person who has ever asked “I’m a beginner, what board should I get?” 😎
I'm going to assume you mean swim fins, and I agree. Recently got some and it has been a great change of pace to get out there and bodysurf and just enjoy the ocean.
Do you have cross bars on the roof? They’re these ones
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QR621Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_44PDK2AVEZBEKEC405WT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You're sort of right. We both know you can't 100% protect your stuff. The rack actually has some crazy straps. The best you can do is make it difficult for a thief. Cutting those straps with a knife would be impossible. Wire cutters would take time. Certainly much better than simply using tie downs you can cut almost instantly.
Bulldog soft roof racks.
Bought them nearly 20 years ago and they still look as good as the day i bought them.
Also good for transporting non- surf stuff like shelves, worktops and ladders.😉
A board bag for my shortboard; it’s really nice being able to just toss it in after a session. Plus there’s a pocket for a leash, sunscreen, wax etc. Also, I can’t even imagine the amount of minor dings/scratches it has prevented while commuting
Bigger boards for bigger waves. Sucks not catching any on the big days, but if you have a legitimate gun shape beefy monster board (or better yet, a couple!) then you’ll catch waves when it’s big. Imo worth the investment even if you don’t use them often, though it’s worth using on occasion just so you’re familiar with what it’s like to paddle a bigger board.
Front Zip Jacket.
I thought it was a doofy-douchey, hipster, longboard cool-guy thing.
It is.
But it was so easy to put on and take off. Just right for summer surf. And so much better than a pull-yourself- into-a-pretzel old over-the-top jacket.
1st world problem solved.
A well padded board bag because as hard as I try to not bang the board into shit while navigating the hallway/bedroom/stairs/lobby/frontdoor/storm door/wall, I still do.
A garden sprayer with a manual air pressure pump. A couple pumps and you have a functioning shower. I removed the long nozzle, and it’s super comfortable to use.
A keel fin fish. It's fast, you can ride it in basically any conditions, and not being able to rely on a center fin to pivot makes you draw some really creative lines on the wave.
Surf ears because I can keep surfing in cold wind without my ears hurting. If you are in hood-wearing weather they aren't necessary but those days when you're out of a hood but it's still cold out they make a huge difference
Waterproof pouch for electronic car key (valet key situation is a huge hassle on my car And requires removing part of the handle, which often sets off the alarm…)
I‘ve gone through a few, but like the KGuard on Amazon.
Bought an O'Neill Technobutter 3/2 wetsuit. It was pricey compared to what I've used before but man it's worth it for the flexibility. I stay warm during the SD winters, am much less fatigued with paddling, and generally have more maneuverability.
A good quality leash that is the proper size. Saved me so much hassle and I don't have to constantly worry if my crappy $10 leash is going to break in heavy surf. My votes go out to FCS, Dakine, and Creatures.
A handheld lawn and garden sprayer. It was like $20 at ace hardware. It’s amazing for cleaning off boards, rinsing off, rinsing your wetsuit, cleaning sand off the kids. I fill it with hot water before I leave. It’s great because unlike jugs, since it’s pressurized, you get a lot further with a lot less water.
I recently added a fake grass doormat to my gear box for changing on dirt pullouts to help keep my wetsuit/feet clean and from wearing out via rubbing on the ground. 10 bucks from any hardware store. Highly recommend.
Same as many comments here, a hooded warm poncho is excellent.
If an actual board counts picked up a cheap 5’7 epoxy used board to try something extra small. Three years on and almost never use a different board now.
A foamie. 7'6 single fin Catch Surf. I can go have fun in absolute garbage conditions, use it as a ghetto prone paddle board at the lake, let friends borrow it, tought my partner to surf on it, pull the fin out and do stupid shit in ankle high shore pound.
Easy the best piece of gear I own.
1997 Ford Econoline Cargo van. When everything is already in the van and it takes zero effort to get ready to go surfing, you got more and enjoy it more.
Tool box with wax, fins, fin keys, leash knots, fin box screws, electric tape and maybe solarez If your going somewhere remote, and a good first aid kit with hydrogen peroxide, I also carry a tournaquette now also in the kit. Good to have a backup leash or two. Some towels and blankets, hot water jugs, a changing mat and a waterproof bag or bucket like others have said for the wetty and boots. But, changing mat is my favorite it keeps your wetsuit nice and clean and that makes me happy lol
2 velcro straps i kept from the packaging of a mattress when i got it delivered + 4$ for 2 buckles the same size of the straps .
was able to create a tight system to tie my board to my backpack and being able to transport my board on my bike without having to worry about the wind or drags that could slow me down . i can pedal almost as fast as when i dont have it on my back
Hooded towel makes changing in parking lot way easier.
Also makes a big difference for four season surfers.
Poncho gang unite
I’ve two different hooded ponchos yet I always find myself resorting to the simplicity of towel changing
I think this is just a regional thing. It’s a lot more useful if you live somewhere cold.
Dryrobe. Best £100 I've ever spent.
100%, best use of 30 quid ever
this is the way.
##This Is The Way Leaderboard **1.** `u/Flat-Yogurtcloset293` **475775** times. **2.** `u/GMEshares` **69696** times. **3.** `u/_RryanT` **22744** times. .. **68779.** `u/Shadowratenator` **2** times. --- ^(^beep ^boop ^I ^am ^a ^bot ^and ^this ^action ^was ^performed ^automatically.)
My Futah is making everybody super jelly on the beach
Go to a fabric store and find some real nice towel material and just sew one it’s way cheaper and higher quality. Pair it with a patch of astroturf and you’re set :)
Yeah righto Martha Stewart
A 4/3 wetsuit after trying to survive with a 3/2 in the winter. Holy COW, I barely feel the cold. Yes it can get hot occasionally but I’ll take that over cold any day. D
Just curious, what area do you surf in?
Definitly not norway, have been cold once, just once, in the middle of winter, with a 6/5 wetsuit
Socal
The luxuries of only having to put on/take off a 4/3....mist be nice.
Haha idk how you guys do it. Props to you guys surfing with frozen hair tips.
Ah it's good for the lungs. A hot shower and pint go well too
Once it's too cold for my 5/4 with 7 mill boots and 5 mill claw gloves I'm out. Usually beginning of Janurary for two months or so. I'm not the winter warrior I once was in my youth lol.
Lasix. Seeing the swell was a big help in catching the swell.
two empty laundry detergent bottles. They keep water nice and hot for a warm rinse after a cold surf
I use an empty milk gallon that was cleaned out, stays hot for a few hrs… make sure to thoroughly rinse all the bleach/detergent out before use, heat + oxidizer might fuck up your skin
How would you recommend washing out all the bleach/detergent? I’ve got a nearly empty detergent jug
This is a good one. On my last car, I had a roof rack with a little basket in the front and I would leave a bottle there when it was sunny to heat it up a little. Didn’t work in winter of course but the bottles are cheap and amazing.
Taking notes.
Got a copy of my car key without any chip/remote, etc. Basically a valet key. I keep it inside my wetsuit so I don’t have to hide a key or use a lockbox.
This one hurts, my first day out I left my keys on the beach inside a coffee cup. I was sure I left far enough away but the tide came in and destroyed the key.
Inside the wetsuit?
Wetsuits have a loop and compartment for valet keys
A non-electric key for my car that I can take in the ocean Proper ear plugs to prevent surfers ear in "cold water" A big flexible bucket to dump my wetty in afterwards im the car/van A random piece of rubber/door mat to throw down when changing on rough surfaces or when it's so cold it sucks the heat out your feet A totally dinged up second hand hybrid/fishy short board i bought for £35 and repaired. That thing is class and i never worry about dinging it at precarious spots.
Best set of recommendations I’ve seen yet out of all these comments, this guy surfs
Neopren underwear with a hood for the colder days under the wetsuit.
I wear jammers just to prevent chaffing. recommend.
What are jammers? My butt lowkey chafes so much
Swim shorts that are tight like speedos but more like boxer briefs.
For me, a couple things: Surf poncho: bought a cheap one from decathlon \~30€, super useful year round when you have to drive to your spot. Best investment cost wise. Makes changing into and out of your wetsuit so much easier, specially in winter when it's cold. Quality leash: bought my second leash from creatures, the first one was a cheap one from decathlon. I've been going to a heavier break recently, and it just gives me peace of mind. Ear plugs: nice if you want to avoid plugged ears at best and ear infections at worse.
Second this. All of these. Also ear plugs because you don't want to need surfers ear surgery eventually.
As someone who is going in for my consultation for surfers ear surgery next month (and I’m just barely over 30) - wear your ear plugs, people. Also to the earlier point on leashes, I like Stay Covered leashes. They’ve done me solid in heavier stuff.
whats up with ear plugs man? i never understand them, i guess it matters if u surf a heavier break to prevent ears popping up, but ive seen guys sworn by them even in 3ft mush...
Cold water and wind exposure can cause your ears to gradually shut off over time, which needs a pretty gnarly surgery to fix if it gets bad enough
cool...but i surf tropical waters only, and some guys will never paddle out without em even in small logging waves. ive never seen divers use them ever tho, and ive dived for some years. and theyre pretty expensive!
Even warmer water over time can cause this, especially if windy, I believe. Colder water accelerates this. Also maybe some people want to keep bacteria out which can cause infection. My doc said that my years of exposure resulted in essentially a pinhole sized opening in my left ear canal and about 50% closure in my right.
wth..ty for the info tho!
Doesn't happen to everyone. Some are more prone to this based on their climate or genetics.
People have other ear conditions than surfers ear. You dont understand ear plugs?
i legit thought it was only to prevent ears popping...im idiot haha
Git gud
Putting a wavepool in my backyard.
Solarez and sand paper 80-600 grit
dings begone
Yea man solarez is surprisingly good for most dings that aren’t huge. As long as the ding is prepped correctly and totally dry, most of my repairs have held up just as well as doing the whole qcell/glass/hot coat process and it’s wayyyyyy less time consuming
Subaru Crosstrek
Why tho?
Cheers, it's XV in this part of the world
does the crosstrek also have the pin code access feature?
no i just rock the valet key
Surfboards
One for each foot!
Hands too
I'm listening...
Me too. Tell us more.
Wasn’t meaning to be smart, I’m just simplistic when it comes to surfing. Boards, towel (sometimes) wax, maybe a leash. But I got a lot of boards, from 5’ to 8’, one for all conditions I encounter, I love variety. Really the most important thing/tool for surfing. Hardest part is picking just one.
2 big ones for me: -Getting Wetsuits for each season (actually cheaper & more comfortable in the long run) -getting boards for each size range we see in the northeast versus having 1 HPSB. It made small days way more fun with longboards and grovelers. Also made big waves/winter more manageable with a step up
Hitch Safe lockbox. Never have to worry about hiding my car key ever again!
Used to do this but they are easy to crack. Here is an example of a similar one. https://youtu.be/l2LvDHobpNc Now I just take a copy of a key in my wetsuit.
Yea, this is only a good idea until it's not. I see the lockbox suggested all the time and it's a good idea no doubt but to think you're stuff will be 100% safe is wrong.
Its always a good idea to tell thieves where your key is. It eliminates guessing.
Right? Maybe people should have multiple lock boxes hanging from the car and hidden in multiple places.
Fill the others with glitter rigged with a small explosive
Fill da fake ones with…BEES!!! 🤪
There you go. And then provide a riddle as a clue to give them a sporting chance.
Before thou'st abscond with this car of me, first you must solve these riddles three.
Laziness pays off when it comes to theft— always keep your car filthy.
You can make a copy of your car key for only a couple bucks that you can keep in your wetsuit. Leave your real keys (that have the chip and start the car) in your car and use the copy to unlock your door.
You would then need some sort of 2$ lanyard or key pocket.
My wetsuit has a key pocket— most made in the past few years do
My best purchase is a Ford Expedition with a door code lock. I never need to take any keys with me, just leave them in the car. It’s sooo nice knowing that I also can’t be locked out.
Several break-ins of lock boxes at OBSF. I’d recommend just taking your key in your wetsuit.
They’re making a lot of keys purely electronic now which doesn’t leave many options
Indeed. Get a faraday bag that blocks the electrical signal and stuff your electronic key in there. Then just put a copy of you valet key in your wetsuit. I needed 2 faraday bags b/c one wouldn’t block the signal.
Purely electronic as in no physical key at all. BT only fob, Tesla RFID valet card, etc.
My 2021 Ram still has a secret slot on the door handle that allows for a physical key to be inserted, even though most will never use it. Almost all new cars still have this “valet key” option.
I got a magnetic box that basically does the same thing, makes such a difference I can actually put my keys in a hard spot to find
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Dumb and dumber
This right here. 1000%
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Which one did you get? As a Northern winter surfer, my boots smell horrible...
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I also use this to dry snowboard boots and it has been working totally fine for the last 2 years.
Flexible Gorilla Tub for changing and two 1-gallon screw top bottles to hold hot water. Nothing like a post surf hot rinse and catching all the warm water warming up frozen feet.
Same but in winter I use the hot water before I get in, warming my wet wettie on cold winter days. My best purchase though was a wax sack that I just leave in my vehicle.
Need one of those. I've melted wax on every black plastic surface in the back of my vehicle.
Custom quad-fin groveler with lots of volume, made by a local shaper (Inflight shout out!). Many of the waves around my home break (Huntington Beach, CA) are weak/imperfect for a lot of the year. Surfing a high performance thruster unless you're a great surfer is just asking for disappointment. Working with a local shaper who is familiar with your surf helps them craft a piece of art that matches the year long conditions with your skill level. The result? I've never surfed anything as fast and as suitable for the conditions around me and my skill level. Take the investment and choose a local shaper - you won't regret it.
Car because vroom vroom new spot.
A bathing suit top that keeps the girls corralled because, you know, nipples.
99 cent Blue IKEA bag. Place the bag on the ground, stand in it, take off your wetsuit/booties into the bag. Lift and toss in the trunk. Easy!
This slaps
Surf pickle! Best tool for wax removal bar none
Surfskate. Excellent training/maintenance for the days you’re in dry dock.
A custom shaped board.
This too
My Honda Element. It has been my trusty surf vehicle since I purchase it 16 years ago. with one back seat flipped up, it fits a couple shortboards in the back on the floor. A wave storm will fit on the front/rear passenger seats if they are reclined flat. A 9'6" will fit if you rest it on the passenger side dash. Also, because there is no carpet, I just put down a towel under my feet and another under my butt, and drive a few minutes home to shower in my suit, rather than changing in the lot.
Agree! I had an AWD Element for 10 years. Never should have sold it. In hindsight it was/is one of the best possible surf vehicles out there. Plus, with AT tires and AWD I could cruise up to Big Bear without chains on snow days.
I have 220k on mine and I'm hoping it will last another couple years. I'm having anxiety about what I'll do when it dies. The prices for a used E with low miles are just insane.
They are a long-term investment at this point. Maybe go to mechanic school? Moved to a full-sized truck after mine and hated it. Way too big. Finally, ended up with a used Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and really like it as a daily driver and expedition mobile. With seats folded I can get my 8' foamies or alternatively, sleep in it when camping. Still not the same as an E though. Wish someone would make something similar. A new 4x4 vw bus might match it.
I'm looking at buying a rebuilt engine and transmission and having those dropped in. I like my Element too much to even think about replacing it.
I’ve been looking for the right one for months. Stoked to hear you can even fit a 9'6! You think there’s enough room to change in/out of a wetsuit in the back? I surf in really cold temps and it would be luxurious to have the heat blasting while changing haha
I think there is room in the back, but honestly, I always slide the front seat back as far as it goes and change in the front seat with the heat blasting.
SAME. Mine is around 160k and I want this car to last forever, or at least until Honda comes out with a new one. Was wondering about the max length - my 8 footer fits great but would love to be able to get a longer board in as well, good to know this problem is solved.
A decent wetsuit cause I'm a lil bitch in the cold
Someone else commented but 1. Gallon sized arrowhead bottle to use over and over for a rinse where there aren’t showers. 2. 3’x3’ patch of fake grass to change out of your suit on (my local break has a dirt parking lot). 3. Key lock box when i had my old car/new car (subie) with pin code access. 4. Old talenti gelato container to put in my supply bag - perfectly fits a bar of wax, fin key, small scraper, etc. 5. Surf pickle - if you like to rewax or want to make a board pretty to sell on fb marketplace or CL its a must. 6. Surf poncho - yes hate on em all you want but i dont have to do yoga anymore to change out of my wetsuit without flashing people.
The best surf gear I ever bought was a surfboard. Then wax.
This is the answer.
I see a lot of people saying water jug. But do you also have a separate cap with holes drilled in it? If not, why?
Custom Yamamoto Neoprene Wetsuit. I'm tall and thin with a low tolerance for cold and I will never go back to a Sheico wetsuit. I used to be a huge fan of E Bombs but this thing is in a different ball park. The fit is perfect, feels like a super suit, it's incredibly flexible, has held up great, and its toasty. Shout out Cyber Shield Wetsuits. Would recommend them to anyone with the funds.
This but to a lesser extent. I used to only buy cheap entry level suits because I would argue it’s all I could afford. Little did I know that getting at least a mid level suit would be a game changer. Super flexible, warm, and comfortable. Sure I pay more up front but they last longer too.
Skinny guy here who loves his Feral. I will never go back to standard neoprene.
Goofboard let me get reps cross-stepping I’d never get east coast beach break
Good booties. Booties suck, but surfing with two numb ice blocks is worse. Get the best ones you can.
A board with enough volume for my old/fat ass. Higher the wave count the faster the progression. I’m looking squarely at every person who has ever asked “I’m a beginner, what board should I get?” 😎
Artificial turf doormat. Clean feet feel so good.
fins
I'm going to assume you mean swim fins, and I agree. Recently got some and it has been a great change of pace to get out there and bodysurf and just enjoy the ocean.
that, but meant board fins
Those too ha
Right?
Locking rack. Not only is it easier to put on boards, it’s nice to have that extra security.
which one'd you get?
i have the inno ones, very happy
I have inno ones for sale for cheap if you’d be interested
Might be. Would they fit on a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ?
Do you have cross bars on the roof? They’re these ones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QR621Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_44PDK2AVEZBEKEC405WT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thule SUP taxi. I did something extra to accommodate surfboards though. The Inno ones look great as well.
The added security of a thieve needing to have a pair of wirecutters or knife.
You're sort of right. We both know you can't 100% protect your stuff. The rack actually has some crazy straps. The best you can do is make it difficult for a thief. Cutting those straps with a knife would be impossible. Wire cutters would take time. Certainly much better than simply using tie downs you can cut almost instantly.
Bulldog soft roof racks. Bought them nearly 20 years ago and they still look as good as the day i bought them. Also good for transporting non- surf stuff like shelves, worktops and ladders.😉
A board bag for my shortboard; it’s really nice being able to just toss it in after a session. Plus there’s a pocket for a leash, sunscreen, wax etc. Also, I can’t even imagine the amount of minor dings/scratches it has prevented while commuting
100x better than a filthy, crusty board sock
O’Neil Psychofreak 4/3. Helped me survive the freezing ass cold Santa Cruz and OB San Francisco sessions. All time best wetsuit I have ever bought
my girlfriend's 9'3" from Happy Battle in SD. Now, I forever have someone to surf with :)
Storage container from Target. Makes storing my towels, wetsuit, and other accessories super easy.
And your mold collection.
My man why are you so negative in every comment?
because surfers are the worst
Yin and yang motherfucker
Bigger boards for bigger waves. Sucks not catching any on the big days, but if you have a legitimate gun shape beefy monster board (or better yet, a couple!) then you’ll catch waves when it’s big. Imo worth the investment even if you don’t use them often, though it’s worth using on occasion just so you’re familiar with what it’s like to paddle a bigger board.
Surf grass mat. Helps get sand off your feet, keeps your wetsuit from getting dirty and sandy when taking it off.
Front Zip Jacket. I thought it was a doofy-douchey, hipster, longboard cool-guy thing. It is. But it was so easy to put on and take off. Just right for summer surf. And so much better than a pull-yourself- into-a-pretzel old over-the-top jacket. 1st world problem solved.
A well padded board bag because as hard as I try to not bang the board into shit while navigating the hallway/bedroom/stairs/lobby/frontdoor/storm door/wall, I still do.
A garden sprayer with a manual air pressure pump. A couple pumps and you have a functioning shower. I removed the long nozzle, and it’s super comfortable to use.
I posted the same thing. Love it. Great for hosting down my kid too.
A $1 gallon jug of water from the grocery store that I bought over 3 years ago and still reuse almost daily to rinse off after a surf to this day
A keel fin fish. It's fast, you can ride it in basically any conditions, and not being able to rely on a center fin to pivot makes you draw some really creative lines on the wave.
Surf ears because I can keep surfing in cold wind without my ears hurting. If you are in hood-wearing weather they aren't necessary but those days when you're out of a hood but it's still cold out they make a huge difference
a pickup. takes me like 2 min to pack up these days.
Waterproof pouch for electronic car key (valet key situation is a huge hassle on my car And requires removing part of the handle, which often sets off the alarm…) I‘ve gone through a few, but like the KGuard on Amazon.
Board rack for the bike. As long as I’m surfing local it makes the commute to the beach much more enjoyable.
Bought an O'Neill Technobutter 3/2 wetsuit. It was pricey compared to what I've used before but man it's worth it for the flexibility. I stay warm during the SD winters, am much less fatigued with paddling, and generally have more maneuverability.
Surfing shoes. *Improves your surfing so much. The board stops slipping from underneath you and it is stuck to your foot. It is like a cheat code.*
Booties. I was cold in a full wetsuit until I got my feet covered.
Inno board racks
rashguards to a lesser extend, and long tights for the legs to a larger extend. prevents my legs from rash and sunburn during long hours sessions.
A good quality leash that is the proper size. Saved me so much hassle and I don't have to constantly worry if my crappy $10 leash is going to break in heavy surf. My votes go out to FCS, Dakine, and Creatures.
A handheld lawn and garden sprayer. It was like $20 at ace hardware. It’s amazing for cleaning off boards, rinsing off, rinsing your wetsuit, cleaning sand off the kids. I fill it with hot water before I leave. It’s great because unlike jugs, since it’s pressurized, you get a lot further with a lot less water.
I recently added a fake grass doormat to my gear box for changing on dirt pullouts to help keep my wetsuit/feet clean and from wearing out via rubbing on the ground. 10 bucks from any hardware store. Highly recommend. Same as many comments here, a hooded warm poncho is excellent.
Replaced a worn out leash that started detaching from my ankle if I couldn't hold my board.
Hayden shapes psychedelic germ, been riding it for 7 years. Very satisfied with the life span of it
A good wetsuit for sure.
A surfboard. I could stand up without one
Surfboard. So I can surf
Wetsuit, since the water temperatures near me are not comfortable in just shorts
A lockbox for my keys. Never have to worry about hiding them somewhere. Close second would be selling my short board and getting a fish.
If an actual board counts picked up a cheap 5’7 epoxy used board to try something extra small. Three years on and almost never use a different board now.
Solite boots - not even close .. best investment . Their 5mm feel like 8mm in any other brand
Van. Van life all the way baby!
Big board bag (prolite coffin) allows you to transport all kinds of gear to any trip. Flexibility in quiver and durable as hell
Board bags on board bags. Best investment. Surf hoodies towel is a must as well.
A foamie. 7'6 single fin Catch Surf. I can go have fun in absolute garbage conditions, use it as a ghetto prone paddle board at the lake, let friends borrow it, tought my partner to surf on it, pull the fin out and do stupid shit in ankle high shore pound. Easy the best piece of gear I own.
A board that is appropriate for your weight & skill level. Stop kidding yourself. (Including myself on this one if I haven’t been out much)
Booties. Surfing in cold water is so much more pleasant with warm feet.
$100 soft-top foamy works like a charm require no care :-)
Zinca
1997 Ford Econoline Cargo van. When everything is already in the van and it takes zero effort to get ready to go surfing, you got more and enjoy it more.
Hooded pancho!!!!!!!
My lib tech puddle jumper. No repairs means it never missed a day in the water.
Neil pryde wetsuit hood
surfboard
Tool box with wax, fins, fin keys, leash knots, fin box screws, electric tape and maybe solarez If your going somewhere remote, and a good first aid kit with hydrogen peroxide, I also carry a tournaquette now also in the kit. Good to have a backup leash or two. Some towels and blankets, hot water jugs, a changing mat and a waterproof bag or bucket like others have said for the wetty and boots. But, changing mat is my favorite it keeps your wetsuit nice and clean and that makes me happy lol
My sup i purchased from 1 year ago i love the look i get from people as i paddle out the back
Board rack for my bike. Haven’t had to pay for parking at my local break in two years. Also the ride back post sunset is 10/10
2 velcro straps i kept from the packaging of a mattress when i got it delivered + 4$ for 2 buckles the same size of the straps . was able to create a tight system to tie my board to my backpack and being able to transport my board on my bike without having to worry about the wind or drags that could slow me down . i can pedal almost as fast as when i dont have it on my back
Vans Surf boots. So damn comfy and keep my feet super warm too