Planning A Surf Vacation
Indeed, a great surfing trip is something that any surfer definitely looks forward to. But although there are tons of popular surfing destinations that you can visit, nothing can compare to the excitement provided by venturing out to a surf vacation at an unknown location. Surf enthusiasts are willing to travel the world in search for the biggest swells. But before you book a flight on your next surfing destination, it is best to plan your surfing vacation properly to ensure that you won’t be wasting time and money.
Just like with any other types of vacation, careful planning will certainly come a long way to guarantee that you will make the most out of your upcoming surfing trip.
Above anything else, it is imperative that you first decide where you want to go. This is basically the first task that you have to accomplish. At this point, you should have an idea where you intend to spend your next surfing vacation. To help you make a sound travel decision, make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
- How long are you planning to stay on your next surfing vacation?
- How much is your budget and how much are you willing to spend for your surfing trip?
- Do you only intend to surf or you are looking forward to engaging in other activities as well?
- How can you reach your surfing destination? What are the safety hazards in the area?
- What kinds of waves are you looking for?
- When do big swells usually occur in the area? And when is the best time to travel?
Once you have finally set your eyes on a particular surfing hotspot, the next thing that you should worry about are the items that you should bring with your during your trip. Aside from your surfboard, you should also bring other important surfing gears particularly when you are travelling to a remote surfing location where surf shops do not exist. It is smart to bring towels, sunscreen, wax, ding repair kit, two surfboard leashes, and of course, your wetsuit. To avoid additional baggage charges and the hassle of carrying your own surfboard, consider renting the board on location. If surfboard rental is available, then it totally makes more sense to leave your board and just rent one when you reach your destination. You can actually save more when you rent the board on-site rather than bringing your own board, which will incur additional baggage charges.
Before your actual surfing trip, it is smart to research about the place where you will be heading. Doing so will allow you to make the most out of your surfing vacation. Know what kind of swells, tide, and wind exist in the area? In case, there is not much information listed about your next surfing destination, you can ask friends or local surfers who have visited the area to give you a lowdown on what to expect.
Always expect the unexpected and be prepared with unforeseen obstacles that might come your way during your surfing vacation. While it is highly recommended that you make the most out of any given situation, remember to always put safety on top of your priority list.
Read MoreCare And Maintenance Of Your Surf Gear
The importance of caring and maintaining your surf gear at its top state can never be emphasized enough. Indeed, surfing is an exciting and exhilarating sport that is known to offer the best water experience. But the only way to maximize the experience is by ensuring that your surfing gear is at its top working condition. That being said, it is critical that you know how to properly and effectively care for your surfboard, which is the most essential gear in your surfing arsenal. Without a good and well-maintained surfboard, you won’t be able to ride and enjoy the waves. Therefore, keep n mind that caring for your surfboard is just as important as learning how to ride the wave for the first time. So to help you maintain your surfboard in good condition, here are some great tips that you can follow.
Remember to always bag your surfboard after each use. Make it a habit to bag your surfboard when it is not in use. The number one reason of a surfboard’s demise is the dings or chips that it incurs during transport. 50% of the scratches and dents found on your surfboard occurred while you are transporting it to and fro the beach. Therefore to lessen the likeliness of getting dings and scratches on your precious surfboard, then you should keep it inside its bag at all times. The bag will not only enforce additional protection to your stick but will also allow it to maintain its great visual appearance longer.
Secure your surfboard by considering installing a surfboard rack. Proper storage of your surfboard is paramount to prevent it from incurring damages. Remember that a gust of wind or a curious toddler can easily knock down your surfboard if you just haphazardly leave it at an upright position. In addition to that, it can pose safety risk to inquisitive toddlers or young kids running around the house. The surfboard may accidentally fall over them when they unknowingly knock it over while they are playing. So, to prevent your surfboard from getting damaged it would be best to secure it on the wall with the aid of L-brackets. Hanging your board securely is definitely the best way to store it.
Be a protective parent and give care to your surfboard like what you will do with your baby. Avoid exposing your surfboard to harsh weather elements as these can greatly accelerate the surfboard’s wear and tear. Knowing this, it is paramount that you store your surfboard at a shaded and cool area. Do not leave it on top of your car since too much sun exposure can cause the board’s paint to flake. Too much sun exposure can weaken the fibreglass coating of your surfboard and will also cause major yellowing, which is not a pleasant sight.
By following the aforementioned caring tips, you are sure to prolong the life of your most prized surf gear – your surfboard – and enjoy years of great service from it.
Read MorePopular Destinations For Surfing Around The World
Learning new things and exploring the world are perhaps the popular pursuits that everyone, regardless of age, would want to experience. Surfing is an activity that allows one to try out something fun and exciting while at the same time gives them the opportunity to travel the world. While most people go on vacation to relax and know more about different cultures, surfing enthusiasts tour the world in order to find the best surfing spots. Surfing basically offers surfers the opportunity to conquer big and imposing waves, giving them the adrenalin rush they are craving for.
If you are a true blue surfer, you definitely know the best places to catch the biggest waves in the planet. But for those who do not have any idea where to find the top surfing destinations in the world, here are some of the popular surfing spots frequented by both amateur and professional surfers alike. (Note: The surfing spots listed below are not arranged in any particular order).
Gold Coast, Australia
Any surfing enthusiast knows that Gold Coast in Australia houses the best beaches and great waves, making it an ideal location for surfing. Located in the south-eastern part of Queensland, Gold Coast City boasts of excellent surfing beaches, canal systems and a sunny subtropical climate. Dubbed as one of the world’s best surfing destinations, this city has been recognized as a surfer’s paradise for decades now. Better than being stuck in phlebotomy training classes. Gold Coast City is well-recognized for the quality of waves found in its beaches, which remain to be unmatched until now. Though there are a lot of new surfing hotspots that sprung up over the years, Gold Coast never fail to excite and attract surfers from around the world.
North Shore, Oahu Island (Hawaii)
Recognized as the top surfing destination in the US, North Shore, found in Oahu Island in Hawaii, is also considered as the best surfing location in the world. Like Gold Coast in Australia, North Shore also tops the list of surfers. Even seasoned surfers come to North Shore to experience its exciting and enthralling waves. With North Shore’s high-quality waves, it has become a sought after surfing spot of world-class and world-renowned surfers.
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Found right off Sumatra’s western coast in Indonesia, Mentawai Islands boasts of over seventy wave-rich chains of islets and islands, making it a consistent surfing destination among seasoned and amateur surfers. It features four main islands – South Pagi, Sipora, North Pagi and Siberut – which block big swells from reaching the shore of Sumatra. Mentawai Islands have become a hotspot for serious wave hunters who want to have a taste of the greatest surfing experience in the world. The islands are only accessed by riding charter boats and ferries. If you are looking forward to ride the biggest waves, then you should schedule your surfing trip to Mentawai Islands anywhere from March to October. The biggest swells are expected to occur from June to September.
Jeffreys Bay ‘J-Bay’, South Africa
Found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, J-Bay is a very famous surfing destination that has also been featured in a number of surfing movies. Jeffreys Bay is famous for its blue flag beach, and it is also home to the popular annual surfing competition ‘Billabong Pro’. Recognized as an international event, Billabong Pro draws millions of tourists and surfers to J-Bay every year.
Read MoreLearning To Surf For Beginners
So you are all geared up to take pleasure from some great surfing action. But before you hit the water and set your foot on your surfboard, it is important that you learn how to surf properly first. If you are a novice surfer, there are some essential pointers to consider before you strut your stuff in the midst of the smashing waves.
Finding the Perfect Spot
One of the most essential points in having a successful surfing lesson is choosing the right spot. Opt for beaches that are not crowded. This way, you will be able to have the sea to yourself. It would be difficult to learn if you have to battle with a thick crowd of swimmers and some other surfers, especially the experienced ones, for some space. A beach with a spilling mushy break wave of 2-4 ft range is the perfect place to have that surfing lesson.
Acquiring Basic Surfing Skill
The basic skill that novice surfers must master is the art of paddling. Beginners can start paddling in small waves, and if you are already up to it, try paddling in the bigger waves. Position yourself on the area of the surfboard where there is least resistance when you are paddling. You can use a crawl stroke to initiate paddling and use your cupped hands to navigate a speedier glide.
Learning the Duck Dive
A special skill, known as duck diving, allows divers to pass under the breaking waves when the paddling ceases. When approaching a wave, a surfer must paddle as fast as he can. As a surfer is about to hit the big waves, which is approximately 2 feet, grab the edges of the surfboard. The surfer then must push his entire body weight onto his hands and arms. As you feel your nose submerged in water, push your head down, then the rest of your body would follow.
Catching the Waves
This is perhaps one of the most fun experiences that are a prologue to the standing up position. You have to use the paddling skills that you have learned to take you to the areas where there are unbroken waves. The nose of the board should face the beach as you are approaching a wave. Paddles as much as you can as the waves begin to lift your board, this will bring your weight forward to keep your momentum going. Your chest should be raised as you glide among the waves. Be sure to wait for the waves to become flat before you stand up on your board.
Read MoreHow Surfing Has Evolved Over the Years
Surfing could be just the next Olympic sport. Though huge efforts are yet to be made to include this fierce sport in the prestigious Olympic games, it might be very well nearing it. Nowadays, surfing has gained massive popularity all over the globe.
It is reminiscent of the ancient Hawaiian culture. He e nalu or wave sliding is the first known occurrence of the sport on Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiian folks often seek the prayers of the kahlua or the priest, to ask for the sea to provide them with good waves, which are essential to the sport. Wave sliding does not only serve as a traditional pastime, it also was used as a form of training exercise for the early folks.
One of the first missionaries in Hawaii, Captain James Crook perceived surfing as a sport that brings evil to man. Introduction of the western religion aimed to eradicate the supernatural elements of the sport. As western lifestyle has been penetrating the Hawaiian culture, surfing has dramatically declined.
In the 1900’s surfing experienced a rustic revival. This vibrant sport was brought into life again by a group of Hawaiian teenagers, the Beach Boys of Waikiki. At first it was thought that only native Hawaiians were the only ones who possess the ability to ride amongst the waves. This notion changed when a Hawaiian Irish, George Freeth, became the first promotional surfer. It only took a matter of years to spread this fierce sport to other countries. In 1915, surfing was introduced to Australia by Duke Kahanamoku.
In the 20th century, from this date onwards, surfing has been climbing the ladder of success inch by inch. An advanced surfboard design was produced in the 1920’s. In 1928, the first ever-surfing competition was held. In the modern times, advancements for this sport have been taking place. Improved materials for the surfboard were sought; this led to the use of new and better surfboard materials, fiberglass and modern Styrofoam. Jack O’Neil produced the first ever wet suit for surfing; the specialized material of the wetsuit enabled the surfers to tolerate the cold temperatures of the water.
Surf culture has also influenced several clothing brands that are hot in the market right now. Surfing also proves to be a very lucrative sport, with professional surfers earning as much as 120,000 dollars for every competition.
Indeed, surfing has come a long way and with its growing popularity, it is not far from impossible that the sport might be included in the Olympics in the near future.
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