Heated Wetsuits
With more advanced and in turn warmer wetsuits the prices continue to rise. The major debate is whether the higher prices are worth the product which you are getting. Some wetsuit manufactures have been testing and constructing heated wetsuits. These wetsuits can keep you warm in most any conditions, yet they do come with a price that is more than many surfers prefer to spend. But if you can find the extra money and plan on going to surf in the most extreme conditions than go for it.
Retro Surfboards
In all aspects of the world, retro is making a comeback. But what is considered “retro”? Is it something from the past or a new trend which reminds people of something of the past. Retro is definitely coming back for surfing. Look on the board racks of your surf shop. Look at the new and poplar board shorts. Right now it is a Ride anything; wear anything era.
Retro surfboards are becoming more and more popular as many people downsize their quivers. This is because retro boards are more versatile. Paddle into most line-ups and you will see at least one fish, single fin or classic longboard. The reason for this is because retro boards are often loose and offer a look into the past. My favorite retro board to ride is a twin keel fin fish.
Know your Limits
Every year hundreds of beach goers and surfers go into surf conditions which are past their limits and boundaries. This puts lifeguard’s and their lives at risk. I have seen this countless times before and I cringe every time I know that someone is going to be a rescuer for a lifeguard. An example of this is when California gets a strong south swell. The swell usually brings long lulls in between sets. This is when inexperienced get in trouble. They often are in the impact zone right when a big set comes.
Knowing your limits is essential to your well being and safety. It is not right to put a lifeguard’s life at risk to come rescue you in strong and rough surf. Knowing and stopping at your limits is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is actually very smart. Even I have limits and there have been days that I have gone to the beach, but never went in because I was not up for the long paddle and even longer hold downs. We all have those days when it just isn’t worth it. After saying that you should always push yourself to surf bigger waves if it is safe.
So you might be wondering how to train for big waves and increase your limits. The best thing to do is practice swimming long distances and swimming the length of a pool underwater (25 Meters). This will expand you lung capacity and endurance. When swimming underwater for long distances always make sure someone is watching you to make sure you do not black out underwater. Safety is key and knowing your limits will keep you safe.
Staying warm when surfing in the winter
Surfing in the winter can be a test of a surfers dedication to the sport and tolerance of cold water. It is not pleasant and sometimes down right extreme. Sometimes winter rewards surfers with great waves and other times there are no waves.
There are many tricks and tips to staying warm and avoid hypothermia. Some of these tips are expensive such as an expensive and thick heated wetsuit. However, my favorite and free trick is “Stay Active – Stay Warm” By staying active you will stay warmer. So when it is cold stay active by catching a lot of waves or moving around the line-up. Staying warm will also keep you from cramping. The real trick to enjoying a cold winter surf session is to stay warm and active.
Hippyos Clothing
If you want to talk about an innovative surf clothing company than talk about Hippyos Apparel. If you want to talk about stylish clothing, hand crafted and reasonably priced than you should talk about Hippyos Apparel. When I think about Hippyos Clothing one word comes to mind – Original. I stumbled upon Hippyos Apparel a few years ago and have loved there products and how each item was hand crafted.
Hippyos Apparel has dedicated their whole company to making hand crafted beanies with the surf culture in mind. Each hand crafted Hippyos Apparel beanie sells for $14.99 with free shipping. Talk about quality and pricing. They know that surfers do not want to wear the simple and plain beanies which larger clothing companies make. So they have done their best to create simple, yet unique products which fit perfectly with the surfer’s lifestyle.
Bio
Welcome to Hippyos Clothing. We are a young and exclusive surf/skate/snow clothing company. We believe in quality rather than quantity. We also try our best to keep our prices low to benefit you, the customer. Most of our products are natural so we don’t harm the environment. We are located in Orange County, California. We are surrounded by great beaches and surfing which explains why our few employees surf. Often times we will take breaks mid-week to go surfing and to discuss new products. Our main goal is to make a good quality product at a affordable price for everyone’s budget.
Hippyos Beanies can be purchased by clicking here: Hippyos Apparel
Some of their beanies:
Ron Jon Surf Shop
What was purposed a few years ago was a Florida’s surfers dream come true. It was also every other surfers dream coming true. A state of the art surf park with two sperate wave pools. The facility would feature kiosks to try out new surfboards and other surfing items including fins, wax and leashes. This would be one of the first large scale facilities dedicated completely to surfing. Every surfer was on the edge of there seat with every announcement and report from the investors who were continuing to refine and build the arena. But these days you hear nothing about the advances or a final design of the building. Thats because the project got sucked over the falls and the Ron Jon Surf Park will never be completed.
Many wonder what went wrong and it can not be pinpointed to one problem or hurtle. One of the many challenges that they were not able to overcome was the wave pool itself. It is not easy to create a perfect wave and manage all the currents and water. Making a consistent and durable wave machine was also a concern for the design team. All of these problems can be solved but the project has lost and used up all their funding.
So the big question is whether we will ever see a wave pool facility decicadted fully to surfers. I think only time will tell. A well functioning surf pool costs money and a large investment. It will take the right people and the right place to run a success full and profitable surf pool. Hopefully within the next ten years we will find someone who can pull it off.
See ya at the Beach,
The Surfboard Man
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