Essential Surfing Equipment, Surfboard Basics and Surfing Tips

If you've never surfed before, check out our suggestions for beginner surfing equipment. From choosing your first board to picking up surfing safety equipment, we've put together an overview for you below.

Once the gear is sorted, it's time to get out there and catch some waves!

7 surfing equipment must-haves

There's a few things essentials you need before heading out for a surf, some more obvious than others. Here are some of the main bits of surf equipment you'll need:

1. Surfboard: First on the list: your board. Which you choose will depend on how good you are at surfing, how big you are, and what kind of waves you'll be riding.

2. A wetsuit: In cooler climes this will keep you nice and warm in the water. It is crucial to pick a wetsuit that fits well and is suitable for the temperature of the water you're surfing in.

3. Leash: Connects you to your surfboard and is a vital piece of surfing equipment for safety purposes. Stops you losing your board and makes it easy to get back on after you fall off.

4. Wax: Rub wax on the top of your surfboard to make it stickier. Use the right kind of wax for the temperature and conditions of the water.

5. Sunscreen: Surfing can leave you quite exposed to direct sunlight, so sunscreen is vital to protect your skin from UV rays. Use sunscreen that is waterproof with a high SPF.
6. A hat and a pair of shades: Stay cool, look cool... you know the drill. Useful to bring along for when you're taking a break on the beach.
7. Insta360 Surf Camera: To capture your best moments out on the water, how about an action camera? Insta360 ONE RS is small, light, and tough, with a protective Mounting Bracket that ensures waterproofing to 16ft. Get high-quality photos and videos of your surfing sessions.

Learn More

Top features of an Insta360 surf camera:

• Waterproof: Use in the water without worries.
• High-quality video and photos: With ONE RS you can shoot 5.7K 360 videos, sharp 4K wide-angle clips, and 48MP photos.
• Wide-angle lenses: For sweet, high resolution surfing POVs, stick on the 4K Boost Lens.
• Stabilization: As an Insta360 surf camera, ONE RS has excellent built-in image stabilization, which helps keep your footage smooth and steady even when the waves are rough.
• Remote control: For easy control of your camera when it's not in reach, the GPS Action Remote can start and stop recording and change settings without touching the camera.

• A towel: You can use a towel to dry off after surfing and sit on while taking off your wetsuit.
• First aid kit: Having a basic first-aid kit on hand is always a good idea in case of minor injuries.
• A waterproof bag: Keep your phone, keys, and other valuables in a waterproof bag while you're surfing.

5 major types of surfboards you should know

If you want to surf, you at least need a basic knowledge of the different kinds of surfboards out there. Here's our lowdown:

1. Shortboards: Most are 6'6" or shorter and are generally for experienced surfers who want to do tricks and moves in the water. They are quick and easy to move around but are less stable than longer boards.

2. Funboards: Usually between 7'0" and 7'6" in length. They are also called hybrid or mid-length boards. They are a good choice for surfers who are getting better and want a board that is easier to ride than a shortboard but with the option to try a few tricks.

3. Longboards: Most are 9'0 long or longer, and either for people who are just starting out, or those who want a stable, easy-to-ride board. Small waves work well for these and are often used for cruising and carving.

4. Mini Malibus: Mini-malibus are similar to longboards but shorter, usually between 7'6" and 8'6" long. They are a good choice for beginners and intermediate surfers who want an easy-to-ride board that can still do tricks.

5. Fish: Fish surfboards are usually wider and shorter than traditional surfboards. They also have a rounder outline and two fins, designed to work well with smaller, weaker waves. Versatility and ease-of-use are big advantages.

The most important skill in surfing

In surfing, you must also stay balanced on the board, turn and move, and get in and out of the water safely. The sport can be hard on your body and mind, so staying calm and focused in difficult conditions is an essential skill.

Here are some of the most important skills or traits a surfer needs:

• Determination: When you start surfing, the waves will hit and roll you repeatedly, which will test your motivation. It's a brutal sport, but if you stick with it and practice, you'll get a lot out of it.
• Balance: This is the most crucial part of surfing. You will stand on a board that is constantly moving in different ways. Every wave differs from the last, and you have to deal with that. Strong legs and core help support your balance on the board so don't skip leg day at the gym!
• Flexibility: You go from lying on the board to standing up, which requires explosive power and flexibility. If you were thinking about doing yoga or pilates, now might be a good time to start!
• Strength: You must also have a strong upper body because paddling is essential. Your body will heal faster and be less likely to get hurt by waves if it is strong.

The basic rule of surfing you must know

Surfing is safe as long as you follow the rules and use the essential surfing safety equipment. One major rule to be aware of is that the surfers closest to the peak have priority.

The person closest to the peak when the wave starts to break has right-of-way. This means that this person can choose whether or not to ride the wave. The other surfers have to wait until it is their turn. Communication is crucial in this situation, especially in a-frame waves (waves breaking both to the left and right) to avoid misunderstandings . Remember that you will lose your place if you paddle for a wave and don't catch it.

Keen to keep up to date on Insta360 stories? Keep an eye on our blog and sign up for our mailing list.