Surfing is not a complicated sport. Unlike many other water sports, the truth is that surfing only requires a surfboard and someone willing to glide over ocean waves.
The essential surfing equipment for beginners comprises a surfboard, fins, leash, wax, and wetsuit. That's all you need to get into the sport of kings.
But as you progress and improve your surfing skills, you'll want more than just the essentials.
A bag to protect your favorite stick, skin and ear protection, and surf gadgets will also be useful to your surfing life.
Here's all the basic and extra equipment you'll need to surf:
Mandatory Surfing Equipment
The Surfboard
The magic carpet that enables you to ride waves.
There are several types of surfboards for different wave conditions and experience levels.
The Fins
Surf fins are the wheels of a surfboard and provide stability, performance, and drive.
The most popular fin setups that can be found on a surfboard are single-fin, twin-fin, thruster, quad, and five-fin setups.
The Leash
The leash is the rope that keeps the surfer connected to the surfboard.
There's no science behind it, but if you fall or wipe out, the board will be right next to you.
The Surf Wax/Traction Pad
The grip that keeps surfers from slipping off the surfboard when paddling and riding the wave.
Surf wax requires regular maintenance, while traction pads can last years if well applied.
The Wetsuit
The neoprene garment allows surfers to stay in cold and cool waters for a long time.
There are two main types of wetsuits (spring suit and full suit) and three main thickness levels (2mm, 3/2mm, and 4/3mm)
Optional Surfing Equipment
The Rash Guard
The "rashie" protects your skin against wetsuit irritation and prolonged exposure to the sun.
Surfers wear them between the body and the wetsuit or simply with a pair of boardshorts during summertime.
The Surf Earplugs
Earplugs protect surfers from exostosis, a condition in which a bone surrounding the ear canal thickens when exposed to cold winds and cold waters.
It is also known as surfer's ear and appears more frequently when surfers hit 30.
The Surfboard Bag
Surfboards are sensitive objects, and bags protect them from accidents and elements.
A good travel bag will help you carry the surfboard on surf trips and long walks to the beach.
The Boots, Gloves, and Hoods
Boots, gloves, and hoods protect surfers from the extremely low temperatures of winter.
They're fundamental accessories for cold water surfers. Without them, it's impossible to surf.
The Boardshorts
There are specific boardshorts models for surfers with quick-drying, stitchless, and stretch fabrics.
If the weather conditions allow, all you need is a surfboard and a pair of surf trunks.
The Surf Poncho
It's easy and comfortable to change in and out of your wetsuit with this specially-designed robe that replaces towels and complicated aerobic routines.
The Sunscreen
Surfers are often exposed to the sun's UV rays for long periods of time.
A high-protection-factor sunscreen prevents surfers from developing skin cancer.
The Surf Watch
Surf watches are portable wrist computers with surf forecasting data variables, including wave height, wave period, wind speed and direction, and tide times for thousands of worldwide surf spots.
The Waterproof Surf Camera
Capture your best waves with a surf camera. Film yourself in the surf.
Analyze your mistakes, and share your memorable rides with friends and family.
The Wet/Dry Bag
A very useful item for carrying dry and damp wetsuits, rashies, and towels.