Equipment for Surfing
• Surfboards
• Surf racks
• Wetsuits
Surfboards (1)
• Surfboard anatomy: scroll down to diagram in
student packet for Beginning Surfing at UCLA
• Surfboard types: read description at the web site
for Killer Dana Surf Shop
• Longboards: 8-10 feet
– Slow, stable, good flotation, easy to learn, better for
small surf
– Egg: short longboard (7-8 feet) provides stability and
some maneuverability
Surfboards (2)
• Shortboards
– Shortboard: faster, more maneuverable than
longboards (6-7 feet)
– Fish: shorter and wider with less rocker, very
maneuverable, best for small surf
– Pig: short, fat, flat, wide surfboard for small
surf, faster but less maneuverable than a fish
– Guns: boards for perfect waves, v-shaped
bottom to reduce speed in big surf (often 7
feet, but can range from 7-10 feet)
Surfboards (3)
• All boards of all types vary in the following
areas:
– Length
– Shape of nose
– Width
– Shape of tail
– Degree of rocker (curve in bottom from nose
to tail)
– Number and type of fins
– Color (white reflects summer sun)
Surfboards (3)
• Buying a first board
– 9-10 feet (bigger surfers ride bigger boards)
– Soft board
– Good rocker
– Used or inexpensive (try for $200)
– Leash that is as long as the board with
railsaver
– Wax for correct season for hard boards
Surfboards (4)
• Board Composition
– Wood (original surfboards)
– Foam and fiberglass
– Sponge (soft)
– Epoxy
Surfboards (5)
• Board Repair (foam and fiberglass)
– Cut back damaged fiberglass
– Tape off damaged area (masking tape)
– Cut out fiberglass patch
– Mix laminating resin and catalyst
– Apply mixture to fiberglass patch
– Clean up with acetone
– Sand as needed (after 24 hours)
– Reapply finishing resin for final coat
– Sand and buff as needed (after 24 hours)
Surf Racks
• Hard racks
– Permanent (locks and straps)
– Temporary (straps)
– Hold up to 6-8 boards
• Soft racks
– Temporary
– Hold 2-4 boards
• Transporting equipment
– Secure boards
– A loose board on the freeway can kill
someone
Wetsuits
• Full suits
• Spring suits
• Rash guards
• Boots
• Hoods
• Gloves
• Bathing suits
Equipment Storage
• Racks must be secured
– Remove unlocked racks (prevent theft)
– Straps must be checked, replaced periodically
• Boards and wetsuits
– Rinse with freshwater
– Store out of sun
– Store out of the way (wall, ceiling mounts)
– Never use metal hangers for wetsuits
The End
• Return to KPEA 109