Friday, December 27, 2013

Surfboard Tail Shapes: A Quick and Easy Guide

For those looking to catch their first wave, there is usually a lot of advice and guidance given to surfboard shapes and size. But what about the tails of the surfboard? What's the science behind it, and how would they affect performance. Here's a quick guide on basic tail shapes, to help you find exactly what you need for your next trip out to the waves.
Square Tail
Known as the parent to surfboard tail designs, the wide width of the square tail gives stability to a board. Longboards typically have this tail, since the corners of the tail help pivot the board by digging into the wave while turning. However, it's width will give less curve on the rails.
Pin Tail
Of all the tails, the pin tail has the narrowest width, perfect for maximum traction and control while surfing. You'll find this tail mostly on gun surfboards, made for riding big waves, because it will allow the board to track and maintain direction high speeds. Otherwise, pintails are difficult to maneuver in small waves.
Round Tail
In bigger, faster, hallow waves, you should look for a board with a round tail. Like a cross between a square and pin tail, the wider, curved, width of this shape add more lift than a pin, but better traction than a square tail. This gives more speed in slow spots, as well as providing smoother, rounder pivoting turns on a wave.
Squash Tail
A variation of the square tail, this is the most common tail found on shortboards. The tapered width (in comparison to the square) allows it to bite more into the wave, increasing control and tracking at a high speed. At the same time, its width makes it easier to plain and maintain speeds at the slower part of the wave. The versatility to the squash tail's design therefore helps riders make tricks and short cuts for experienced riders.
Swallow Tail
Identifiable by the upside-down "v" in the middle of what looks like two small pintails joined side-by-side. The cut out "v" allows for more bite and control during turns, while simultaneously giving a wider tail and more surface area to create lift and maintain speed. You'll find this tail on fish boards, a short board for riding small waves.
Asymmetrical Tail
Asymmetrical tails are really just a combination of two tails, in order for a rider to experience different frontside and backside surfing. For example, you might find a board with a left squash tail and a right fish tail, giving you two styles for your backhand and forehand.
When you think about buying your  first or next board, give the tails a second look. Think about what sort of stability you're looking for in your next surfboard (which you'll find in curved tails) or if you want quick changes in direction (a signal for a more angular tail). Also think about where you'll be surfing, and what kinds of waves you'll be on, when you decide. For a great collection of surfboards with tails to suit your needs, contact us.
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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Grab Your Boardshorts and Head for These Surfing Events in Early 2014

With the 2014 surfing season on the horizon, we took a look at all of the events on tap for the first few months of the year. From our perspective, there are certainly a lot of surfing contests and expos to look forward to. Here’s a peek at several that may inspire you to grab your boardshorts and hit the water:

Volcom Pipe Pro
One event that you won’t want to miss in January 2014 is the Volcom Pipe Pro. It’s set to take place in Haleiwa, Hawaii at the famous Banzai Pipeline. Look for the event to occur January 26th through February 7th. A live webcast is expected to be available for those that can’t just pack up their Volcom boardshorts and make it to the surf event in person.

Hurley Australian Open of Surfing
Of course you won’t want to miss the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing either. It’s slated to run February 8th through the 16th at the iconic Manly Beach. Personally, we can wait to don our Hurley boardshorts and watch the pros compete. The list of top notch surfers expected to compete at Manly this year include the high flying John John Florence, Julian Wilson, Carissa Moore and Lakey Peterson.

Rip Curl Women’s Pro
Are you a fan of Rip Curl surf gear too? If so, you’ll want to clear your schedule for the week of March 20th, 2014. That’s when the Rip Curl Women’s Pro is anticipated to go down in San Bartolo, Peru. At this point, there’s no telling which of the talented Rip Curl ladies will be participating. However, rumor has it that the inspirational Bethany Hamilton may be in attendance.


Now that you have an idea of what excitement awaits in the weeks ahead, why not replenish your surf gear now? For a look at the best boardshorts and surfing equipment on the market today, please contact us toll-free at (877) 346-4410. We’ve got all the top brands in stock and ready to ship.
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Surfers Invited to Test Out New Surfboards

Earlier this month, surfers were invited to South Ponto beach in California to test out new Surfboards from Rip Curl. At this demo, not only did the surfers get to test out these new boards, they also got to try out new wetsuits, have some breakfast, and meet with team members of Rip Curl (including Taylor Knox who has been rated top ten on the ASP World Tour 5 times).

The mission of the demos is to give surfers a free test to feel the true quality of Rip Curl products. The demo tour made 5 other stops as well to further promotion.

Rip Curl started focusing a lot of its efforts on the wetsuit in 1970 when they first started producing wetsuits in addition to their surfboard line. Their mission was to take the technology that divers used when wearing wetsuits, and make it usable for surfers too. They have clearly achieved this mission, because at the demo event surfers had a choice of 30 different wetsuits to try out.

Rip Curl wetsuits have been recognized as some of the most top of the line wetsuits for several reasons. While they are very warm, they also give the user a lot of flexibility. In addition to this, they are some of the fastest drying wetsuits on the market. It's clear Rip Curl is confident in their product, since they are giving people a free try with them. 


If you would like more info on surfing and surfing products, contact us.
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Thursday, December 5, 2013

10 Best Places to Take Your Surfboard

If you're serious about surfing, catching an amazing swell can create the best memories. But to find the perfect place, you'll need a spot that makes the golden ratio of perfect winds, swell directions, sea floors, and tides. Here are 10 of the best places surfers flock to with their surfboards for a wild ride around the world.

1. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is the birthplace of surfing, so it's only fitting to pay your homage to it by surfing the coast of the island. However, this surf spot is not for the faint of heart--the Pipeline is known as the daddy of all waves, and only the best can take on the crest. Waves can grow over 6 meters over a sharp table reef, making it a beautiful yet intimidating natural wonder.

2. Cloud Nine, Siargao Islands, Philippines
Also a pros-only area, Cloud Nine gives you breathtaking trips in thick, hallow tubes of water over a seriously dangerous coral reef. Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, it's a cheap destination for aspiring surfers, and well worth the visit.

3. G-Land, Java
Located on the eastern coast of the island, G-Land is the perfect spot for surfers of different levels. The "Speedies" in G-Land are well-known for having supremely long barrels, making G-Land famous. Besides the popular spot, there are other breaks that go unpopulated, though their waves are not as heavy.

4. Gold Coast, Australia
The entire eastern coast of Australia provides an infinite amount of breaks for surfers, requiring a long trip up and down. From Bondi Beach in Sydney to Mermaid and Narrowneck (an artificial reef) in Queensland, there no good reason to not surf in Australia (where surfing is a well-established national sport).

5. Azores Islands
Together, the Azores provide 600 kilometers of coastline for adventurous surfers. Visit the northern point of Sao Miguel--where events the World Qualifing Series for surfers take place-- for the best waves and to check out serious surfers on their boards. Due to the many reef, coral, beach and point breaks around all the islands, any level surfer can benefit from a visit.

6. Bundoran Beach, Ireland
If you're looking north, you should check out the chilly but awesome waves off the coast of Ireland at Bundoran Beach. The wave here bounce off flat rock reefs and headlands, giving off beautiful green rolling waves. Bring a wetsuit and come during the September-May season for local discounts! 

7. Biarritz, France
After spending time in Ireland, head south to France towards the Bosque Coast for another year-round surfing destination. Before surfers discovered the waves here in the 1950's, locals were catching them on palm fronds and wooden planks. 

8. Killer Point, Taghazoute, Morocco
For an unconventional choice, check out this Middle East surf spot, discovered by hippies in the 1960s. Killer Point is named after the killer whales seen in this area, and it's known for its consistent point breaks in the entire area. Also check out the Kms, which has an entire reef bottom but it's deep and slow enough for mid-level surfers. 

9. White Beach, Okinawa, Japan
For beautiful white sand beaches as well as fun breaks, this East Asian destination is a perfect setting for those who want to practice their technique and later take on upper-level breaks at Suicide Cliffs or Aha-Yoko.

10. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Nicknamed the Mexican Pipeline after the famous Oahu location, Puerto Escondido is a surfer treasure, but also for those with great experience. Besides this beach, check out other Baja California sites--Mexico has many great surfing spots for all levels.


So pack your bags, passport, visa and surfboard for an amazing trip. If you need new gear for your journey, please contact us.
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