The Importance of Surfboard Leashes

It has been a long-standing debate...whether surfers need Surfboard Leashes.

Since the 1970s, Surfboard leashes' creation has helped surfers in a multitude of ways. There are a huge amount of injuries avoided daily, due to surfers wearing their leashes. 

There are many excuses from surfing communities not to use surfboard leashes:

"Long-boarders tend to embed the spirit of "rope-less riding" in their DNA."

Here are some common opinions about not using surfboard leashes:

• "I don't need one, I never lose my board."
• "It's a personal choice; you don't need one if you can surf."
• "Long-boarders should never use leashes."
• "Leg ropes are dumb..."

The problem with the above statements is they don't accurately outline what can happen when you don't have a surfboard leash. Do you want your board distanced miles from you and lose track of it or have another surfer think it is theirs and ride it? Do you want to see your surfboard crash on rocks nearby and break apart?

The main reason it is important to have a surfboard leash is safety, for you and other surfers. If you're surfing solo, it would be good to have a surfboard leash so your board isn't lost, but there isn't the same risk as when surfing on a crowded beach day. Surfing also requires respect for other surfers who also have a love for the sport. Not having your surfboard leash can get confusing, since fellow surfers may mistake your surfboard for theirs, or worse case scenario, your board could pop up after a wave and hit you or another surfer/surfers. Just like you wear a seat-belt when driving, wearing a surfboard leash is important and necessary. Contact us about our surfboard leashes and for more details regarding how they are vital for survival when surfing our Earth's widespread seas. 

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Getting a Surfboard Out Of a Vending Machine

If you want a surfboard, you can usually stop by your friendly local surf shop, shop online, or even find listings for used surfboards on and offline. But what if you were given the option to buy your surfboard from a vending machine?

Recently, you were able to see a surfboard come out of a giant vending machine on Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco, along with a bunch of big-ticket activity items like bicycles and inflatable kayaks. As part of a strategy to promote adventure travel in British Columbia, the agency Tourism British Columbia presented the residents of San Francisco with the large, 14-foot tall vending machine. In addition to the large sports equipment, the vending machine provided life vests for water sports, and also large postcards featuring ideas for British Columbia activities and travel.

It's a great move for British Columbia, especially since we know how great the waves are in the area. As a great place for year-round surfing, Northern BC around the Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands and off the coasts of Vancouver Island are some of the most renowned non-tropical surfing spots in the world. 

Though the sports equipment vending machine is a great promotional tool for encouraging outdoor activity in British Columbia, there's a lot more to buying a good surfboard that suits your surfing style and abilities. Before you start looking for a surfboard vending machine in your area, contact us--we can help you find new and used surfboards at a price and style that works for you.

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Surfboard 101: Protecting Your Eyes With a Stylish Pair of Sunglasses

As surfers, we know the importance of protecting our skin from harsh UV rays, however, protecting our eyes is often overlooked. While lathering our arms, legs, chest and back with sunscreen is second nature, safeguarding our eyes with a pair of protective sunglasses is usually seen as a fashion statement rather than a necessity. We've compiled a list to help all surf enthusiasts better understand the benefits of wearing a pair of quality sunglasses.

• Did you know your eyes can become sunburned just like your skin. Eye sunburn, also known as Photokeratitis, can develop after spending hours in the sun without protecting your eyes. This painful condition includes redness, irritation, and inflammation. You can avoid Photokeratitis by simply wearing sunglasses with UV protection during your surf outings.
• Whether surfing is your hobby or your profession, you probably spend hours at the beach each week. Unfortunately, continued exposure to harsh UV rays without any sort of protection can lead to cataracts, which is a serious eye condition that can ultimately cause blindness. Like your surfboard and sunscreen, your sunglasses should be a permanent part of your surf gear.
• Pterygium, which is also known as surfer's eye is another common condition that is caused by overexposure to dangerous UV rays. Individuals with this ailment have a growth of pink tissue on the whites of their eyes. The lesion may eventually grow over the pupil, which can lead to issues with a person's vision. Once again, simply wearing a stylish pair of sunglasses when you're out of the water can save your eyes from damage.

Sunglasses offer you not only a way to accessorize, but they also provide serious health benefits. Whether you're looking for a great pair of sunglasses or you're looking for a new surfboard, please contact us today and we'll be happy to help you find what you need.

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Surfing Apparel: What's the Deal with Boardshorts?

Boardshorts are popular with both men and women surfers the world over. They're basically swim trunks or shorts, but with some added benefits when it comes to riding the waves. What kind of benefits? Two words: flexibility and comfort!

A good pair of boardshorts are a blend of cotton, polyester, and/or lycra. This blend is best for surfing because wet material tends to cling to your legs, hampering movement. Cheaper versions will be made of non-flexible materials like cotton. These won't last long if you surf or kick your legs (like when you're paddling out to meet a killer wave), and are more apt to chafe and tear. Chafing is uncomfortable and tearing can be downright embarrassing, especially since you might not notice it right away! 

Board shorts are meant to fit perfectly at the waist with extra room below to allow for maneuvering. They should be tight enough at the waist to avoid slipping, but not so tight that they'll chafe. The perfectly fitting waist part is important because if they don't, the ocean will rip them off you, effectively ending your social life!

Check out our great line of Boardshorts and all things surfing! And contact us any time you have a question about any of our products. 

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