Best products from r/surfing

As far as basic intro books go Surf Science was pretty good if elementary. Surfline occasionally has these mechanics features on why a world class spot is so good. They had a sweet one on J-Bay not too long ago. As far as going deeper into it though, the learning curve takes a sudden leap as it goes from basic physics to modeling and fluid dynamics, like this book I'm reading through right now. There does really seem to be a lack of middle ground for books. But if you have any specific questions I'll be glad to answer (I'm working towards a masters in the subject so I have some background in it). stoke451 took the tide one pretty well there.

Hi, it doesn't work for shortboards, i bought it thinking it did but ended up returning it.

I know you want something to just throw on, but these do work super well and they're pretty cheap

https://smile.amazon.com/DaKine-Long-Aero-Rack-Straps/dp/B01KH4OZ90/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=dakine+straps&qid=1557269910&s=gateway&sr=8-4

For showering, I have a fill up a couple of large detergent jugs with hot water. I wrap them with my towel to keep them warm. You have to be careful to not fill them up with too hot water because, with the insulation from the towel, you might be in for a surprise.

I stand in this container: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10255897/ when I'm showering and taking off my wetsuit. It is great because I use the water to rinse the wetsuit out. You can add a bit of soap while washing the wetsuit if you are a pee-er.

For drying, I use the bucket and one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074F34JT6/

Car keys: get a key lock that attaches itself to your car's rims or door handle. Masterlock makes a pretty popular model.

Update: got these GOOQ Premium Surfer Surf Ears Swimmers Ear Plugs for Unisex Surfers Surfing, Swimmers Swimming and Other Water Athletes Healthy Water Sports Waterproo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0116TLU9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_2Xagr8mOs2x9j

They work amazing. No annoying strings. Super super comfortable. Different size tips and a carrying case.

I have an oneil psychofreak 6/4 that I like. Pretty flexible considering the thickness and super fucking warm for NY winters. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FR51NDN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hey, man sorry to hear about your roommate

You should come to Baja, it's very cheap and you'll probably get the most bang for your buck here. Contrary to what you hear in the media, it's very safe for surfers. Check out this book, Surfer's Guide to Baja. It's got some great spots to explore.

I live in SoCal and I'm learning to surf in northern Baja, it's great

I highly recommend these TYR Silicone Ear Plugs:
https://www.amazon.com/TYR-Silicone-Molded-Plugs-Blue/dp/B0018ZWKMW/

I used to use the SurfEars knock-offs you can find on Amazon, but they broke after just a few sessions. Someone else here recommended these TYR earplugs, and I picked them up a few weeks ago.

They are cheap, comfortable, stay in place, and don't completely block the sound. Definitely worth picking up a pair (or two).

Get a lock. I used to leave my keys in a tire or hide them somewhere but I didn't want to push my luck. I've been using one of these for a few years and it works great:
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-5400D-Set-Your-Own-Combination/dp/B0002YP1VC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497976383&sr=8-1&keywords=surf+lock

Others have some put some great real world info here. I'd only add that these 2 books were quite helpful.

Think Like a Pancreas

https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147/

Diabetic Athletes Handbook

https://www.amazon.com/Diabetic-Athletes-Handbook-Sheri-Colberg/dp/0736074937

I looked through Essential Surfing to get an idea of some of the boards that I wanted to try and make. Their glassing instructions seemed to be pretty good. The greenlight guide and swaylocks are also great resources.

Your first board won't be exactly what you have in mind. Mine ended up with WAY too much vee in the tail (5'10" flyer copy) and about 1/2 inch too thick all around. Still a blast to ride on crappy small days when it's closing out. As long as your outline is kinda symmetrical, you'll have a good time riding whatever it is.

in my area, every surf shop carry either original futures or futures compatible fins

if you don't want to buy an original futures fins - looks at captain fin or true ames or any other brand without fcs in its name

here is true ames - https://www.trueames.com/collections/twin-fins-1

captain fin - https://captainfin.com/collections/twin-fins

and here is a cheaper option - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S2P6LJQ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07S2P6LJQ&pd_rd_w=uRIvF&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=iXp6B&pf_rd_r=G2T1B4J00SQN4P9QX5W1&pd_rd_r=0604738b-d18b-40a8-a0e0-00192f435913&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSkZWN0NTTTg4NlA1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDY2OTEyMzgwWVZHNUJLSkdGWCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODY3NDMzMzA1WDY3M01JSkJFTiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Mind checking a few out for me?
Something like
Waxhead Tinted Facial Sunscreen Stick - 4 Certified Organic and Mineral Ingredients, Zinc Oxide, Non-toxic, EWG Rated 1, Reef Safe, Non GMO, Biodegradable, Sports, Very Water Resistant, SPF 30, 3.7oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I21JM7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zne5CbMB4XQG6
Or
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic & Non-Greasy Mineral Sunscreen, 2 fl. oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDOA0V4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ete5CbSNDJ75V
Or
Surface Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion - Reef Safe, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Physical Sun Protection, Cruelty Free, Hypoallergenic, Ultra Water Resistant - SPF 50, 6oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q59QLN5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xve5CbF2DPVCF

Buy an indo board. They're super fun, totally dangerous (for the first few days, or with alcohol), and they definitely help your balance.

These work great:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0116TLU9I
GOOQ Premium Surfer Surf Ears

Super cheap knock offs of the 50-60 dollar ones.

Baja is great. Easy from SocCal. If you stick north of Ensenada, tons of access. If you go farther souther be prepared with maps, food, water, and a spare tire.

https://www.amazon.com/Surfers-Guide-Baja-Mike-Parise/dp/0967910056/ref=nodl_

i just got this one and HIGHLY recommend it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I5OG4X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_zcBszb63ZKGXY

it's got a bigger cavity inside and perfectly fits my abnormally large jeep fob key.

this is the best thing i have bought for my wet suit. it is especially good for the winter, when it takes longer for it to dry.

Agreed, way too much. Just get an INDO BOARD, still not the cheapest thing but they are great.

My personal favorite: Siestas and Olas. Longboard Mexico Trip. Great footage. Might have to buy it though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RTKR5TZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$10. I haven't had them out in extreme conditions but they seem pretty secure. And they're not bright yellow or red.

https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Days-Surfing-William-Finnegan/dp/0143109391

Awesome book, this guy camped and surfed Tavarua for like a month with one other dude. And surfed a bunch of other legendary spots. Check it out

This book is my resource for board info. It's a little dated, but explains dimensions well (rocker, bottom, rails, concave, etc). Also has some good ding repair guidelines.

Hero 7 Black, 1080p @ 120fps, SuperView on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODDO6A0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CSFNDbCZJNS2Z

Be prepared for heavy judgment in the lineup...

great news

I just ordered one of these : http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YP1VC/ref=pe_825000_114660910_TE_item

This book is a great introduction: https://www.amazon.com/Surf-Science-Tony-Butt/dp/0824828917

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018ZWKMW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I swear by these. Cheaper than the docs pro plugs, stay in much better, and you can still hear (sometimes) depending on the size of your ear canal. Sometimes I have to push them up a little to get normal hearing back. But honestly, I'll trade not hearing well in the lineup with not having ten gallons of water stuck in each ear any day.

Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life

You should read this book. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Surfing gift are tough, because there is a lot of personal preference involved in selecting surf gear, and most surfers already have everything they need. Are you somewhere that the water is cold? A powered wetsuit drying hanger and/o a boot dryer that he could use to dry booties would be something he may not have.

Use to sell this at the shop i worked at. Updated fairly often last I remmeber. Has some good info for new travelers.

http://www.amazon.com/Surfers-Guide-Baja-Mike-Parise/dp/0967910056

Do yourself a favor and read this book

Yes.

problem solved

get something like this

I have the 2013 Prius. I fit my key in this and lock it to a tow hitch thingy on the back:

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-5400D-Set-Your-Own-Combination/dp/B0002YP1VC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1456867559&sr=8-7&keywords=masterlock

I couldn't wear Docs plugs under my hood because they kinda stick out so the hood pushes them against my head and it's kinda painful. Recently I got some unbranded "SurfEars"-style plugs (the kind with the little wing thingy) off Amazon (for like $13) and those are much more low profile. My friend who's been surfing forever and has a doctor that surfs (also in your area) says that the doc sees lots of cases of surfer's ear in the area due to the cold and wind, so personally I err on the side of over-caution and always wear plugs. I'm told the unblocking surgery is super gnarly...

Oh, re: the other dude's comment about Doc's plugs: Yeah they leak water but the water that comes in isn't as cold and the plugs block wind, and it's those two things that I understand are the cause of surfer's ear. The main disadvantage I found with Doc's (which I've used for years) is that the water gets in and stays there, causing you to not be able to hear; this is more of a minor annoyance but it's definitely annoying. The "SurfEars"-style plugs seem better at this but I haven't used them much yet to come to any definite conclusions.

These are the ear plugs I mentioned, although there are plenty that are exactly like them under different brands:

https://www.amazon.com/GOOQ-Swimmers-Swimming-Athletes-Waterproof/dp/B0116TLU9I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483386009&sr=8-1&keywords=surfer+ear+plugs

when I had a regular key, I just brought it with me.
when I got a electronic key/alarm/fob thing, I got one of these:
http://smile.amazon.com/Master-Lock-5400D-Set-Your-Own-Combination/dp/B0002YP1VC/ and lock in on one of my rims.

What about this key compartment lock?

put it around a tow point, door handle or hitch hole. I've seen them on bike racks so you don't know which car too.

The last pair I bought were these but they fell out after the first session.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0116TLU9I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

try these and give me a review
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RTKR5TZ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=A1VRAAVND6X6LQ&psc=1

Key lock box that I attach to door handle, roof rack, or trailer hitch. https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-5400D-Combination-Portable/dp/B0002YP1VC

Use cedar for the hanging locker, with a drain at the bottom (although just tupperware will work to collect water, and use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Underwater-Kinetics-UK24061-HangAir-Hanger/dp/B0011G1F8S

lockbox

If you have the proximity thing, wrap the fob in foil first.

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-5400D-Set-Your-Own-Combination/dp/B0002YP1VC/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464399575&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=master+lock+key+box+comb

Get yourself one of these https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Combination-Portable-5400D/dp/B0002YP1VC/ref=br_lf_m_zjz844ffm6uz6v7_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&s=hi I lock mine on a tow hitch under my car. Cheap price for a tiny piece of mind especially in SF. Haven't had any issues around ob in 2 years I've had it.