Surf Accessories: Must-Have Gadgets For Wave Riders

The only equipment a surfer needs to enjoy a day in the water is a surfboard; yet, several other accessories make the experience more enjoyable, practical, and safer. Every surfer should pack in their beach bag these really essential devices. While a wax comb helps prevent the uncomfortable sensation of surfer's ears—or swimmer's ear—a traction pad can help your surfboard be more manoeuvrable. Apart from serving as a towel, a changing poncha facilitates change in and out of your wetsuit.

Fin Removal Tool

Changing your fins between surf sessions is quite simple using the FCS Fin Removal Tool. Originally meant to go perfectly with the creative FCS II fin system, this useful gadget was unveiled earlier this year to both professional and core surfers with overwhelming praise. Basically, it's two side pieces that link to a sturdy handle at the rear that let you leverage up and easily remove your fins from your board without breaking either your fin box or the board. Designed in California, FinPuller employs recycled materials, is mild on your fins, and donates 1% of sales to ocean conservancy. Simply slide the tool over the fin and with an upward tug it comes out - rather easy! It also operates on Futures and FCS snap in fins.

Fin Case

Your whole fin quiver is kept orderly, safe and secure by the fin case. Designed from our Armour weave tear proof fabric and protective foam, it also features a velcro attached mesh pocket for fin screws. By locking the board into the face of the wave, a centre fin serves primarily to give speed, acceleration, and control. To assist you create speed, a wide base generates greater lift; a raked elliptical design lowers drag for maximum efficiency. Although they mostly serve to provide rail contact into the wave, side fins also contribute to stability. These are ideal for steep and hollow beach breakers of fast moving surf. While some fin designs are more flexible for smaller riders, others give a hard fibreglass basis and honeycomb tip for power.

Binoculars

A really helpful item is a decent pair of binoculars to inspect surroundings on the point or at the beach. They can be utilised for a broad spectrum of activities and are light weight. Waterproof marine binoculars are ideal since they will withstand salt water corrosion more than those meant for land use. The quality of photographs will also depend on the lens size and magnification; larger lenses improve low light settings. With 10 times magnification, these surf check binoculars by Ocean & Earth are a terrific choice to view the swell and waves up the beach. Their small size easily fits inside a jacket pocket, back pack or surf bag. Their built-in illuminated compass is based on rubber armoured, fog-proofed, multicoated lenses.

Waterproof Watch or Timer

The greatest surf watches don't rely solely on a water-resistant rating (often ranging from 10 ATM to 100 m). Several of these high-tech marvels can also track your surfing performance, count your waves, and link to the Dawn Patrol app for real-time tide predictions. It's like wearing a wrist-activated personal surfer instructor. If all that isn't enough, there are surf watches with GPS capabilities and weather data that can even mark and recall your preferred surf locations and inform you the conditions prior to your trip. All you have to do is pick the one most fit for your style and requirements.

Phone Case

A waterproof phone cover is crucial whether you're surfing with buddies or capturing waves on camera. Search for a case that lets you access photo, video, and GPS capabilities while yet keeping your phone safe in the water. iPhones, Android phones and a few more brands also have waterproof phone cases. Many are robust enough to support an active lifestyle, including two hours of underwater immersion. Some, like the LifeProof FRE, are water, dirt, snow and ice proof as well as have a tough, protective shell and built-in screen protector. A basic waterproof pouch like Joto's Waterproof Phone Pouch makes an excellent substitute for more heavy-duty cases. It closes, coils and velcros tight so your phone will remain dry even after being plunged.