Popularity of Surfing

by: Lori Valesko

Surfs Up

The popularity of surfing starting growing in the1960's when movies like “Gidget” and “Beach Blanket Bingo” exposed the rest of the world to a sport only known to ‘locals’ who were lucky enough to live near the beach.

Surfing is popular largely because it requires no formal training, a minimum of equipment and can be enjoyed by almost anyone at any age. All you need is a surfboard, some swimming ability and a nearby beach.

What started out as ‘The Sport of Kings” and was practiced mostly by men has exploded to include women and young girls in increasing numbers. While in the 1960’s through the 1980’s it was unusual to see women in the water you can go to the beach now and see sometimes up to half of the people in the water are female.

While many men enjoy seeing women out in the lineup there are still some who refuse to share the waves with their female counterparts.

There are even surf clothing and surfboard manufacturers who cater specifically to women. Just look at Roxy Clothing and Trixie Surfboards.

Today there are many surfing accessories in use that were not available to surfers of the 1960's such as wetsuits, leashes and rash guards.

Before the advent of wetsuits to keep them warm, many a surfer braved the frigid ocean water, especially in winter, in his bare skin. Now surfers can surf year-round, as well as in places with freezing cold water, and keep warm.

Made of neoprene rubber, a wetsuit fits tightly against the surfer’s skin. It traps a layer of water, which the body warms, then holds it against the skin, keeping the warm water inside of the suit.

More recently neoprene hoods, gloves and booties are used to cover and warm all the extremities as well.

The leash was another welcome addition to the surfing world. Basically a rubber cord that attaches from the fin area of the surfboard to the ankle, a leash keeps a surfer’s board in arm’s reach even after a wipeout so he can quickly retrieve his board without a long swim to shore.

Rash guard shirts were yet another great addition to a surfer’s arsenal. Made from a special lycra material, rash guards are made to be worn in the water and dry very quick. They are light and form fitting for comfort so they don’t get in the way of a surfer’s performance.

Rash guards protect the surfer's body against irritating skin rashes they can get from laying on their surfboard as they paddle or rashes that can occur under their armpits when they wear a wetsuit.

Not only do they protect from skin rashes but they also offer the best UV protection you can get in the water with many providing SPF 150 protection. With the advent of rash guard shirts, surfers could say goodbye to slippery sunscreens that wash off in the water.

These few accessories have made a world of difference to surfers everywhere and made the sport of surfing more accessible and popular to the masses.

You can learn more about rash guards and see them in different styles and colors for men, women and kids at http://www.Buy-Rash-Guards.com


About The Author
Lori Valesko

A surfer for over 30 years, Ms. Valesko owns and operates www.Buy-Rash-Guards.com and www.BeachTrading.com where you can find quality beach apparel and surf accessories including rash guards and surf shirts for the entire family.

Alternative Surfing Methods

Alternative Surfing Methods Create Waves Of Their Own
By Tom Lenton

Pembrokeshire, Bournemouth, Devon and Cornwall may be amongst the best British places for surfers to strut their stuff during the summer and autumn months, but when the tide dies down and the British season disappears, surfers must look elsewhere.

It may be the dreams of many to head to California, Hawaii or Sydney to keep the surfing season from sinking, but the reality is most Brits will have to wait till next year. Despite this, there are a number of alternatives for those miserable British surfers.

Human touch board

This machine can be used as both a body shaping mechanism or more in this case, a surfing simulator. The machine is perfect for individual or family preparation for surfing or snowboarding holidays as it aims to strengthen legs and improve body balance.

The 'human touch board' is pre-programmed to offer an effective routine to condition the core muscle groups of the body which are vital to the strength of the body. "The core which consists of the Abdominals is like the cables of a bridge- it must be strong to give the stability and good posture, helping to protect the spine and lower back to reduce injuries and wear and tear on joints."

The machine is simple to use and comes equipped with a non-slip surface, remote control and variable speed possibilities, but hold onto your boards because the machine does not come cheap at £399.

Visit the human touch board website for more details.

The Wave Machine

American Wave Machines, Inc. has developed the first true standing wave surf pool - SurfStream. Using patented technology, this attraction provides the number one, most sought after surfing experience - "the long ride."

The SurfStream machine is transportable and does not require large spaces. The manufacturers encourage multiple use to increase water throughput and ultimately, fun!

The wave machine has variable features which allow for both stand-up and body board surfing, whilst also being capable of producing multiple waves and allowing multiple surfers. The machine also has the possibility to shape the waves for smooth, steep or breaking waves and varying depths and velocities of water.

The SurfStream suits whether you are a novice or an expert. The machine is original and enjoyable in providing the ideal alternative to the waves of the ocean. In fact, with this machine, the beach front may be a thing of the past completely.

Freeline Skates

Freeline Skates offer surfers the perfect alternative for when the waves have died down. The skates are dual independent skates that combine elements of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding.

Freeline Skates offer a new experience for people from different disciplines and provide the perfect opportunity for surfers to transfer their skills. The skates require surfers to utilise their existing abilities and transfer them to a new manner of riding. These provide a challenging and innovative way to carve big turns and invent new tricks, all on dry land.

Freeline Skates are ridden in a similar manner to that of a surfboard with riders shifting their weight from heel to toe to change direction allowing them to carve smooth 's' turns while riding downhill as if on a snowboard.

The skates are independent, but unlike skates and blades they are not strapped to the rider's feet, this offers an added bonus to riders by allowing them to achieve high levels of traction on the flats and uphill providing a wide range of locations that are suitable for skates.

Freeline Skates cost £85 a pair and spare wheels are priced at £25.

Inflatable surf simulator

Finally, for the more relaxed occasion or the more relaxed surfer, the inflatable surf simulator is now available and comes equipped with an array of accessories which make it ideal for party situations.

GS Solutions Ltd have come up with a portable surf simulator which is both simple and easy in set up and in use. The machine consists of five different components; a small lightweight base unit, stabiliser legs, a choice of manual or automatic control unit (using manual the board is directed by joystick), the surf board attachment and a safety mat. The whole machine is transportable and usable anywhere with a 2.5metre height limit.

The simulator provides great excitement both to the surfer and their audience whilst being both safe and exciting.

Such machines are sometimes seen at beach front events, because they are unlikely to be seen in the back garden due to their price being between £3,000- £4,000, depending on accessories. For that type of audacious price a surfer 'dude' could definitely be enjoying the real thing and in a lot warmer weather.

Tom Lenton manages http://www.freeline-sport.co.uk the sole UK distributor for Freeline Skates. Freeline Skates are designed to provide the same thrills and excitement experienced by snowboarders, surfers on dry land as well as giving skateboarders a new skating sensation. For more information visit http://www.freeline-sport.co.uk or email info@freeline-sport.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Lenton

Stand-Up Paddle Boards Liven Up Family Vacations

Stand-Up Paddle Boards Liven Up Family Vacations
By Jane Worthington

For anyone not looking forward to going on their annual family vacation, you should read this article. What your parents usually fail to tell you is that every vacation destination, whether it be camping at a lake in the mountains, a boating adventure at Lake Winnipesaukee, or a trip to the beach, there ARE fun things to do there. Sometimes you need to dig around to find your activity, but this year's family vacation is not going to end up like the Griswolds.

First off, there are almost always other kids at every family vacation spot. So don't panic that you're going to be all alone with your family, with no other kids to play with because chances of that happening are slim. When there are other kids around, your chances of enjoying yourself go up significantly. Even if you're at a campground in the woods with no access to the outside world, find some kids and get a game of jail tag, or flashlight tag going! With your parent's consent, of course.

Now, if there's water anywhere of the vicinity of your family's vacation such as a lake, ocean, river, stream, or even a large pool you're in luck. There are so many ways to ensure you have a good time on the water. Not only are bodies of water magnets for people, but there are so many water activities that you might not even know of. There's the obvious, swimming, tubing, boating, even surfing. What you might not know though, is that there's this great new aquatic activity that involves Stand-Up Paddle Boards. It is much like surfing, but it's easier and offers a more relaxed experience to have fun and enjoy yourself. Another great thing about this activity is that it can be done with the whole family, if you choose to include them. It can be done anywhere there's water, and you don't necessarily need gnarly waves or the changing of the tides to have fun.

While leaving your friends for a couple weeks over the summer can be a major bummer, think of all the cute friends you might meet while enjoying your new aquatic freedom on a surfboard, with or without paddles. Give your vacation a chance, who knows, maybe you'll even have a good time!

If you would like more information about stand-up paddle boards or discount surfboards, please visit the Buyboardz website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Worthington

Longboard Surfboards Are Just One Dynamic of the Many Sides of Surfing

By Jane Worthington

Surfing is one of the rare sports that has so many different dynamics to it. While surfing is a solo sport, it's often practiced with a few other surfers. If you feel like you've mastered your board, try a different one. If it's really cold outside, put on a wetsuit. If it's really hot outside, take off the wetsuit. There are so many options in surfing, including what to ride.

Surfing competitions are made up of the best surfers around, and they compete against one another. If you're not at a competition, and just enjoy the sport, more often than not, you're likely surfing with a few of your friends, or making new ones with the other people riding the waves. It's not like baseball or football, where you live and you die as a team. It's not like tennis where you have to have an opponent at all times, and it's not like soccer where you can practice by yourself, but ultimately you put everything you have on the field, alongside your team.

Surfing is also different because so much of the sport relies on your board. Some people have one board, and they swear by it, while others have one of each type of board and often alternate, depending on the mood they're in. We'll start with the tallest. Longboard surfboards are ridden by beginners through experts. Their long and thick frame create maximum stability on this board. It's great for beginners, but this model is often greatly appreciated by experienced riders who cherish its smooth gliding abilities, making for a great ride in the water.

The smallest of the boards, as you might expect, is the short surfboard. The shortboard is short and stout. It makes for a harder time maintaining stability on the waves, but is a great advancement for an experienced rider. The shortboard is also great for tricksters. The shortboard is made for riding off the lip, doing cutbacks, and catching tons of air. There's also a new trend that's becoming a phenomenon on every coast, the standup paddleboard, also referred to as an "SUP." These boards allow yet another dynamic to surfing, which is being on the board, with paddles to help offer control and stability, as well as a terrific workout.

As you can see, even aside from the vast array of temperatures that surfing is possible in thanks to the wetsuit, there are a lot of variables in surfing. The coolest way to experience these variables is to hop on a longboard surfboard, and start catching some waves!

If you would like more information about longboard surfboards or standup paddleboards, please visit the Buyboardz website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Worthington

From Longboards to Shortboards and Back Again

By Jane Worthington

Do you ride in search of the perfect wave? Surfing is a great sport, and has the power to engulf you with just one ride. Not only is the sport of surfing about the hunt for the perfect wave, and to be able to ride it through, but it's also great because there are other ways to master the sport. You need to have the right board for fun, and different ways to ride the waves.

The sport of surfing has come a long way since the days of an extremely heavy surfboard made of local Hawaiian trees. Today there are many different kinds of surfboards made of different materials, and in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Each board provides the rider with different ways to experience the waves.

First, there's the Longboard. The long board was the first of its kind. The original surfboard was a long board, and weighed about 150 pounds. Today's long board is made out of polyurethane and is very light. The length is usually about nine feet but sometimes ranges to 12 feet. The long board is perfect if you're trying to catching waves whether big or small, and glides through the water easily and gracefully.

Next are Shortboards. These are great if you're up for tricks and want maneuverability on the water. They are typically between five to seven feet in length, and are thin in width. It has a pointed nose and a square tail. It also usually has three skegs, which are the fins on the board, but sometimes might only have two or as many as five. The downside to this type of ride is that with the smaller size, it is more difficult to catch waves. Their peak performance is in large, steep waves. This type of board is great for experienced riders and not often recommended for beginners. Once you get some practice on a longboard, then you will feel a lot more comfortable taking on the risks of the shortboard.

These are just two of the many types of surfboards out there today. These are the two most universally used, and can offer two vastly different surfing experiences. Whichever you choose, will allow you to see the wonders of the ocean from a different vantage point, and offer you a whole new world of sporting experience.

If you would like more information about discount longboards or shortboards, please visit the Buyboardz website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Worthington

Kitesurfing Videos

By Nikola Jankovic

Kitesurfing is not as easy as it appears on video. Every ride requires hard work and determination. How he was able to perfect his move depends on the rider, and the amount and degree of training that he received.

There are two ways to train for the sport. One is by taking kitesurfing courses. Here you have limitless choices. If you live in some coastal area, or if there are large lagoons and lakes in your place, with winds blowing steadily against it, then you're in luck. Chances are, there's a kitesurfing school or spot in your area.

To know details of any school, you can check the location over the internet. You'll be surprised at the number of schools in your area. If you can't find one in your area, you can be on vacation in some tropical island, where kitesurfing schools also abound. This indicates how popular the sport has become not only in the US but in most parts of the world.

Another way of learning is through self-help. Because of its gaining popularity, more and more people are learning the sport on their own. While this method seems difficult, since there is no one to personally teach you, there are many sources of information that a budding rider can read. One of these is through instructional videos.

Like websites, there are tons of instructional videos available in the market today. Which video to buy would have to depend on you. Some DVDs give step by step instructions while others present the topic in a travelogue manner, to make it more interesting.

These are two sources of kitesurfing videos internet and sports shops. Try keying in the word kitesurfing in your search engine, and you will find hundreds of websites dedicated to the sport the world over. As you browse through these sites, you will see the different features that they post.

Each of these websites contains videos of some sort exhibitions, instructions, and on some instances, accidents. While these may encourage others to try the sport, there are some who find it discouraging. But I guess the purpose is not to discourage. It is only to make people aware of the dangers that this sport may bring, and that everyone must observe the safety rules that this sport entails.

As years passed, and as the popularity of the sport spread, producers and kitesurfers are releasing better, more dynamic and glossy videos. With new technology, video cameras take better, more precise shots. Worth mentioning is the editing aspect of these videos. Advances in technology allow better editing and dubbing. So aside from just the graphic parts of the video, music is sometimes included to make it more interesting.

There are many kitesurfing videos that you can watch. Whether wave riding or freestyle, there is one to inspire you and teach you as you learn this new sport. Here's a word of caution though.

Don't try to do freestyling or other more difficult stunts for the first time without the help of an expert.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nikola_Jankovic

The Right Surfboard For Beginning Surfers?

By Paulette Silverson

Once you have decided to learn to surf...just what is the right surfboard for you, the beginning surfer?

The first rule is to make sure the surfboard you choose is the right length and width and thickness.

The wider the board and the thicker the board, the more stability you will have in the water. It should be 6 inches to 2 feet taller than your height, depending on your age. Kids are lighter than adults therefore more buoyant so can get by with a board 6 to 18 inches taller than their height, Adults should choose one that is 1 to 2 feet taller than them.

For beginners who want to surf all summer long, it would make sense to pick a surfboard that will last more than one season, one which you will not outgrow in a short time... but choose a cheap one to start with so you won't feel bad about the dings and dents it will get. A used one makes great sense. However.. do not buy a used one that has delamination or cuts where the foam is showing.. which of course is just common sense. You can get a custom made board.. one made to your specifications as opposed to a factory carbon output one, but that will cost more money. You can always go better after you learn the basics and are really ready to put on a show. You will by then be past the heavy dinging stage. Don't worry about how many fins the board you choose has. This is not a factor in learning to surf as the purpose of the fins is to help in turning. You won't be worrying about fancy turns while learning.

The best surfboard for a beginner is the minimal.. They can be bought with softtops that cushion all the falls you will take in the learning stage. Even the fins on the softtops are soft so the chance of injury are minimal. They range in length from 7 to 8 feet with a thickness of 2 to 2.5 inches, have a rounded nose.. with a great stability that allows for great paddling and catching of waves. You may be tempted to try a longboard. which are about 9 ft in length. Resist that temptation. They are much bulkier, turn harder, and you won't have much fun hauling them across the beach, and if your goal is to graduate someday to a shortboard, the minimal will point you there.

Whatever you do, do not fall into the "LOOK COOL" factor and decide to get a shortboard. They are not meant for beginners... as they are short and narrow and have thin sharp rails, or edges, that are designed for fancy turns and maneuvers by advanced surfers. Start with the longer, wider, more buoyant board and you will soon be looking for that cool shortboard and will be able to use it by then ... properly.

If you decide to look for a good used surfboard, a great place to start your search is at Your Surf Source which offers everything from used to new surfboards of all types and all things surf.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paulette_Silverson