5 Essential Surfing Equipment You Must Have 2024

For 2024, essential surfing equipment includes a footrope to keep your board close, a short sleeve diving suit for optimal temperature and movement, a UV-resistant parasol for protection, a durable square table for gear organization, and a quick-drying bathrobe for comfort and warmth post-surf.

Footrope

An essential accessory of every surfer, the footrope, also known as a “leash”, is designed to keep your board by your side when you wipe out. In general, your leash should be no longer than your board to guarantee that it does not interfere with your ride but still fulfils its function. They are normally between 5 and 10 feet long and 5mm to 7mm thick, with a strong, padded ankle strap to ensure comfort and a robust swivel, which minimises tangling. If you are considering buying a leash, you should think about what conditions you will be using it in. For big wave surfing, buy a thicker and stronger one. For everyday purposes, a standard leash will be sufficient. Always carefully inspect your footrope before taking it to the ocean to ensure that it is in good condition. This simple precaution could save your board and your life.    

Short Sleeve Diving Suit

A short sleeve diving suit is a must-have for surfers who prefer to have flexibility and comfort without being cold. Such suits are designed for waters usually from 62 to 68 degrees and are approximately 2mm to 3mm thick. This amount is perfect for insulation and at the same time, not to restrict your movements. Besides, the paddles are very efficient when having such a suit on. Quality neoprene is preferred, as it provides more insulation and comfort. Try to select a suit that fits you well but is not too tight. It must be flexible and sit on you like a second skin. Flatlock seams and seamless underarms are likely features that will make your suit more comfortable and last longer. The seams are specifically crucial as they indicate the durability of the suit. It must also prevent chafing while paddling. These suits are not only functional but also very pretty. They come at varying colors and with various designs and sold for different prices. Picking the color, however, is a good opportunity to add a bit of your surf style. To extend your suit life, always roll it with fresh water after going surfing. This will help the neoprene stay fresh as the salt wears it off fast.    

Parasol

A parasol is one of the most important but least appreciated accessories for surfers. Given that this element provides vital shading and UV protection, it is crucial to preserving one’s health and reducing the risk of sunburn on the long beach days. It requires to be mentioned that modern changes made artifacts much more convenient, and the design fully corresponds to modern beachgoer needs. Typically, these elements actively block all rays using specially designed UV-resistant materials. There is also a range of features to take into consideration, including rather substantial robustness and the ability of the base to be firmly anchored. Finally, it is preferable that the selected model includes a tilting system as it is beneficial to shift the angle as the sun moves. With all characteristics taken into consideration, a perfect parasol will feature high SPF fabric and rust-resistant frame, which is vital in the sea environment . In addition to that, this element must be comfortably used, which implies that the weight must be relatively low, and a carry case must be incorporated. One should mention that some manufacturers also include the side panels that are used when the sun is low in the sky. Before finishing, it is vital to stress that this type of gear has to be properly anchored to prevent the chances of being blown into the wind.    

Square Table

A square table may have seemed like odd essential surfing equipment. However, once we tell you a bit more, you will agree that this item is more than capable of finding its place on the list. At all times, it is difficult to argue with the fact that a reliable assistant is always good at preparing your gear for a trip, on the one hand, and laying food out on the table and waxing your surfing board, on the other. The only feature that a square table should have is being as light and as strong as possible, because even for a piece of beach equipment, the strength of materials is sometimes the only thing that matters. A good beach-friendly table is made of the mentioned water-resistant materials, which can be either aluminum or specially treated wood. These materials are durable and easy to clean. The size is also one of the details to be taken into account, as the table should be large enough to accommodate everything that might be needed for maintaining your gear. Additionally, some tables are manufactured with built-in storage or a special pocket for a drink, which makes it even more useful. Finally, in the end, it should not wobble, which basic rule holds true irrespective of what it is made of and where it is used.    

Bathrobe

First of all, a bathrobe is a must for any surfer. You can enjoy much more comfort if you have a robe to change between catching the waves and hanging on the shore. We would recommend deciding in favor of a quick-drying material such as microfiber or terrycloth to stay warm and dry after a good surf. Microfiber is the most comfortable to wear, but terrycloth is no worse in this environment and it can be equally absorbent.