All Articles

Grom Speak 101: Surf Lingo to Make You Sound Like a Local

The Soul of Gnarly: When Surfing Meets the Edge

Miki Dora: The Lone Wolf Who Told Surfing to Get Lost

Surfing Ancient Waters: Cultural Immersion in Huanchaco, Peru

Why Your Leash and Traction Setup Matter More Than Your Board

The Wetsuit: Your Second Skin for Surfing Anywhere

The Still Point Where Waves Breathe

The Green Wave: How Sustainable Surfboards Are Shaping the Next Era

The Timeless Stoke of Malibu’s First Point

The Fish Tail: How a Retro Fun Shape Keeps the Stoke Alive

Pipeline’s Perfect Storm: The Evolution of Surfing’s Most Legendary Wave

Inside the Green Room: The Art of Getting Barreled

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Surf Travel Adventures

No stress! This is when you explore the other parts of the culture. Go for a bodysurf, rent a SUP, or snorkel. Check out the local town, try the food, and maybe take a lesson in something new like fishing or carving. These down days are part of the rhythm. They let you rest up for when the swell hits and often become the best stories—the wild characters you met and the hidden spots you found.

For sure, the moon pulls more than just the ocean—it pulls the tides. Full and new moons bring “spring tides,“ which are the most extreme high and low tides. This can be awesome for spots that need a super low tide to work, or it can totally swamp them. If you know a reef needs a draining low tide to fire, target those spring tide periods. It’s a next-level planning trick.

Aloha in the water is about respect, not just a greeting. It means not dropping in, acknowledging the hierarchy, and sharing waves with grace. On the North Shore, where tension can run high, showing aloha is your biggest asset. It’s giving a nod to the local crew, not snaking waves, and handling yourself with humility. This spirit keeps the vibe positive, even when it’s pumping and everyone’s frothing.

Surf Gear Essentials

That padded section where the leash string connects to your board’s plug is the rail saver, and it’s crucial. It protects your board’s delicate rails and tail from getting gashed by the cord during violent snaps or when the board is tumbling in the whitewater. It also reduces stress on the leash string itself, preventing premature snapping. Always make sure the rail saver is in good condition and properly positioned against your board’s edge.

Duck diving is the technique used to push your board underwater beneath an oncoming whitewater wave, so you can get out back without getting pummeled. You shove the nose down, push the tail under with your knee or foot, and let the wave pass over you. It’s essential for shortboarders to efficiently get through the impact zone. Mastering it saves energy and gets you to the lineup faster, ready to catch set waves.

Walk in and talk story! The groms working there have seen every kook and charger in the water. They’ll ask about your experience, the waves you typically surf, and what you’re dreaming of riding. They’ll let you feel the difference between a fish and a gun, explain why volume matters, and might even point you to a local shaper for a custom stick. It’s personalized advice you can’t get from a dropdown menu online, ensuring you get a board that progresses your surfing, not hinders it.