All Articles

The Stoke of Print: How Surf Magazines Connected the Lineup Before the Digital Dawn

The Zen of the Drop: Why That First Second Defines Everything

The Fine Art of Wax Raking: Why Your Grooves Matter

Swell Windows and the Art of the Last-Minute Detour

The Longest Ride of Your Life: Finding the Endless Glide at Los Cerritos

The Noserider’s Log: The Soul of the Longboard Era

The Angles and the Drop: Shaun Tomson’s Tube Riding Revolution

The Ripper’s Mindset: Flow, Risk, and Respect

The Barrel Shot: Chasing the Perfect Frame Inside the Tube

Teahupo’o Throws a Wrench in the Rankings: The Tahiti Pro Shakes Up the Title Race

The Art of the Air Drop: Mastering Compression and Extension for Surfing Aerials

Reading the Pulse: How Observing the Ocean Before You Paddle Out Is the Deepest Form of Respect

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The North Shore eats confidence for breakfast. Local knowledge means understanding the unique ledge at Pipeline, the crazy rips at Sunset, and which peak is working on a given tide. It’s knowing when to paddle out and, more importantly, when to stay on the beach. This isn’t a place to guess. Having a friend who knows the lineups or spending time observing from shore is non-negotiable for safety and scoring.

For sure, you still need wax! The traction pad only covers the tail area where your back foot goes. Your front foot is still on the bare deck or your front deck grip, so you’ll need to wax that area normally. Also, many surfers put a light coat of wax on top of the traction pad itself for extra grip, especially in super hot or cold conditions when the pad’s feel can change. Don’t ditch the wax bucket just yet.

Usually, yes! Your stance tends to be consistent across all board sports. If you skate or snowboard regular, you’ll almost certainly surf regular. The muscle memory and balance are very similar. If you’re completely new to all board sports, surfing is the purest way to find your natural stance because the wave itself will tell you how you need to stand to balance and drive. It’s the original test.

Surf Gear & Brands

For sure, brah! This is where fins shine. In weak surf, you want fins that generate speed and help you create your own energy. Smaller fins, or a specific quad set, reduce drag and allow for quicker acceleration. Fins with more flex can also help “pump” through flat sections. Look for setups marketed as “performance groveler” or “speed generator” templates. They’re designed to turn ankle-biters into fun sessions, keeping you moving when the ocean is barely breathing.

You’re shedding the kook label when you stop thinking about popping up and start feeling the wave. It’s making the drop consistently, reading the lineup with confidence, and no longer being a hazard to others. Your turns get more intentional, you might start trimming down the line, and you spend more time riding than pearling. The biggest sign? Locals stop giving you the stink eye and might even throw you a nod.

Patience, positioning, and a bit of courage. You need a wave that’s pitching, not just crumbling. Take off at an angle, set your line high in the pocket, and commit. Don’t look down at your feet—look ahead through the tube. Stay compact and let the wave do the work. You’ll get swallowed more times than you make it, but that one moment you get slotted will be worth every beating. Just go for it!