All Articles

The Zen of Ding Repair

The Longboard Renaissance: How Slowing Down Brought Back the Soul of Surfing

The Unrelenting Fire: Andy Irons and the Art of Competitive Intensity

Andy Irons: The Triple Crown King of Hawaiian Surfing

The High-Elbow Catch: Unlocking Paddle Power to Catch Every Wave Worth Your While

The Magic of Waimea Bay: Where Big Wave Riding Was Born

The Roots of Aloha in Ancient Hawaiian Surfing

Knowing When to Paddle Out: The Art of Avoiding the Wipeout

The Rhythm of the Soul: Paddling as Meditation

The Pulse of the Sea: Understanding Wave Set Intervals

The Grip That Changed Everything: How Traction Pads Rewired Surfing

The Grommet’s Guide to Speaking Fluent Surf Slang

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Surf Lingo & Slang

First, learn the rules: don’t drop in, paddle wide of the peak, and don’t ditch your board. Watch and learn from experienced locals. Match your equipment to your skill level—no ripping on a giant foamie, but also no struggling on a tiny high-performance shred stick. Most importantly, be humble, apologize for mistakes, and focus on control over recklessness. It’s all about sharing stoke, not stealing waves.

It roots you in the lineage of the sport. Knowing about the ancient Polynesians, the Dogtown rebels, or the single-fin loggers gives you respect for the craft. You learn the language, the etiquette, and the spirit. It’s not about being a historian; it’s about honoring the tribes and innovators who shaped the glide. This knowledge connects you to every surfer who’s ever waited for a set, deepening your own experience in the water. You’re joining a timeless tribe.

Totally. A tail pad gives you insane grip for your back foot, which is crucial for snaps and cutbacks. It lets you feel your board’s tail without looking down. While a pure longboarder might skip it, anyone doing turns on a shortboard or fish should rock one. It’s not just for pros; it helps any surfer connect with their board and push their performance. Think of it as super glue for your feet when you’re driving down the line or off the lip.

Surf History & Legends

It’s not strictly “better,“ just different! Epoxy boards (EPS foam with epoxy resin) are lighter, stronger, and more buoyant—great for smaller waves or lighter riders. Traditional PU/PE boards (polyurethane foam with polyester resin) have a more familiar, flexier feel that many pros prefer for powerful surf; they can feel more “alive” underfoot. Epoxy is durable for travel, while PU can be easier to repair. It’s a personal preference thing, like choosing your favorite wax scent.

Absolutely, unless you want your prized stick to get dinged by baggage handlers. A good travel bag (padded or coffin-style) protects your quiver from airlines, buses, and roof racks. Get one that fits your biggest board with some extra space for padding (like towels or clothes). It’s an essential investment for chasing swells around the globe. No one wants to start a surf trip with a repair job.

Don’t be a snake or a drop-in artist. The person deepest on the peak has right of way, especially if they’re going for it. Don’t paddle for a wave someone is clearly lined up for. Hoot your mates into a good one—it’s all about shared stoke. If you blow it and kick out your board, apologize. In heavy, critical waves, respect goes a long way. It’s a small community out there. Good vibes keep the lineup fun and safe for everyone charging. Spread aloha.