Surf Essentials - The things you sometimes miss
We've all been there, eager to get to the surf only to realise that you've left your wax at home, you don't know where to put your keys and you forgot your sunscreen. So, here's a little list of items that we believe are essential for surfing:
1. Eco-friendly Wax - this is probably the most important thing other than your surfboard. There's nothing worse than getting to the beach with a slippery board and nothing to wax it with. It's cheap as hell and is stable MUST in your car. You can get it from pretty much every surf store for under $5. Lookout and read the ingredients to make sure it’s not petroleum-based wax. That stuff is nasty for you and our oceans. We love using Surf Organic, Sticky Johnson’s, Get A Grip, Climax Surf Wax.
2. Sunscreen - a big MUST! The last thing you want to do is leave the surf because your face is becoming a boiled lobster. Try to aim for reef-safe, non-toxic sunscreens if you can. There are some amazing brands like Winki Zinc, Surfmud & Feel Good Inc who create non-toxic sunscreen that your skin & the ocean will thank you for.
3. A Lockbox - Trying to hide your keys in & around your car or even worse, leaving them wrapped in a towel on the beach has to be one of the most anxiety-causing things to do while you surf. You can buy these fairly cheaply from stores like Sideways Surf or Bunnings for around $50. It will honestly save your life & they last forever.
4. A Bucket - No one wants to ruin their car with soggy and salty wetsuits & swimwear. Having a little bucket in your boot is a deal-breaker to keeping your car clean & dry. You can pick up various sizes at cheap stores, Bunnings, Coles, Woolworths & pretty mcuh anywhere that sells household products. Just remember to take out your wet wetsuit/swimmers otherwise a nasty smell might remain in your car.
5. Conditioner - Probably one most don't think about, but boy does it help your hair! Applying it before and after you get in the surf will significantly help your hair from becoming one massive dreadlock. Aim to use a non-toxic, paraben-free, organic conditioner to reduce your footprint in the sea. There are lots of brands like this & they don’t generally come at much of an inflated price. If you can opt for eco-products the earth will thank you!
6. Spare Towel - Too often than not, you get out of the surf & realise that you forgot to bring a towel! Especially in these colder months, it will be a lifesaver having a spare towel in your car. I like to keep one in there for emergencies for myself, but more often than not, for my friend who decides to get a ride with me to the beach! Who can relate to this one?