With the surfing season in Ireland in full swing, why not take your surfing to the next level? Chances are, if you are a beginner you are borrowing or renting your surfing gear, but if you want to advance your surfing and get your own equipment, this is the guide for you!

There is a lot of equipment on the market that can set your bank back, but you don’t need to get it all straight away. Sure, there’s equipment out there that would make a surfer’s life easy, but we recommend starting off with the essentials and here’s our top 5:

1. Surfboard

The most essential piece of equipment is the surfboard you’ll be hitting those waves at! There’s many shapes and sizes available for different experience level and wave conditions, so we recommend going into your local surf shop where they can advise you on the perfect board for you.

The surf shops often have sales, but even then, a surfboard can cost you hundreds! So, after you get advice from the surf shop, you can head the used surfboard route, there’s lots of ads listed online!

2. Surfboard bag

So now that you own a surfboard, you want to keep it in the best condition possible. A surfboard bag will help you protect your board from all knocks and dings, whether it is during transport or just storage!

3. Board leash

Board leash, also known as leg rope, is a surfers’ must have! It stops the board from being washed away if the board and the surfer get separated. It’s made from urethane cord and designed to withstand the strongest of wipe outs. Be sure to get a leash as long as your surfboard, or preferably longer, to give you room for movement when you fall off the board and avoid hitting it with your head.

4. Surfboard wax or Traction pads

Surfboard wax is essential to any beginner surfer as it will help you maintain a good grip on the board and prevents slipping off the board when padding out or riding any size waves. It has jagged edges that create textured grooves, which help maintain good traction. The surf wax is rubbed on a dry board before every session and removed with a wax comb after.

Traction pad is an alternative to the board wax. It is a permanent pad placed on the deck of your surfboard and it provides grip when wet. It’s generally more expensive than surf wax, especially if you are looking at pro brands.

5. Earplugs

With the cold waters of the Atlantic, earplugs are essential for surfers in Ireland to prevent the risk of developing ‘’surfer’s ear’’ – abnormal bone growths in the ear canal which are caused by irritation form cold wind and water. This can lead to infection and paid, but also can eventually affect your hearing.

Comment YOUR equipment essentials with us and don't forget to like and hare with your fellow surfers! Surf Up!