surfing virgin....

[J]

hey all, i'm giving surfing a go for the first time this summer (very excited!) just wondering who does the best gear? i haven't got anything yet... a friend recommended quiksilver but he isn't a surfer so i wanted some more expert opinions!! Thanks!!!

[PapaW]

We're talking wetsuits here?

None of them!



West, Snugg, Xcell get my vote for suits.

Tho Oneil have produced a few good suits in the past but I'm not rating this years.

[Beachbumhippie]

None of the above, chav gear

[J]

ok, well Im no chav! who do you get all your stuff from?

[J]

um, wetsuits, boards, leash, everything really! are different companies good for different things?

does noone like quiksilver?

[garbarrage]

have a billabong gold solution wetsuit 5/3 kneeflex.... super warm, and i used to be a total pussy in cold water. haven't gone on to glass boards yet cos i know i'll ding the feckin thing before i even get it in the water. shop around and check this site. here's a link

https://surfing-waves.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8441

[brummie]

ive got a c-skins and thats done me proud during the winter

[essex sucks]

yep non of them c skins or exal

[allyoz]

don't look for labels, look for quality workmanship.........

[CHarvey]

I use a matuse 4\3\2 wetsuit. Very warm and comfortable.
Don't really care about name so much as I care about how functional it is and how long it is going to last me.
Most of the time you are just paying more because it has some stupid name on it anyway.

[Beachbumhippie]

What i mean by chav, walk through land locked towns and everyone is wearing a brand name. Sorry but i have a thing about it .
Cskins for me too. Try as many on in your local shop that way you can tell which feels the best. As for boards for a newbie go long fat and wide.
I like my clothes with no logo, unless its for a good course.

[RustyG]

i have an o'neill psycho 1 3/2 and it keeps me pretty warm up here in morro bay, water is usually in the low 50's here.

[drowningbitbybit]

I'd recommend Quiksilver shorts, a billabong hoodie, an animal cap, and some O'Neill shades. Then you'll blend in just like a real surfer.

[CHarvey]

Get the flip flops with the bottle openers on the bottom, or with the built in flask!

[smallwavegrovellerchick]

I'm partial to O'neill for rash guards, neoprene tops, and wetsuits (although I hate wearing a wetsuit period). They make decent boardshorts according to my husband. I tend to avoid surf brands for clothing since they only come in junior sizes, but my husband wears a lot of Quicksilver. As for bathing suits, I only wear Honey Girl or Rip Curl. The tops have to tie at the neck and the back or might as well just surf naked since other styles/brands don't seem to stay on.

[tomato3000]

What kit are you looking for?

I notice you're in the UK. For wetsuits I generally use C-skins and Alders as they are both UK makes, and cheaper than the big names (It costs money to create the 'worldwide brand' that the big names have, that money is part of what you are paying for).

Best thing you can do is go to an independent surf shop and talk to them. And try stuff on. One thing I think I should state explicitly is a famous name is in no way indicitive of superior build quality.

Although if you haven't even tried surfing yet just rent for the first few times.

[derbyshire surfer]

I recently got a Gul Vortex 6/5/4 wettie for winter and I've been comfortable in it so far. Made January and February more bearable!

[Bub]

Your giving surfing a go for the first time this summer? Don't buy anything. Rent a board, rent a wetsuit (if its cold) etc. Your think you're going to fit in with the lineup just because you have name brand gear. You'll be pegged as a newbie on your 1st paddle out...even if you had a custom board, top of the line wetsuit etc. If you like surfing after many times out, then consider buying some gear. Please don't waste your money on expensive equipment in the beginning. Rent some gear the 1st couple of times out at least.

[alimac2411]

O Neill for me, psycho 2 wetsuit is class. Their Mutant boots are mega comfy and warm. I've got an Alder Plasma hood that i totally rate too! All that gear is warm and top quality!

[surferdude_scarborough]

i have a saloman winter suit which is pretty sweet but is now falling apart after its 3rd winter.

alder plasma boots are awesome.

and saloman hood and sola gloves. all good gear

want an xcell for next winter.