An instructor watches an adult beginner practise her stance on a surfboard on the sand.

Starting out

Choose a surf lesson for your first day in the water

Two numbered surfboards stand among the shelves of a small shop.

Boards & equipment

Rent before buying an unfamiliar board shape

A hand holds an illustrative 4/3 mm thickness label inside a black neoprene wetsuit.

Wetsuits & clothing

Read a wetsuit thickness label before comparing suits

A traveller checks a phone beside a long board bag in an airport hall.

Surf travel

Flying with a surfboard: check the airline rules first

A shared hostel room has bunk beds and individual privacy curtains.

Surf travel

Compare surf camp accommodation before booking

Know your kit

Explore

A blue soft-top and a cream hard surfboard lie side by side on a workshop floor.

Boards & equipment

Soft top or hard board for your first purchase

Choose construction alongside shape, condition and the way you will use the board, rather than treating a hard board as an automatic upgrade.

A knitted board sock and a padded day bag lie side by side on a shop floor.

Boards & equipment

Compare a board sock and a padded day bag

A knitted cover and a padded day bag solve different carrying problems. Compare the journey, the board shape and where the cover will be stored.

Three fins are visible on the underside of a surfboard lying beside shallow water.

Boards & equipment

Single fin and multi-fin boards: an introduction

A surfer kneels on the sand to adjust the leash cuff at his ankle.

Boards & equipment

Check a leash cuff for fit and wear

Hands rub a block of wax across a surfboard deck near the beach.

Boards & equipment

Basecoat and topcoat: understand the product instructions

Several surfboards rest horizontally on a rack beside a sheltered garden wall.

Boards & equipment

Choose a board storage rack for a small home

Time at the coast

Explore

A coastal guesthouse courtyard provides a freshwater rinse area and an empty sheltered drying rail.

Surf travel

Find accommodation with a place to rinse and dry gear

Look for an actual rinse point, a workable drying space and permission to use them; a photograph of a balcony does not answer all three questions.

Palm trees stand between a beachfront hotel and a sandy coastal area.

Surf travel

Choose between a beachfront stay and a quieter base

Three surfers with their boards talk together beside a beach.

Surf travel

Plan a mixed-ability surf holiday

Between sessions

Explore

A person reads a cleaner bottle beside a wetsuit and rinse tub.

Care & storage

Read wetsuit cleaner instructions before use

Check compatibility, dilution and the complete wash sequence before using a cleaner, rather than treating a stronger mixture as a better clean.

A small tear in a wetsuit is shown to another person at a repair counter.

Care & storage

Know when to ask a repairer about a wetsuit tear

Send the repairer the suit's model and clear views of the damaged area before buying an adhesive or attempting to close the tear yourself.

A compact utility corner has a horizontal drying rack, drip tray, boot shelf and open wet bag.

Care & storage

Create a small-space drying area for surf equipment

Design the drying area around drainage, permitted supports and airflow, with separate places for wet equipment and items ready to pack.

Choose a surf lesson for your first day in the water

Rent before buying an unfamiliar board shape

Read a wetsuit thickness label before comparing suits

Flying with a surfboard: check the airline rules first

Compare surf camp accommodation before booking

Know your kit

Soft top or hard board for your first purchase

Compare a board sock and a padded day bag

Single fin and multi-fin boards: an introduction

Check a leash cuff for fit and wear

Basecoat and topcoat: understand the product instructions

Choose a board storage rack for a small home

Time at the coast

Find accommodation with a place to rinse and dry gear

Choose between a beachfront stay and a quieter base

Plan a mixed-ability surf holiday

Between sessions

Read wetsuit cleaner instructions before use

Know when to ask a repairer about a wetsuit tear

Create a small-space drying area for surf equipment

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