Explore the journal

Boards & equipment

Board shapes, compatible parts, transport bags and the small details of surf equipment.

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

Boards & equipment

Basecoat and topcoat: understand the product instructions

A basecoat and a topcoat are different roles within an application system. Establish what the products require before buying two bars by habit.

A textured traction pad and a waxed deck show two surfboard grip surfaces.

Boards & equipment

Traction pad or wax: compare the job each does

Compare where you need traction, how permanent the change will be and whether the board surface accepts the proposed product.

Hands check the position of a three-piece traction pad on a board tail.

Boards & equipment

Plan traction pad placement before removing the backing

Lay out the complete pad with its backing intact, confirm compatibility and allow the specified bonding time before planning a session.

Fin keys and spare screws are organised inside a small zippered tool pouch.

Boards & equipment

Keep small fin tools together without damaging your bag

A small labelled tool pouch prevents fin keys and screws from disappearing into luggage or pressing against a board.

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

Boards & equipment

Choose a board storage rack for a small home

Choose storage around the board's dimensions, the room's traffic and the rack's fixing requirements. An empty corner is not automatically a suitable storage location.

A phone photographs an existing scuff on the rail of a blue rental board.

Boards & equipment

What to photograph when collecting a rental surfboard

Photograph the whole rental board and any existing marks with the shop present, then keep the images with the hire record.