Surfing is a multi million dollar industry which just keeps on growing, after all, what better way is there to spend the summer than riding those waves, or watching somebody else do it? Let’s be honest, there are not many other “breeds” which are quite so cool as surfers. The sun bleached hair, the bronzed athletic torso and the ability (or the illusion at least) of man taming the ocean – it’s simply awesome. They’re not afraid of anything, not the crashing waves (the bigger the better), not the deep blue sea, not even the sharks!

Of course, this means that not only do lots of people want to enjoy surfing, but there are those who want to look like they do – even if they’re afraid to go in the water. If surfing is big business, then the surf clothing business is even bigger – a whole style has developed around this adrenalin junkies pastime and has taken the world by storm.

THE SURF COMPANIES

The largest companies in the surf industry have to be pretty cool too, otherwise nobody would use their products right – you see they’re not selling clothes and surfing accessories here, they’re selling a whole lifestyle. Company names like “Billabong”, “Freestyle”, “Quiksilver” and “Rip Curl” all know what they’re doing don’t they? Their PR departments have certainly worked hard to make sure that as soon as you buy even a t-shirt you are instantly transformed into a surfer boy (or girl) - even if you don’t like getting wet. It’s all in the branding.

You can search online for surfing companies.

SURFING MUST-HAVES

So what do you actually need to go surfing. There are so many accessories on the market today, let’s take a look at what you actually need before you can start to ride those waves:

• Surfboards – if you don’t take an experienced surfer with you, you won’t know where to start. There are literally thousands of makes and models on the market today at a great variety of prices.  There are long boards, short boards, hand shaped boards, bamboo boards, ladies boards. Many of them are sponsored by world famous surfers, so if you want to surf like a champion get one of their boards.
• Wetsuits – it might be a hot sunny day on the beach, but very often the water gets cold (especially the Atlantic) Wetsuits are also bouyant so can help to keep you afloat if you fall off and get tired, and if you buy a bright colored one it’s easy for rescuers to spot you in the water.
• Clothes - maybe you don’t need a special t-shirt while you’re actually in the water, but it’s important to have something stylish to pull on while you’re parading up and down the beach. Some surfer style t-shirts are absolutely fantastic, no wonder everybody wants to be seen in them.
• Sandals and Flip Flops - the sand gets hot you know, and surfer sandals can help to add to the overall effect while you’re out of the water. Don’t leave them lying around on the beach though, or they might not be there when you get back.
• Sunglasses – (sorry, dude, shades!) are the essential accessory and cut out the glare from the sun on the water. Don’t leave home without them. They fasten around safely so that there’s no danger of losing them in the surf.
• Watch – it’s easy to lose track of time while you’re out taming the sea, but there are some terrific water proof, shock proof, surfer proof watches on the market to make sure you’re always home in time for tea!