10 Must Know Surf Hacks
Cover image: ©Miguel A. Amutio on Unsplash
Whether you want to slip into your wetsuit with ease, keep your car sand-free, or get the scoop on cheap wax removal techniques, surf hacks are necessary for any wave charger to know. Here are the 10 best surf tips and tricks that make every surfer's life easier.
Bucket is Yo Bestie
Keep a plastic bucket or tub in your car. When you’re done with your surf sesh take out your bucket and stand in it. You can leave your wet wetsuit and other sandy belongings in the bucket and out of your car.
Makeshift Shower
What’s better than a shower? Maybe a bucket. The best part of your post-surf is your makeshift shower. Take an old detergent bottle and poke holes in the cap. Pack that with fresh water and store it in the back of your car for a nice rinse to get the salt off. Bonus tip: shower inside your bucket and use the extra freshwater to wash your wetsuit and other gear.
At Home Wax Remover
Rewaxing your board is a chore... But it’s necessary so you can reapply and get a better grip. Learn how to recycle old wax here. First, use an old credit card, gift card, or wax scraper to get off as much wax as possible. Then take an old pair of tights and fill them with flour and tie a not to make a fist-sized sack, and use that to scrub away the excess from your board.
Bags on Yo feet
Getting in and out of your wetsuit can be hard, especially when you're just starting to surf. One of the best hacks is putting plastic bags or socks on your feet before you slip them through your wetsuit. They will slide with ease and make your wetsuit dressing a breeze.
Get a Towel Robe
When it’s cold or if your towel-changing skills aren't 100%, a towel robe is a perfect tool to keep you warm and covered. They will change your life and make the transition to car from sea as easy as one, two, three. Check out the Jamie O’Brien Stay Psyched Surf Rope.
Keep Yo Leash Straight
One common habit of surfers that is surprisingly a no-no is wrapping your leash around the tail of your board. When you invest in a nice leash, you want to keep it in the best shape possible. Wrapping the leash creates kinks, making it easier for your leash to wrap around your leg while surfing or snap in a wipeout. To straighten a kinked leash, hang your leash and add weight to the end closest to the floor. Leave for a day, and your leash will be good as new.
Keep Your Wetsuit in Tip Top Shape
One of the most popular mistakes surfers make is hanging our wetsuits in direct sunlight to dry. Direct sunlight not only damages the glue that holds the seams together but ruins neoprene and shortens its usability time. Another tip to keep helping your wetsuit last is to hang it on a side set hanger. Normal hangers can stretch out the shoulders and misshape the suit. Check out our favorite wetsuits here.
Waterproof Key Holder or Lock Box
Despite how sneaky we think we are, everyone knows the age-old tricks of hiding your key on your tire or taping them to the inside of your fender. As surfers, we can reduce worry and ensure maximum security by investing in a waterproof key holder or car lock. Waterproof holders are small and easy to put in your wetsuit. Car locks, for those who don't want to keep their keys on their person, ensure safekeeping so you can charge waves without worry.
Vaseline to Prevent Rashes
Sometimes our rash guards or wetsuits rub in a non-ideal manner. We've all had a rash that popped up after a long day in the water and makes you dread getting in your suit again. In these situations, Vaseline is a lifesaver. If you apply enough, it will keep your skin safe for all or at least the majority of your session.
Duct Tape is your Best Friend
Duct tape is to surfers like a wand is to Harry Potter. Keep Duct tape in your car for quick board repairs, skin cuts, or wetsuit patches.
The ultimate surf tip, trick, or hack to get any time, anywhere surf coaching with help from our Jamie O’Brien Surf App found here.
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