Comments for The Surfing Handbook

Comment on Modern Collective – Surf Movie by BIll

BIll — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:35:11 +0000

Jordy Smith in my mind is undoubtedly the best surfer in the world rght now. Dane is extremely good but with Jordy’s power surfing he takes it for sure! A mix of absolutely mind blowing tricks and incredible power turns puts him above the rest in my mind! I feel because he’s from where, South Africa?, he’s at a huge media disadvantage which is why he has to share limelight with some of the others. Anyway, that my opinion and I’m from Cali so hopefully not too biased. Anyone agree or am I tripping???

Comment on Surfing Dolphins! by Jon

Jon — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:39:41 +0000

A few weeks ago i was lucky enough to share a wave with a dolphin. I looked left and saw it jumping through the wave – i went right. That is a moment i will never forget. Wish i had a picture.

Comment on Surfboard Leashes by Skye

Skye — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:18:42 +0000

Dude this site is really informative. I just went out and got a leash on a whim. Turns out i got the perfect one, so thanks for letting me know how to go about the ‘rights’ and how to avoid the ‘wrongs’ in this circumstance. You could saving alot of begginner surfers lives with this infomation. All of it is really relivant and interesting. Keep up the good work.

Comment on Sharks! by MJ

MJ — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:39:41 +0000

I had a couple of “encounters” with sharks in my surfing days. The first time, I was standing on a sandbar at the shorebreak resting. The wave hit, and I looked down to see a dark shadow about 5 feet long swim between me and my buddy. This was sandy, Texas water, but I could make out the shark in waist deep water.
The second was at Freeport, TX. I was paddling to catch a wave and my hand brushed against what felt like sandpaper under the water. I knew what it was, and could barely stay on my board. Needless to say, I bodyboarded all the way to shore with no hands or feet in the water again.

Comment on Fin System Guide by zack the hack

zack the hack — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:52:13 +0000

whatever.

I would recommend the people not use fins at all. Side slip more. The Hobgods think its cool.

Comment on Overcoming Fear Of The Ocean by Anne

Anne — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:15:57 +0000

I have started surfing about a million times since i was bout 14. I stood on my first try, on a rebrake.But everytime a friend has paddled out with me, supposedly as my aid, he would catch a couple of waves and wait for me on the beach-leaving me out on my ace with sets rolling in. it was no two footer either. Naturally, i panicked and end up getting washed up on the beach. Everytime i find myself out, I find I wonder how to get back-if i am unable to actually catch a wave? Point being-I now have a serious fear of paddling out. My boyfriends of four years surfs.He baught me a brand new 7.4 foot board and new wetsuit…and Im starting to feel guilty. Thanx for sharing your story…I hope it helps.

Comment on Wetsuit Guide by Jorge

Jorge — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:58:56 +0000

Hi,

I´ve read some papers that say pee may attract sharks because their inquisitive nature. Sharks are attracted to anything unsual in water specially if it´s warm.
Don´t forget they´re eternal hunters, always hungry and ready to eat whatever is in their way.

I think the best way still is peeing near the white water and after it opening the wrist and ankles parts so the water can fluid faster.

If you wanna get warm in winter, get a thicker wetsuit, or buy a neopren jacket, or some surf boots or gloves.

Anyway, this article is really helpful.

Greetings from Chile

Comment on Fin System Guide by Deadshaper aka Bruce Fowler

Deadshaper aka Bruce Fowler — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:26:49 +0000

Sorry Karl, but I have to respectfully disagree. After being in the industry for decades, I’d have to say that blaming the glassers for a design that has inherent design deficiencies simply isn’t fair.

A skin to skin connection is theoretically the strongest form of reinforcement for fin systems and fin boxes that experience significant lateral load bearing. After pioneering the method needed to eliminate fin box blowout and failure on windsurfers, we did, indeed find the best method of reinforcement was a skin to skin connection.

However, the problem with the FCS X2 plugs is the lack of reinforcement around the fin plugs and the “H” pattern hat connects to the deck layer: even with a deck patch. Severe lateral torque or a blow to the leading edge or the fin can (and does) result inthe plug punching down below the bottom surface, the O ring of reinforcement cracking, or the corner of the tab slot cracking where the material is very thin adjacent to the perimeter of the plug wall.

I maintain, that in theory, it was a good idea, and overall the plugs handle considerable demands, but if you were to ask any number of surfboard repair shops how often they have to replace cracked FCS plugs, they would tell you it’s pretty common.

How can I make these statments? How do I qualify?

I have spent 40 years in the industry building high performance surfboards and sailboards including operating the busiest repair shop in Santa Barbara throughout the 80’s decade. I also designed and built the 2nd fastest sailboard in the world as clocked by radar.

See this retrospective:

http://www.goletasurfing.com/fowler.html

Comment on Surfing Etiquette by johnny

johnny — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:10:38 +0000

really enjoy your blog. I recently moved to SoCal and have been surfing a lot. This etiquette page is great for any new surfer. I tried to go by common sense and had some run ins with people (quick apology usually sufficed), but in general i learned the rules quickly by just being out there. I have met a lot of nice people out in the water, BUT, what i have learned, is that there will always be a couple of real DOUCHEBAGS at every break that think they run things. I try to move away from those people, because their attitude ruins my session, but given the type of break you may not be able to get too far.

Everyone just wants to go out and have fun, if everyone is being safe, there is no reason for people to be a dick. There will be more waves rolling right in behind the one you are arguing about.

Comment on Surfing Etiquette by Biff

Biff — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:12:41 +0000

Great rules. I’d add an important one: even if somebody breaks the rules, which they will, probably everytime you go out now, try not to be a dick. Inform them of what they did wrong, but don’t vibe them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen guys give attitude to some newbie, then turn around and break a rule themselves. surfing could do without the righteousness!