All Articles

The Phantom Peak of Brandon Bay: Chasing the Elusive Slab of Dingle’s North Shore

The Magic of the Long Left at Inch Beach

The Unsung Hero of the Quiver: Why a Surf Poncho is Your Best Essential Extra

Chasing the Endless Point: The Mystic Pull of Scorpion Bay in Baja

The Superbank: Surfing the Golden Thread of the Gold Coast

Kicking the Oil Habit: How the Surf Stoked a Sustainable Wetsuit Revolution

The Pop-Up Puzzle: How Grommets Can Master the Move That Changes Everything

The Art of Reading the Lineup: When to Paddle, When to Wait

The Unsung Wave of Your Surf Wardrobe: Why Your Hat Matters as Much as Your Board

The Endless Spirit of Eddie Aikau: The Big Wave Legend Who Defined Aloha

The Gut Factor: Why Your Microbiome is the Secret to a Better Wave

Miki Dora’s Board Design: The Maverick’s Secret Weapon

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Surf Culture & Community

It’s a trust thing, like a favorite local shaper who just gets your style. Each brand has a distinct “feel”—a certain rocker, rail shape, or flex pattern. When you find one that matches your approach to the wave, you form a partnership. You know exactly what you’re getting under your feet, which lets you focus on your surfing, not your equipment.

Chase the swell, not just the sun. Use forecast tools to target regions in their prime season. But be flexible—have a Plan B spot for when the wind switches. Pack a versatile board or two, and leave room for local knowledge. The best trips mix good waves with cultural immersion. Talk to shop guys, eat local, and score with a smile.

Forget the marquee names and look for adventure. Think lesser-known islands in Indonesia like the Mentawais’ outer isles, or exploring the coast of mainland Mexico away from the usual spots. Portugal has endless hidden nooks beyond Nazaré and Peniche. Central America still has secret beach breaks if you’re willing to trek. The mission is half the fun. Do your research, be self-sufficient, and always, always respect the spot’s secrecy if you’re trusted with the info.

Surf Culture & Community

Look for operations run by true locals who live and breathe their home break. A good guide isn’t just a coach; they’re your cultural ambassador. They’ll school you on the local vibe, introduce you to the crew, and get you on the right waves for your skill level. This kind of immersive experience can fast-track your connections in a new region, giving you a crew to paddle out with next time you’re back.

Totally, it’s a personal preference thing. Regular-footers (right foot forward) often wear it on their back (left) ankle, and goofy-footers on their right. This keeps the cord away from your leading foot during pop-ups. Some surfers switch it up based on the break to keep the leash away from the curl. The key is consistency—find what feels natural and stick with it so the motion becomes automatic when you’re scrambling to your feet.

Not at all! While yes, it’s the soul of a traditional longboard, a single fin teaches you everything about flow and trim. It’s all about drawing elegant lines, using the whole board, and mastering footwork to turn from the tail. The feeling of gliding on a single fin is pure soul surfing. It forces you to slow down and connect with the wave’s energy in a totally different way.