What it Takes to Surf: What You Need, and What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about taking up surfing, you’re in for one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences the ocean has to offer. But before you paddle out, there are a few essentials you’ll need—and a few truths you’ll want to know. Whether you're trying to ride your first wave or gearing up for a surf trip with friends, here’s what it really takes to surf.

What You Need

1. A Surfboard (with a leash!)  

Surfboards come in many shapes and sizes, but for beginners, a big foam board is your best friend. They’re more stable, easier to paddle, and much more forgiving when you wipe out. Always use a leash so your board doesn’t get away from you (or hit someone else!). Remember that you need to transport it to the beach as well! If your car is smaller than your board, look into getting a roof rack (there are a wide range of removeable roof racks if you don't want to permanently modify your car)

2. A Wetsuit or Rashguard  

Depending on where you're surfing, water temps will dictate what you wear. If the water is below 70°F, you’ll want a wetsuit. Above 70°F, a rashguard will help protect your skin from sun and board rash. Check out this wetsuit thickness guide from Billabong to figure out what’s right for your local break.

3. Sunscreen  

The sun is no joke, even on overcast days. A zinc-based sunscreen is not only effective but also safer for marine life. Apply generously and reapply often—especially after being in the water.

4. A Way to Hide Your Car Key  

Modern car fobs don’t love saltwater. Look into whether your key has a removable “surf key” you can take with you in your wetsuit. If not, stash it in a hidden spot on the beach or invest in a lockbox that attaches to your car.

5. Friends  

Surfing is hard. You’ll wipe out—a lot. Having friends to laugh with, learn from, and encourage each other makes the process way more enjoyable. Plus, it’s always safer to surf with a buddy.

6. (Optional) Gloves, Booties, a Hood

If the water is really cold, or if you're cold-sensitive, you may want to consider gloves, booties, or a hood. These come in different thicknesses to make sure you stay warm

7. (Optional) Stingray Resistant Booties

If you're surfing in a location with stingrays, you may want stingray resistant booties to keep you from getting stung. Most booties don’t do much against stingrays, but Dragonskin® booties are specifically designed to protect against stingray stings. Among other places, stingrays are common from Southern California to Panama, from South Carolina to Panama, parts of Australia, Indonesia, and India.

What You Need to Know

1. It Takes Time  

If you’ve never done a board sport before, balancing on a surfboard won’t come instantly. Expect to spend a few sessions just learning how to pop up and ride straight.

2. You Will Be Tired  

Surfing is a full-body workout. By the end of the session, you’ll be exhausted, maybe with a nose full of saltwater. That’s normal—it's a sign that you gave it your all.

3. Be Honest with Your Instructor  

There are two kinds of people taking surf lessons: those who want the photo to remember their cool vacation, and those who want to pick it up as a continuous hobby. Be upfront with your instructor about your goals so they know whether they should give you the best photos, or their best advice.

4. Read the Surf Report

Your instructor will probably handle this for you, but you should know that you can find sources online to estimate the surfing conditions at most beaches -- we usually use surfline. If you're just starting out, you usually want waves that are 3 feet or smaller. 4+ foot waves will look very scary.

5. There are rules for how you behave in the water, when a wave is yours, and when you need to get out of somebody’s way. This is called ‘Surf Etiquette’. You should ask your instructor about this, especially as you start surfing open waves. If you’re just starting to learn, you can simplify it to these two rules: (1) If somebody is on a wave they get to go wherever they want, and it’s your job to get out of their way. (2) If you’re on a wave, try not to run over anybody.

6. Sharks Aren’t the Real Danger 

Shark attacks get all the attention, but they are really quite rare. The most dangerous place for sharks is probably Florida, with 259 attacks in the last decade. But think about that -- millions visit Florida beaches every year, and there's only about 26 attacks every year. Suffice to say it's rare.

7. Know the Real Hazards 

Every location is slightly different, so it's good practice to ask a local what to watch out for. In order of frequency, the biggest dangers are usually sun exposure, rip currents, sharp rocks / reef, stingrays, and other kinds of marine life.

The ocean is a powerful place, and surfing is a dance between respect, skill, and timing. With the right gear, mindset, and safety precautions you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the ride. We hope we see you in the lineup, rocking some Dragonskin® booties.