Surf Talk Guru

Most forms of outdoor recreation are dependent on weather conditions, but none more so than surfing. Experienced surfers know that the degree of difficulty for a given session is heavily reliant upon location, wind conditions and a phenomenon known as wave swell. Surfers owe it to themselves to pay plenty of attention to local weather forecasts before setting out for the coast.

Lines on a weather map are called isobars, and they denote wind intensity and direction. If the lines are bunched close together and pointing toward land, it’s a good sign that that region will experience large swells. These conditions are commonplace in Oregon surfing, so you’ll need to find locations with swell sizes that suit your skill level. Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew as a surfer, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself either.

Why didn’t anyone think of this before? Today there is a trend toward eco-friendliness in all aspects of life, but in the wetsuit arena, it couldn’t have come soon enough. Wetsuits have historically been made from neoprene, with nylon as a lining. But now wetsuit manufacturers like Xcel are improving the linings using recycled natural fibers, which are better for your skin and for the environment.

Xcel wetsuits just came out with the environmentally responsible ThermoBamboo lining in their latest line. Why bamboo? Bamboo fabric is soft, naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and it’s grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. For use in wetsuits, bamboo is a superb choice because it absorbs moisture and dries quickly. Bamboo is also a natural insulator, retaining heat against the body. Surf warm this fall and winter, and keep Oregon green!