Surf Talk Guru

There are a lot of different brand names when it comes to surfboard fins. Are they really that different? Is buying new fin set ups something you really want to do?

Most boards come with the FCS brand of fins. These are the most popular and come in a great variety, but some say they break out easily. Future Fins are FCS compatible and don’t disconnect as easily. These both are installed via a metal screw which can get corroded and hard to remove. Other higher end brands are O’Fish’I, Lok Box, Pro Box, and Red X.

There is currently a program for “Finatics” where you can try out different fins for awhile, send them back and try another set. That way you can try all the brands without having to buy them. Check it out at http://www.thesurfboardwarehouse.com/finatic/

What is the difference between various surfboard fin set-ups? Surfboards are described as single fins, twin-fins, tri-fins, thrusters, quads, and bonzers. What are the benefits of each? When you’re just starting out, you probably won’t be able to generate the speed necessary to feel the fin response. You also won’t have full control over your turns, but once you get good enough you’ll have a lifetime to explore different fin options.

A board with an odd number of fins always has one in the middle. That middle fins will help you keep control of your steering, holding your turn and not letting you skid out when turning. The fins on the sides add control of the rails, keeping your board locked in while riding. Preference on how many fins you have also depends on the type of wave you’re riding and your board’s tail shape.

Big swell is common in winter and a big one is here for Boxing Day weekend! It’s supposed to be 16 feet at 16 seconds Saturday/Sunday. For those tow surfers out there, go big, but be careful!

Make sure all your equipment is working at optimum performance. Have a good Xcel wetsuit and PFD on in case something happens, and try to get some pictures!

You think it’s cold here . . .? Surfline had a humbling story on surfing the Jersey Shore. Walking through a foot of snow on the beach to surf 38 degree water for a short hour-long session. The surf looked pretty damn good. It better be for all that chillin’.

You have to wear gloves over there. We’re lucky to be able to choose to wear gloves or not. They can be heavy and kill your shoulders. We can wear a relatively lightweight 5/4 or a hooded 4/3. Over there right now, they’re having to wear a 6/5 to stay comfortable and maybe even a 1 mil rash guard. Hopefully they got their electric heat vests.

Growing up in Southern California, many people assume that I literally lived at the beach. While there is some truth in that notion, I never adapted the stereotypical surfer lifestyle that is depicted in movies and on TV. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until I moved up north to the Oregon coast that I really began to surf.

When I first started getting into the sport, I was hesitant to make a large investment in a surfboard and accessories. I would go with my buddies a couple times a month and was able to find an affordable shop that offered Oregon surfboard rentals. Now that I have been surfing for four years, I have finally broken down and invested in my own board.

How do you tell a surfer you care? Get them a new top-of-the-line wetsuit to warm their heart! Most surfers would rather wait until after the holidays to purchase a spendier item like an Xcel wetsuit.

They could use it now during the winter swell, but would rather deal with being cold so they’ll have more money to buy you presents! To show your love and appreciation, get them what they want and will be able to use for a long time.

Congratulations Dan & Ollie for getting nominated for Billabong XXL Contest! A first for Oregon surfers happens twice in the same session! Both Dan Hasselschwert & Ollie Richardson have been nominated for the Monster Tube of the Year award in the 10th Annual Global Big Wave Awards. Dan got a super deep tube at Scotts Reef that got nominated for the award which pays $5,000.00 to the photo that is selected as the winner.

Ollie was also nominated for a big barrel he probably wishes he would have made but instead took a huge wipeout….another catagory in the Billabong XXL Contest is “Wipeout of the Year” which Ollie’s photo is also a candidate for. As a result of years of hard surfing, training and dedication this Oregon Tow team now has the 3 opportunities to win the $5,000.00 prize. This is the first time an Oregon surfer has been nominated for the prestigious big wave award. Dan & Ollie…..way to go BIG!!!!

Check out the Billabong Site Here: http://billabongxxl.com/monster_tube/index.html

When the winter swarth is upon us, and the surf sessions are few and far between, it’s good to stay in surfing shape at the gym with swimming, cardio, and lifting, and at home with a balance board.

That way you’ll be ready for some big winter swell when it comes along. Balance boards are also a good, inexpensive ($70-$90) gift for the surfer on your Christmas list.

Ossies Summer Surf School Now Available for 2010!

This Christmas’ hot product for surfers has been Quiksilver’s PS+ CYPHER Heat Vest System. The promise of never having another shortened session due to cold for an affordable $200 has proven too attractive for consumers and every last one of the original 900 manufactured has been sold!

Well, I know of one XXL left on a shelf in Newport.

But other than that, if you want one of the next 600 to be made and sold in March, or possibly January, you have to get on a back order list and reserve your size! The price should remain thte same. The only extra charge to ensure your purchase is the cost to sign up on the list.