Lose Weight. Bring A Back-Up Wetsuit. One or the other, I need to face my weight problem when I go To My Favorite Surf Spot.

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rincon point

A surfer brings his favorite wetsuit, a 3/2mm wetsuit to his favorite surf spot. But then, he discovers that because he’s gained weight, the wetsuit doesn’t fit and it breaks.
When I drove up to Rincon Point, one of California’s premier fall and winter surf breaks, the waves were overhead, six feet and more, and I had brought my 3/2mm wetsuit.  5/4mm wetsuits have 4mm panels in the action areas, under the arms and thighs for flexibility, and are ok for surfing, but not at Rincon.  They’re too heavy.

Rincon is known as the Queen of the Coast for the reason that the waves are as close to perfection as they get. They’re regal.  There are several take-off spots, the Indicator, which is furthest down, and biggest, and in my opinion worst, because the waves close-out, or don’t peel-off, the Point, and the Cove. Don’t bring a bodyboard to Rincon, and if you do, don’t take off in front of a local. You will be in the very least replacing your leash, or at most, your teeth. I have seen some vicious beatings at Rincon. And that’s just between guys.  I once saw this girl beat the heck out of a guy.

When I put on my wetsuit, the back zipper broke. Surfing with an open wetsuit is like surfing in a lead suit filled with water. I had to watch while others had fun. Moral: Lose weight or bring a back-up wetsuits.

My 3/2mm wetsuit is a thing of beauty. It’s there for me fall, winter, spring and even summer. I love it. My 3/2mm wetsuit never asks me to ‘take the garbage out, or ‘ have I looked for a job today.’  My 3/2mm wetsuit does not have to be taken out for expensive dinners, or it does not make me to say ‘I love you’ incessantly. My 3/2mm wetsuit is never out of style on the coldest winter morning, or windiest summer afternoon, I am always surfing in complete, stretchy, stylish comfort.  Any more about my 3/2 wetsuit and you will think I am weird.

In the fall and winter, when other surfers are over-dressed from head to toe in 5/4mm wetsuits, booties and even hoods, my 3/2mm wetsuit is more than enough. Even if I’m cold to start the session, by the first or second wave, the 3/2mm wetsuit is feeling like a second skin, and I am ripping. I have several 3/2mm wetsuits, zippered and zipperless, and I love them all equally.  And I have learned my lesson about bringing back-ups, plus I have lost weight.

Entering The Water Prior To Snorkeling Can Be Tricky. In fact, snorkeling is very easy, but getting into the water is a challenge sometimes.

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Snorkeling is easy. Recognizing a rip tide or current can be hard. Also, jumping off a dive boat can be tricky, too.

If you get caught in a rip current, or rip tide, diving fins will only help you so much. Learning how to snorkel safely is a matter of keeping a close eye on currents.  You can’t just jump  in willy-nilly.   In fact leave willy and nilly at home when it comes to snorkeling.  You have to take it slow!

You have to pay constant attention to how far you’ve swam, how far back you have to go, and when you enter the water, determining if you are being taken anywhere by the currents.

A good way to do this is to mark your dive area with something permanent on the shore, a lifeguard station, for instance. You’ll be able to see it better if you have a prescription dive mask for near-sightedness. If the lifeguard station was right in front of you when you began snorkeling, and it is now at least a mile down the beach, the chances are you are being swept away by a rip tide. It is unlikely somebody moved the lifeguard station up or down the beach while you were snorkeling, which leaves only one reason.  You are being swept away and might be close  to drowning.

You can recognize a rip current from the beach. You will see white curly foam leading out to sea. Or, you will see a lifeguard rescuing a swimmer a mile out to sea. Snorkel tip #1: Don’t go snorkeling if you see a rip tide or lifeguard rescuing a swimmer a mile out to sea.  These are sure-fire signs to stay put and don’t snorkel.

Learning to snorkel is easy. Learning how to jump out of a boat is hard. Once you have the basics down, learning to snorkel is pretty easy. There are lots of places to learn the basics, starting with the place you bought your snorkel and mask, either at a store or on line. We found a very good online discount dive equipment dealer. Once you are ready to jump into the ocean, here are some tips to make your snorkeling safer and more enjoyable.

Getting into and out of the water is the point at which you are probably at most risk to injury. If the water appears to be calm and clear, without any noticeable currents, and there is a nice, soft, sandy bottom: No problem. If it appears to be a rocky bottom, with lots of swirling currents and waves coming in: Problem.

Finally create a scenario as to how you like to don your snorkel gear including prescription mask. Believe it or not, this is a great way to let you concentrate on getting into the water safely.

Are Bodyboarding Fins And Body Surfing Fins The Same, Which Shorty Wetsuit Should I Wear, And What Should Everything Be Made Of?

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bodyboarding

Besides the bodyboard itself, there are no more important accessories in bodyboarding than a good set of fins, and of course a shorty wetsuit. This guy chose a 3/2mm shorty.
Put very simply, bodyboarding without fins is next to impossible. We chose something called Additionally, bodyboard fins help in all aspects of bodyboarding, paddling out, catching waves, steering and controlling the bodyboard. Fins act like fins on a surfboard in helping direction. Besides the bodyboard itself, there are no more important accessories in bodyboarding than a good set of fins and a shorty wetsuit.

Bodyboard fins are designed specifically for wave riding to ensure proper functioning. Some of the big  names in bodyboard fins are Churchill Makapuu’s which  have the iconic blue and yellow color scheme, and BodyGlove.  Use only fins or wetsuits that are designed for either free swimming, bodyboarding or bodysurfing. Many bodyboard manufacturers market their own swim fins, so this is a good place to start.

Bodyboarding fins typically have a short blade compared to diving fins that have longer blades. The short fins give you quick bursts of speed. Most bodyboard fins do not have adjustable straps.  All good bodyboard fins offer flotation in case you lose your fins, and drain holes.  Also, the straps are usually non adjustable with a super comfy foot pocket.

Bodyboarders know the importance of riding waves with the right fins and wetsuit. Thrust, durability, comfort,stiffness and price are the main variables you have to take into consideration before purchasing a pair of bodyboard fins.

Thrust is really crucial. If you’re competing or simply capitalizing on your bodyboarding skill level, you should know when that is a ‘go’ wave. Whether it’s a small or big wave, if you decide it’s a ‘go’ wave, don’t blow your take off. Legs for a bodyboarder are as important as arms are for a board surfer. Thrust plays a vital role in catching a wave. Correctly designed fins get the most out of the power of your legs and throw you into a selected wave easily. There are asymmetric and symmetric fins, curved and flat edge blades.

Durability is also a key factor. You should be able to use and enjoy your fins for at least three, four or five years. Rubber bodyboarding fins and neoprene wetsuits are very durable. In fact, the only thing that might wear out is your interest in those particular fins, combined with a growing desire to get new fins and matching wetsuit.  And, don’t forget that all-important floatation and drain hole – must-haves on any bodyboard fin!