STYLE GUIDE
Gear to Get
A look at what you'll need as you progress in surfing and skating.
SKATEBOARDS
Depending whether you want to learn to skate a ramp, the street or just cruise, as well as your size, will determine what kind of board would best suit you.
Ages 3-10 can usually get away with a "complete" set-up, which means the board is already put together. Brands such as Powel/Peralta, Bones, Santa Cruz, etc. sell these. These boards are shorter and narrower with hard wheels, making it much easier for the skater to learn!
10 years and up would benifit from a larger deck (still depending on their height, weight and ability) usually between 8-8.5 is best (width of the deck). If you are putting together your own custom set-up you'll need decent trucks such as: krux, independents, or thunders. Wheels should be hard (100s or 101s)
Some great Women Owned brands/ Women Ally Brands are:
- Meow, Hoopla, Salon, GrlSwrl, Quell, Brujahs just to name a few.
Supporting Women owned brands is essential to creating a welcoming space for women. If we don't create it.. it'll never come.
Safety Gear
A helmet, knee pads and elbow pads are a must. Wrist guards are optional.
I recommend 187s Killer pads, Triple 8 or G-form (riding style, low profile)
Having pads that you enjoy wearing will encourage you to wear them and stay protected! not all padding is the same, keep this in mind when browsing.. having gear that flexes to you is revolutionary!
Wetsuits & SurfBoards
Wetsuits are straight forward - here in Nor Cal you want a 4/3 wetsuit this thinkness is great all year round, some surf shops even have great programs on wetsuit exchanges/ deals so get a suit that actually fits, the fit should be snug but flexible, reach down to your wrists and feet. Booties and hoods are awesome if you get cold easily.
The kind of surfboard you want to ride all depends on your skill level.
Starting with a foam board will boost your confidence and put safety first. Typically starting on a 9ft board and making you way down will help you determine what is best for you.
If you're confident on a foamie and feel like you're ready for a hard top then starting with a funboard ( typically 7ft and a bit more floaty) is great! You may also try something shorter such as 6'10... every inch is a dramatic difference especially when pairing up with volume (amount of foam in a surfboard). For the best board experience, rent or borrow until you've found what you like. It's all preference!