Summer equals notoriously small swells, so what’s a surfer to do? Head overseas is our first suggestion, but for those of you staying to enjoy the summer sun, day-sesh beers and general camaraderie of hitting the open road in search of waves – how can we get our wave fix?

Board selection.

To spend maximum time in the water this summer, choose one of these boards.

 

The Shortboard

 

A little extra rocker, good hold in hollow waves, and a simple deep concave under the front foot for more maneuverability… Shortboards for summer remain a favourite toy for surfers as they still offer real pleasure in imperfect conditions. But don’t get upset when the Longboarders wave count is 5 to 1..

Best surf spot: Snapper Rocks

 

 

The Fish

 

The Fish is an ideal board for small summer conditions. Its extended volume at the torso makes it easy to paddle and ensure your take-off. The volume continues through the tail ensuring excellent buoyancy, whilst keeping a good hook in the water. It boasts the reactivity of a shortboard in small conditions, but increased speed! Essential craft if you wear floppy felt hats and your diet is supplemented with Kale.

Best surf spot: Manly

 

 

The Mini Mal

 

The Mini Mals (7ft+) have had a bad name the past few decades. But apparently its now back in fashion, most likely with the same people who consider socks and sandals a good fashion choice. The retro single fin for example, offers a rather unique glide, but most surfers prefer seeing them against a hostel wall than in the water. This board does however suit all types of conditions, small or big, hollow or soft.

Fun fact: A Go-Pro mount on the nose provides added rad-ness!

Best place to use: Gumtree

 

 

The Longboard

 

The longboard is the perfect summer board to ooze your style, increase your wave count and keep your Insta game strong. The increased length and glide ensure you can paddle on to lines of swell long before it even reaches the lineup. Longboards ensure you can be an absolute wave pig and take as many waves as you want! Why wait for your turn? Because yes surf spots are busy and there are ‘rules’, but who needs etiquette…

Best surf spot: Crescent Head

 

 

The Foamie

 

The foam board is one of the more fun choices for the summer season. With its volume and buoyancy it will allow you to catch even small waves, but its strong point is that it can take whatever punishment you throw at it without breaking the bank (read: board repairs and hospital bills)! Summer surf spots can become a real jungle, so the foamie will be the right option to avoid damaging yourself, your board, or others. But hell, they’re super fun!

Fun fact: New Hi-Performace softboards are blurring the the line and are becoming everyday summertime rides, for example: MF Softboards, MR Twins and even a new soft-top Hypto Krypto

Best surf spot: Everywhere

 

 

 

Written by:
Caleb Thornton-Shaw

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