7 must-have surf gear items, according to professional big wave surfer Jeff Clark

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• A day spent surfing requires more than just a pair of boardshorts and a freshly-waxed surfboard — especially if you're in an area with cold ocean water and beaming sun.
• From a wetsuit that'll keep you surfing for hours to booties and rashguards intended to protect you from the elements, we rounded up some must-have surf equipment recommended to us from big wave surfer, Jeff Clark.
• A big wave pioneer who cut his teeth on the legendary wave known as Mavericks, Clark also shared with us some insight on the industry of surfing, his company, Mavericks Surf Company, and how it felt to surf one of the biggest waves in the world all by himself.

For more than 15 years, only one person could say they surfed Half Moon Bay's legendary break known as Mavericks, one of the most dangerous waves on the planet. After first paddling into the wave at just 17 years old, surfer Jeff Clark had the wave all to himself — until the big-wave surf community caught wind of it.

Though Clark now shares the wave with anyone brave enough to paddle out to it, his pioneering of Mavericks led him to be one of the most renowned and respected big-wave surfers in the world. Aside from his on-wave ability, he also contributed to the industry by introducing the first four-find big-wave surfboard. Though he designed it for use at Mavericks, the setup is one of the standards for big wave surfing worldwide.

Clark's resume as a surfer and board has done nothing but grow since those early days, and he's now one of the most recognizable names in the sport. We caught up with him to chat about his surf company, Mavericks (of course), and to get his recommendations on some must-have surf gear.

Business Insider: What's new for you that people may not know beyond your connection with surfing Mavericks?

Jeff Clark: About 13 years ago, I was having trouble with my body and it impacted my surfing. It's not that I forgot how to ride waves, it's that my body just wouldn't let me get to my feet as easy to do what I've done for more than 40 years. At that time, I started stand-up paddleboarding and SUP surfing, and I got really into it.

Then, more recently, I got into hydrofoil surfing and I've partnered with F4 Foils to develop foil boards that work well with their hydrofoils. Ultimately, I've constantly adapted to surf conditions and my body, because I love anything that puts me in the ocean riding waves.

BI: As a past host venue for big wave contests, Mavericks has been dormant for four years now. With recent changes going on, what's your involvement with Mavericks and do you see any possible future contests being held there?

JC: My friend, Chris Cuvelier, and I started a new format with Mavericks Surf Awards. We want to highlight Mavericks and the women and men who surf it, bring awareness to how sponsors can get involved to work with surfers, and educate people about safety and water rescue training. Our goal is to promote unity, inclusion, equality, and environmental stewardship.

Instead of having a one-day contest with limited participants, we're making it a performance-based video and photo contest where athletes, photographers, and videographers can submit their best Mavericks surf content all season long (November through April).

BI: You own Mavericks Surf Company and shape your own boards. What's important to you about surf gear?

JC: I've spent 45 years shaping and designing boards for riding one of the biggest waves in the world, and have a particular viewpoint on what works and what doesn't. Everything I carry at Mavericks Surf Company is something I believe in and what I use most on a regular basis. This includes wetsuits from Hyperflex, traction pads from Pro-Lite, and even polarized shades from Oakley.