7 must-have surf gear items, according to professional big wave surfer Jeff Clark
Jill Robinson
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Jill Robinson/Business Insider- 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.
Read the original article on InsiderFor keeping yourself clean post-surf
Not all beaches have public showers, so what do you do when you want to surf before work? The RinseKit Pod fills in about 30 seconds from a water spigot and sprays with the pressure of a garden hose for up to 3.5 minutes, all without the aid of pumping or batteries.
Additional accessories like a pump, heater, sink adaptor, and silicone funnel for remote filling are included with different product bundles. Not only is it ideal for surfing, it's also great for rinsing off your beach-loving dog after a romp or for stashing in your car on camp trips.
For keeping the sun out of your eyes
You may not wear these while surfing but the Oakley Turbine Rotors are optimal for the rest of your outdoor life. Prizm Polarized lenses filter glare when you're on or close to water and do well to increase contrast and visibility, too.
The lenses also filter out 100 percent of UVA/UVB/UVC and harmful blue light. Thick arms at the hinge site help block errant light, further reducing glare, while ear and nose grips keep the glasses on your face, no matter how much you're perspiring or still wet from surfing.
For relaxing on the beach
Whether you're wearing flip-flops for a pre- or post-surf hang on the beach, having soggy sandals is no fun. Cobain's Draino 2 comes with drainage ports that get rid of water, keeping your feet dry and avoiding those irritating squishy sounds when you walk.
The top-sole has a pillow-top construction for comfort and added grip, as well as added arch support which makes the sandals great for all-day wear. It's also antimicrobial, meaning you can wear them over and over without worrying about them becoming as funky as an unwashed wetsuit.
For protecting your skin
In warmer surf conditions that don't require a wetsuit, rashguards keep the sun off your skin while on the water. This Carve Designs rashguard is made from an 82-percent nylon and 18-percent spandex blended material and is stretchy enough to move with you without restricting movement.
The quarter-zip version offers the option for more protection from both the sun and your board. The rashguard's color-blocking detail makes it easy to mix and match with swimsuit bottoms, shorts, or leggings, too.
For staying on your board
Traction pads provide a few crucial benefits while surfing. The most basic of which is that they give you a sense of where your back foot is on the board so you don't overstep and spill right off the back. They also provide much-needed traction when pushing through turns.
This model has no built-in arch and includes a Micro-Dot grip pattern that gives it a lightweight, responsive feel. The tail block has side bevel cut-aways to fit narrow tail boards or step-ups, too. Pro-Lite also uses 3M adhesive to ensure your pad stays put when you're out on the water.
To warm and protect your feet
When it's too cold to surf in bare feet, these neoprene boots from Solite are the next best thing. The custom heat-molding process involves filling them with boiling water for a few minutes, rinsing them out, and then putting them on with an included thermal sock to mold to your foot.
The boots have an integrated split toe, so you won't get caught on your leash while surfing. An included arch strap secures your foot in the boot for minimal delay between foot movement and board response, too.
For keeping warm in cold water
A wetsuit is essential for keeping warm in the cold ocean water of Northern California. Instead of neoprene, this suit from Hyperflex features Greenprene, a sustainable insulating foam formulated from deproteinized natural rubber, as well as other natural additives such as sugar cane, plant oils, and oyster shells.
The result is an ultra-soft, incredibly warm, stretchy, durable, and lightweight wetsuit. The front-zip model is available in both 3/2mm and 4/3mm thicknesses. Check out our guide on the best wetsuits for more recommendations.
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