So you want to start surfing. Well the great thing about surfing is that once you have the basic equipment there is no extra outlay. With other sports you end up paying each time you go e.g. golfing fees, gym membership etc. To surf in the UK you need 4 pieces of equipment: SURFBOARD; WETSUIT; LEASH; WAX. That is it. You also need to be reasonably fit and a good swimmer.

To start with it is best to hire your equipment. As a beginner the best board for you to learn on is a Big Foam Board, but once you can surf you will want something sleeker. A wet suit is also expensive, so you need to be sure you are going to use it.

Wtesuits have come a long way in recent years. They are more flexible now, and therefore more comfortable. Made from neoprene they come in different thicknesses (measured in mm between 2mm and 6mm) for warmth and different body coverage. Of course, if you live in Hawaii or Austrailia you can surf in your shorts or bikini, but here in the UK, even in Summer, the sea is cold.

A SHORTIE  has short legs and sleeves, great for Summer when your shorts are just not enough.

3/4 LENGTH has 3/4 length sleeves and legs.

A FULL SUIT  has full length arms and legs.

In Winter you can also add booties, gloves, a hood and a rash vest ( which adds warmth as well as protecting sensitive skin).

Make sure it is a good tight fit, but not tight enough to restrict movement, and there are no baggy patches. You have to try it on in the shop, so don't go shopping during a heatwave as they can be awkward to get in and out of. As for makes, there are loads of good quality makers out there: Quicksilver; Roxy; Gul; Billabong; O'Neills.

So once you have the essentials you can add those stylish touches - sunglasses, t-shirt, shorts and some Surf Jewellery!

Visit my about me page for a link to

RUNNING WILD JEWELLERY
Look at my new range of Surf Style Jewellery 

I live on the spectacular north coast of Northern Ireland and there is nothing I like better than walking on the beach, rain or shine! This range of jewellery was inspired by all the different bits and pieces you find washed up on the beach from around the world that have been smoothed by the waves. I never leave the beach without a sandy pocket full of shells, pebbles, tiny pieces of driftwood or a piece of smoothed glass. The different beads I use also come from all around the world, yet compliment each other perfectly.