I started Phase One Surf on the foundation of helping surfers get the right equipment and boards to enjoy surfing and develop in the sport. In 1999 I started working for UCSD teaching surf lessons through the recreation program and I came face to face with the challenge beginner surfers faced everyday; finding the right board. I was working daily with students and locals that were attempting to learn to surf on 7′6″ big wave guns, performance shortboards, and waterlogged boards that belonged in the surf graveyard. Needless to say teaching students how to surf on these boards made my job very difficult, not to mention I was the one who had to inform them the board they bought was wrong for them…I realized that my students (surf class after surf class) were buying the wrong boards for a few reasons:

• A surf shop simply wanted to make a sale and sold them any board they could
• They simply went to buy the cheapest board available not realizing there was an ideal board for them
• They had no surf resource to assist them

I learned how to surf at an early age so although I was well versed in surfing the process of looking for a suitable beginner board was somewhat foreign to me. I like 99% of all surfers just assumed beginners should get the biggest and cheapest board they could afford and if money was not an issue just get a longboard. I quickly realized…

(more…)

Refuel the Stoke…..

As surfers I think many of us come across certain times in our life when we need that extra “umph” to get off the couch and in the water, to actually get out of bed for the dawn patrol session, or do the 1 hour drive to the special spot that you know could be going off.

I know personally in my own life I had to address injury, major life changes, and scheduling conflicts that all affected my eagerness to get in the water. I have found some key ingredients to get me out of those funks and back in the water “refueled with stoke” and the paddling energy of a grom.

Dealing with injury is a tough hurdle. I had ignored knee pain for months and before I realized it was not only effecting my surfing but even the way I walked. The pain I had in my knees was decreasing my eagerness to surf as the pain and soreness was always on my mind. In addition it caused my surfing skills to diminish which was also taking a toll on my surf self esteem. It was the first time in my life when my surfing progression had turned to “regression”. I went from surfing 5 days a week to 1 or 2 thus further diminishing my surf skills and causing an uncomfortable “lack of surf” depression. (more…)

Going on your first surf trip or just want to be sure to have a laundry list for what you need?  We got you  covered.

 

Surf trips are a passion for many surfers and can be enjoyed by the beginner to the most skilled.  Planning and Packing for that trip is critical for the success of your trip.

 

1. Pack your boards with good equipment.  Surfers who plan to travel should invest in a surfboard travel bag usually a double or a triple bag that is built for air travel and that can accommodate padding.  Its funny how many surfers try to go on the cheap and pay the real price when they arrive at their surf destination the waves are firing and their board is broke because they used a day bag or board sock and handed it off to the airlines.  The bottom line is surfing is for a life time and a quality board bag will last you a long time.  So if you are a surfer and you plan to go on trips throw down the $200 and get your boards place to place in one piece!  My favorite board bags are made by Balin, Destination Surf, and FCS.  High Quality Products that the Pros use with a solid warranty and excellent track record.  The Balin Pirate Slimline is our best selling bag.  The 7′0″ Balin Pirate Slimline Triple comes equipped with hard walls, board pads, and fin compartment.

It’s a good idea to get a surf bag with a bit of extra room.  For example on many of my travels the largest board I bring is a 6′6″.  I use a 7′6″ bag so I can pack smelly old clothes and souvenirs

 

2. Travel with removable Fins (Preferably FCS or Futures) 

You run the risk of breaking fins that are glassed on although there are products to help you.  If you do travel with glass on fins use the foam block.  Check out the foam block here:  http://www.phaseonesurf.com/product_info.php?cPath=62_118&products_id=114

FCS and Future Fin Systems are available world wide (FCS more so than Future) and can be replaced and repaired at most surf destinations around the Globe.

(more…)