bodysurfing wetsuits,& equipment

Viper fins are used by some. Good features are that they float so you never lose them and they are relatively short (even the long ones) which makes scrambling over rocks and beach walking easier. This is important when surf is big and tide is high. Downside is that stores do not normally carry the longer version. These are also somewhat stiff and I need all the custom padding shown here. (but then again, I have sensitive feet :-). The company now puts in a pad for the instep and you can easily buy strap padding which is necessary for any kind of fin if you use it a lot. I have heard of a softer, more flexible version for swimmers but have yet to see one. More info can be had at www.viperfins.com

These are an invention of one of the local boys, John Wagner. I have watched him struggle, making changes, constantly testing and comparing until he got it right. I have personally tried these in a big swell and also compared them to several others with time and effort trials in a pool and can attest to the excellent performance. Short enough for walking and rock scrambling, designed for superior performance for Scuba diving, these fins deliver not only great power but great burst acceleration as well. These are not only by far the best fins I've ever used either for diving or bodysurfing, but there is a great comfort factor as well.

Since these fins are not yet in production mode they are difficult to get and expensive as well but they are truly the best, so if you can afford to buy them, you can't afford to be without them. Here's the specs... and here's some testamonials...

Rating: Worth checking out

These are a copy of UDT fins as UDT fins are no longer available in the retail market. Used by all but a few, they give good power and have been the de facto standard at Boomer for years. I purchased these shown here but they are so stiff that they damaged my ankle bones and it took almost a year to recover from it. Additionally, I didn't like the length which makes it difficult to stand up and scramble over the rocks, although it can be mastered...

UDT's created by Greg Deets of So. Cal, they have more life, softer blades, firmer pocket and outer ribs which makes them fast with power and great trimming in the wave due to blade length.... I have tried them and they live up to their promise, much easier to catch waves. Although not everyone can handle them, this is an extremely popular fin. They also work good for scuba diving as I tried them in Belize at 140'. For more info or purchase, Contact Greg...

Churchills are a great bursty type of fin and have been spotted occasionally but they have two big drawbacks. No sustained power for big swells and if you lose one you must buy a new pair as they are right and left matched. I have two Rights, anybody want to trade for a Left? :-) They do scramble well over rocks, tho.

Few people at reef breaks use these as the type of wave break there doesn't bounce you like a beach break. (Altho you can certainly get "worked" if you make a mistake!) I always use these simply to maintain the habit as one day during a large swell on a beach break I had both fins tied on with small tethers, and fin socks, yanked off my feet by a giant wave! I really don't want that to happen again :-) When searching for Tethers, the factors you want to consider are fast removal and strength. Wide fat velcro is good but it should have an easy to grab tab for quick removal. See example...

Favored by some, I personally don't use them as I have a custom suit to keep me warm enough so that it isn't necessary.

They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors as well as prices. I have been a Commercial Diver in icy waters, and I have tried many different kinds of wetsuits and drysuits and I can tell you that the only way to go is a custom made suit! Only slightly more expensive than "off the rack" brands, they will give you an unbelievably much greater comfort factor in both warmth and freedom of movement. The suit pictured was custom tailored at Surf 'n Sea Surf shop in Ocean Beach and keeps me warmer than suits of twice the thickness! Pictured is a 3/2 that I use as my winter suit. My thanks to Yvonne Cruz at Surf 'n Sea! (619 222-1231) 1874 Bacon Ocean Beach, CA

Here is something interesting... Ironman Wetsuits from Hybrid.

Commentary: "As far as plusses go, it is beyond any doubt much more buoyant. It can be so buoyant that you find it hard to try to tread water as you are virtually forced to float. It is slick and much quicker through the water. It allows me to do more spins and almost perfect a 360. Generally, it is also a snugger fit and feels more comfortable. There are long-john styles available as well. These are a little less taxing on the shoulders. The Ironman Wetsuits are very tight and can be more tiresome on the shoulders. It is easier to get out through the breaking waves as it is slicker and built for speed. There are lots of positives.

As far as negatives go, it is not as warm as the surfstyle wetsuit as it is designed to allow some water in a panel on the back to cool the swimmer down. I suggest it is no good for warm or really cold water. I have found on occasion that it is too buoyant when I need to dive down under a breaking wave, etc. It is also more expensive - my surf wetsuit cost me A$300 and the Ironman A$550.

Otherwise, I find my Ironman is actually better than the surf wetsuit when bodysurfing in cold water. Bear in mind there are a number of companies making these style of wetsuits now - Orca, Lane 4, Lightfoot to name but a few. Ironman is but one manufacturer." - Paul Redding -

This appears to be some sort of air mat/mattress (obviously sturdier than most). I don't know much more about it although it looks like it would be fun ....., on smaller waves. I can't figure out if he's riding it or just hanging on for dear life! :-) (Photo is courtesy of Ron Romanosky) For more information: http://www.surfmat.com/

Ok, for all you non-believers, this is an inflatable Surfboard! That's right, put it in your backpack, hike to where you want to go, blow it up, and Rock-n-Roll! So simple. Perfect for learning, have it as backup fun for your No-Surf Zone beaches, family fun device so they don't have to bore themselves to tears watching you, etc., Whatever. I haven't ridden one but I did get to do the touchy feelie thing, and they are neat. Weird, but neat. :-) (ok ok, I admit it! I wanted to try it out as soon as I saw it, and I don't even board surf) Check it out!

Waveblades, Guns, Handboards, whatever you want to call them, they assist you to build speed, control, and manuever better for tricks. Some people hate 'em, others swear by them. This particular model known as a Waveblade is manufactured by one of the South California boys and is one of the more popular models. Perhaps in the near future I'll have contact and purchase info, but for now, to see this and other styles, click on the image. For action shots of this equipment with Nick Menas at the helm, click here....

Earplugs for those with issues with cold water, or wanting to prevent growth in the ear canal from coldwater, etc. We have a good recommendation from Bret Belyea regarding these and if they live up to half of what they promise they should work well. There are apparently ones for use from scuba diving to music. Click on the image to check them out.