Here we look at the different sorts of equipment that you will come across at the surf shop and down on the beach. The surf industry is now huge so the choice of actual items is almost endless. Check out this section and follow the links to find out the most important equipment and what will suit you the best.

If you want to surf all year round and the water temperature is too cold for boardshorts then you will need a wetsuit. Otherwise you will just get too cold! Without a wetsuit in chilly climes, you might want to stay on land, warm indoors while you play free bingo or read. With a wetsuit however, you are ready for any temperature drop! Surf whenever you feel like!

Fins are attached to the bottom of the surfboard and help hold the board on the wave. There are two main types, removable and permanent glasses fins. We look at them in detail.