Editing Surfing (section)

==Equipment==
[[File:Waxing a surfboard.jpg|thumb|[[Surfboard wax|Waxing]] a surfboard|alt=Photo of a woman bent over surfboard rubbing bar of solid wax against the board with palm trees and ocean in background]]
[[File:Surf Leash.JPG|thumb|[[Surfboard leash]]|alt=Photo of plastic cord attached to a surfboard and velcroed around surfer's ankle]]

Surfing can be done on various equipment, including [[surfboard]]s, [[Longboard (surfing)|longboards]], [[Stand up paddle surfing|stand up paddle boards (SUPs)]], [[bodyboard]]s, [[Waveski|wave skis]], [[skimboard]]s, [[kneeboard]]s, [[surf mat]]s and [[tray|macca's tray]]s. [[Surfboard]]s were originally made of solid wood and were large and heavy (often up to {{convert|12|ft|cm|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} long and having a mass of {{convert|150|lb|kg|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}). Lighter [[balsa wood]] surfboards (first made in the late 1940s and early 1950s) were a significant improvement, not only in portability, but also in increasing maneuverability.

Most modern surfboards are made of [[fiberglass]] foam (PU), with one or more wooden strips or "stringers", fiberglass cloth, and [[polyester resin]] (PE). An emerging board material is [[epoxy resin]] and [[Polystyrene#Expanded polystyrene (EPS)|Expanded Polystyrene]] foam (EPS) which is stronger and lighter than traditional PU/PE construction. Even newer designs incorporate materials such as [[carbon fiber]] and variable-flex composites in conjunction with fiberglass and epoxy or polyester resins. Since epoxy/EPS surfboards are generally lighter, they will float better than a traditional PU/PE board of similar size, shape and thickness. This makes them easier to paddle and faster in the water. However, a common complaint of EPS boards is that they do not provide as much feedback as a traditional PU/PE board. For this reason, many advanced surfers prefer that their surfboards be made from traditional materials.

Other equipment includes a [[Surfboard leash|leash]] (to stop the board from drifting away after a wipeout and to prevent it from hitting other surfers), [[surf wax]], traction pads (to keep a surfer's feet from slipping off the deck of the board), and fins (also known as ''skegs'') which can either be permanently attached (''glassed-on'') or interchangeable. [[Sportswear (activewear)|Sportswear]] designed or particularly suitable for surfing may be sold as ''boardwear'' (the term is also used in [[snowboarding]]). In warmer climates, swimsuits, surf trunks or [[boardshorts]] are worn, and occasionally [[rash guard]]s; in cold water, surfers can opt to wear [[wetsuit]]s, boots, hoods, and gloves to protect them against lower water temperatures.<ref name="surfhandbook.com">{{cite web|url=https://surfhandbook.com/how-to-choose-the-right-wetsuit/|title=HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WETSUIT FOR SURFING?
|publisher=surfhandbook.com|access-date=3 February 2020|date=3 February 2020}}</ref> A newer introduction is a rash vest with a thin layer of [[titanium]] to provide maximum warmth without compromising mobility.{{clarify|how does a layer of metal provide maximum warmth without compromising mobility|date=February 2021}} In recent years, there have been advancements in technology that have allowed surfers to pursue even bigger waves with added elements of safety. Big wave surfers are now experimenting with inflatable vests or colored dye packs to help decrease their odds of drowning.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Surfer|title=Bigger and Better|url=http://www.surfermag.com/features/big-wave-surfing-innovations/|access-date=29 December 2014|work=Surfer Magazine|publisher=Surfer Magazine|date=15 September 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Cocoa Beach Surf Museum at Ron Jon Surf Shop (Cocoa Beach, Florida) 002.jpg|thumb|right|A variety of [[surfboards]]]]

There are many different surfboard sizes, shapes, and designs in use today. Modern [[Surfboard#Variations|longboard]]s, generally {{convert|9|to|10|ft|cm|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} in length, are reminiscent of the earliest surfboards, but now benefit from modern innovations in surfboard shaping and fin design. Competitive longboard surfers need to be competent at traditional ''walking'' manoeuvres, as well as the short-radius turns normally associated with shortboard surfing. The modern [[Surfboard#Variations|shortboard]] began life in the late 1960s and has evolved into today's common ''thruster'' style, defined by its three fins, usually around {{convert|6|to|7|ft|cm|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} in length. The thruster was invented by Australian [[Surfboard shaper|shaper]] [[Simon Anderson]].

Midsize boards, often called [[Surfboard#Variations|funboard]]s, provide more maneuverability than a longboard, with more flotation than a shortboard. While many surfers find that funboards live up to their name, providing the best of both surfing modes, others are critical.

:"It is the happy medium of mediocrity," writes Steven Kotler. "Funboard riders either have nothing left to prove or lack the skills to prove anything."<ref>{{cite book
  | last =Kotler
  | first =Steven
  | title =West of Jesus: Surfing, Science, and the Origins of Belief
  | publisher =Bloomsbury
  | date =13 June 2006
  | isbn =978-1-59691-051-5 }}</ref>

There are also various niche styles, such as the ''Egg'', a longboard-style short board targeted at people who want to ride a shortboard but need more paddle power. The ''Fish'', a board that is typically shorter, flatter, and wider than a normal shortboard, often with a split tail (known as a ''swallow tail''). The Fish often has two or four [[Surfboard Fins|fins]] and is specifically designed for surfing smaller waves. For big waves, there is the ''Gun'', a long, thick board with a pointed nose and tail (known as a pintail) specifically designed for big waves.