Author: TheBigL

Accessories

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A leg rope or surfboard leash is a urethane cord attached to the deck of a surfboard, down near the tail. It prevents the surfboard from being swept away by waves and stops runaway surfboards from hitting other surfers and swimmers. Modern leashes consist of a urethane cord where one end has a band with a velcro strap attached to the surfer’s trailing foot, and the opposite has a velcro strap attached to the tail end of the surfboard. Should the surfer fall while riding a wave, the surfboard will not be swept away, thus allowing the surfer to quickly recover his surfboard and return to the take-off zone.

The leash was invented in the 1970s amidst controversy that it was a dangerous accessory. Prior to leashes introduction in 1971, surfers who fell off their boards had to swim to retrieve them with runaway boards being an inconvenience to the surfer and a danger to other surfers. Initially, people expressed concern that if a surfer fell while riding a wave and wearing a leg rope, the surfboard may bounce back and hit the surfer causing serious injury. Although this can happen, most surfers today choose to use a leg rope while surfing as it is believed that leg ropes prevent more accidents than they cause.

Santa Cruz resident Pat O’Neill (son of surfer Jack O’Neill, inventor of the O’Neill Wetsuit) is credited with inventing the surf leash. His initial designs consisted of surgical cord attached to a board with a suction cup. At the 1971 Malibu international surfing competition, Pat offered leashes to his competitors in the event. Consequently he was disqualified from the event for wearing his leash, dubbed a kook cord by those at the event however over the next year, the leash became a ubiquitous tool in the surfing world. [1]

Pat’s father, Jack O’Neill, lost his left eye in a surf leash accident as the surgical tubing used in the early designs allowed the leash to overstretch, causing the surfboard to fly back towards the surfer. Subsequent cords were made with less elastic materials such as bungee cords. [1]

The first leg rope on the surfboard was created by Peter Wright, in Raglan, New Zealand. It was established in the very early 1970s. It consisted of [nylon]. He is not credited for his efforts because he did not copyright the leg rope. The urethane design was patented by David Hattrick [2]. Later in the 1970s, he established Pipe Lines surfing products and developed a design that could be patented. This design also won an Australian Design Award in 1979.

Santa Cruz resident Pat O’Neill (son of surfer Jack O’Neill, inventor of the O’Neill Wetsuit) is credited with inventing the surf leash. His initial designs consisted of surgical cord attached to a board with a suction cup. At the 1971 Malibu international surfing competition, Pat offered leashes to his competitors in the event. Consequently he was disqualified from the event for wearing his leash, dubbed a kook cord by those at the event however over the next year, the leash became a ubiquitous tool in the surfing world. [1]

Pat’s father, Jack O’Neill, lost his left eye in a surf leash accident as the surgical tubing used in the early designs allowed the leash to overstretch, causing the surfboard to fly back towards the surfer. Subsequent cords were made with less elastic materials such as bungee cords. [1]

The first leg rope on the surfboard was created by Peter Wright, in Raglan, New Zealand. It was established in the very early 1970s. It consisted of [nylon]. He is not credited for his efforts because he did not copyright the leg rope. The urethane design was patented by David Hattrick [2]. Later in the 1970s, he established Pipe Lines surfing products and developed a design that could be patented. This design also won an Australian Design Award in 1979.

Structure[edit]

cuff

Modern leg rope consists of four parts cuff, swivel, cord and rail saver.[3] The cuff comes with a double wrap-around velcro cuff. The swivel allows the cuff to spin and twist without the rope itself twisting or tangling providing less strain on the rope. The cords are typically made from a high-quality polyurethane and typically come in 2 thicknesses. However, the thicker leg ropes has more drag in the water.[3] The rails saver is designed to provide a secured connection to the board and protect the rail when a surfer falls.

A leash cup, also known as a “leash plug”, is an indentation in the deck of the board close to the tail that contains a small metal bar that a short cord can be girth hitched to for attaching a leash.

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Board Fins

Surfboard fins can help surfers control their boards

A surfboard fin or skeg is a hydrofoil mounted at the tail of a surfboard or similar board to improve directional stability and control through foot-steering. Fins can provide lateral liftopposed to the water and stabilize the board’s trajectory, allowing the surfer to control direction by varying their side-to-side weight distribution. The introduction of fins in the 1930s revolutionized surfing and board design. Surfboard fins may be arrayed in different numbers and configurations, and many different shapes, sizes, and materials are and have been made and used.

Historically, surfboards had no fins; some amount of control was achieved through convex hulls and the surfer dragging a foot in the water. A common problem with these early boards was “sliding ass”, in which the tail would slip sideways, usually causing a wipeout.[1] The first fixed fin was introduced by surfing pioneer Tom Blake in 1935. In Waikiki, Blake attached a 30 cm (12 in) long, 10 cm (4 in) deep metal keel from an abandoned speedboat to his surfboard, and was immediately impressed with the results.[1][2] Around 1936, Woody Brown independently added a fixed fin to his second surfboard design in San Diego, which further popularized the feature.[3]

The stability and control fins allowed revolutionized the sport, though many surfers avoided them for several years; evidently, they were thought dangerous. The feature grew more common in the mid-1940s and became the universal industry standard in the 1950s. Experimentation with fin design and configuration increased after 1966 with the popularization of shortboards. Parallel double fins, first introduced in the 1940s by Bob Simmons, became periodically popular. In 1980, Simon Anderson introduced the three-fin “Thruster” design, which has since become standard.[1]

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Wetsuits

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A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, windsurfers, , primarily providing thermal insulation, but also buoyancy and protection from abrasion, ultraviolet exposure and stings from marine organisms. The insulation properties of neoprene foam depend mainly on bubbles of gas enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat. The bubbles also give the wetsuit a low density, providing buoyancy in water.

Hugh Bradner, a University of California, Berkeley, physicist invented the modern wetsuit in 1952. Wetsuits became available in the mid-1950s and evolved as the relatively fragile foamed neoprene was first backed, and later sandwiched, with thin sheets of tougher material such as nylon or later spandex (also known as lycra). Improvements in the way joints in the wetsuit were made by gluing, taping and blindstitching, helped the suit to remain waterproof and reduce flushing, the replacement of water trapped between suit and body by cold water from the outside.[1] Further improvements in the seals at the neck, wrists, ankles and zippers produced a suit known as a “semi-dry”.

Different types of wetsuit are made for different uses and for different temperatures.[2] Suits range from a thin (2 mm or less) “shortie”, covering just the torso, to a full 8 mm semi-dry, usually complemented by neoprene boots, gloves and hood.

The difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit is that a wetsuit allows water to enter the suit, while dry suits are designed to prevent water from entering, thus keeping the undergarments dry and preserving their insulating effectiveness. Wetsuits can give adequate protection in warm to moderately cold waters. Dry suits are typically more expensive and more complex to use, but can be used where protection from lower temperatures or contaminated water is needed.

O’Neill is originally a Californian surf wear and surfboard brand started in 1952 by Jack O’Neill. It moved down the coast from San Francisco to Santa Cruz by the end of the decade. Jack is credited to have invented the wetsuit, his son Pat the leash on the surfboard. The company logo symbolizes a breaking surf wave. “O’NEILL” and the “Wave logo” are trademarks registered worldwide.

In May 2007 the ownership of the brand was sold to Logo International B.V. a private company headquartered in The Netherlands. The company produces wetsuits, performance water and snow sports inspired apparel for young adults, and lifestyle apparel. The products are distributed to 86 countries worldwide, some by licensed distributors. In the United States, the O’Neill clothing license is held by the La Jolla Group, a privately owned apparel company based in Irvine, CA. The O’Neill wetsuit business continues to be owned by the O’Neill family and is based in Santa Cruz, CA.

In 1996 O’Neill set up the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, a free, ocean-based program to educate young people about the marine environment. Over 100,000 children have participated in this program. [1] O’Neill is involved in various other causes to help support the environment, such as through O’Neill Blue.[2]

O’Neill operates from headquarters in Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, The Netherlands and the USA.[citation needed]

O’Neill sponsors young promising as well as high-profile surfers, boarders and skiers, as part of their ambassador program.[citation needed]

Company Founder Jack O’Neill died on 2 June 2017, aged 94

TDC THERMO DRY CELLIANT HIGH PILE

Fast drying, lightweight, and naturally hydrophobic, TDC is our warmest wetsuit lining ever, and an Xcel exclusive found nowhere else in the market. TDC’s clinically proven Smart Fiber Technology converts your body heat into infrared energy for maximum warmth, increased endurance, faster recovery, and enhanced overall athletic performance. The plush, high pile TDC ensures maximum core warmth. In surf fullsuits, this is an orange wave print. In dive fullsuits, this is a white/red diamond print.

VIDEO SPECS

TDC THERMO DRY CELLIANT LOW PILE

Fast drying, lightweight, and naturally hydrophobic, TDC is our warmest wetsuit lining ever, and an Xcel exclusive found nowhere else in the market. TDC’s clinically proven Smart Fiber Technology converts your body heat into infrared energy for maximum warmth, increased endurance, faster recovery, and enhanced overall athletic performance. The infared printed low pile TDC delivers the ideal balance of warmth and flexibility.

VIDEO SPECS

ENTRY SYSTEMS

X2 FRONT ENTRY SYSTEM

A watertight front entry system with a front zipper angled along the upper chest. The zipper flap is attached at the right shoulder to keep more water out. The inner Crossover Neck Entry features overlapping panels that stretch to allow extra wide, step-in-through-the-neck entry.

X1 FRONT ENTRY SYSTEM

The original, pioneering front entry system remains the easiest chest zip to put on and take off. The over-the-head zipper flap features SmoothSkin hem seals and a snap lock to keep the zipper pull in place. The inner Crosssover Neck Entry features overlapping panels that stretch to allow extra wide, step-in-through-the-neck entry.

OS EZ LOCK WATERPROOF BACK ENTRY

The most premium, easiest access back entry, with a 100% waterproof, full length EZ Lock back zipper offset from the spine to maximize comfort and flexibility, especially when paddling. No back dam for flexible, extra wide step-in access. Glued & blindstitched zipper flaps with a durable reinforced zipper base. The double layer SmoothSkin collar also enhances comfort and forms an excellent seal with your skin to keep warmth in.

OS BACK ENTRY

Easy access back zipper offset from the spine to maximize comfort and flexibility, especially when paddling. A Water Barrier Inner Dam rests between the zipper and your back to maximize comfort and minimize flushing. Glued & blindstitched zipper flaps with a durable reinforced zipper base. The single layer SmoothSkin collar enhances comfort and warmth.

BACK ZIPPER

Traditional back zipper for extra easy on/off.

POLAR PROTECTION SYSTEM

A horizontal front semi-dry zipper extends across the entire upper body for extra easy access without sacrificing warmth. The inner neck dam is glued & blindstitched to the suit, and rests between the outer zipper and your body for an added layer of comfort and protection.

TWO-PART SMOOTHSKIN HEM SEAL

Wide SmoothSkin hem seal on the zipper flap’s left open shoulder, plus tonal printed graphics on the left shoulder directly underneath the hem, forms a more complete and secure seal that keeps even more water out.

MAGNETIC ZIP CLOSURE

Innovative, quick release zipper closure features double magnets on the zipper pull tab and attached zipper flap that securely lock the zipper in place, for easier and quicker release than traditional snap locks.

CROSSOVER NECK ENTRY

Overlapping inner front and back neck panels (underneath the zipper flap) stretch to allow extra wide, step-in-through-the-neck entry.

WATER BARRIER INNER DAM

Inner neoprene dam that rests between the zipper and your back to maximize comfort and minimize flushing.

DOUBLE LAYER SMOOTHSKIN COLLAR

”Rolled” collar design with inner SmoothSkin and outer UltraStretch neoprene for warmth and comfort.

ADJUSTABLE VELCRO WRAP COLLAR

Protects the back zipper and allows for a better, more comfortable fit.

 

Categories: Wetsuits

Surf Clothing Mens

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Surf culture includes the people, language, fashion, and lifestyle surrounding the sport of surfing. The history of surfing began with the ancient Polynesians. That initial culture directly influenced modern surfing, which began to flourish and evolve in the early 20th century, with its popularity peaking during the 1950s and 1960s (principally in Hawaii, Australia, and California). It has affected music, fashion, literature, film, art, and youth jargon in popular culture. The number of surfers throughout the world continues to increase as the culture spreads.

Surfers’ desire for the best possible waves to ride make them dependent on conditions that may change rapidly, given the unpredictable nature of weather events and their effect on the surface of the ocean. Because surfing was limited by the geographical necessity of an ocean coastline with beaches, the culture of beach life often influenced surfers and vice versa. The staff of Surfer Magazine, founded in the 1960s when surfing had gained popularity with teenagers, used to say that if they were hard at work and someone yelled “Surf’s up!” the office would suddenly empty. Localism or territorialism is a part of the development of surf culture in which individuals or groups of surfers claim certain key surfing spots as their own.[1]

Aspects of 1960s surf culture in Southern California, where it was first popularized, include the woodie,[2] bikinis and other beach wear, such as boardshorts or baggies, and surf music.[3]Surfers developed the skateboard to be able to “surf” on land,[4] as well as developing a number of other boardsports

Billabong International Limited is an Australian surf company, primarily a clothing retailer that also produces accessories, like watches and backpacks, and skateboard and snowboard products under other brand-names. Founded in 1973 by Gordon and Rena Merchant, the company first traded on the Australian Securities Exchange in 11 August 2000. The name “billabong” is derived from the Wiradjuri word “bilabaŋ” that refers to a “creek that runs only during the rainy season”.[2] As of September 2013, Von Zipper,[3] and Element[4] were two of the prominent brands that Billabong owns. Honolua Surf Company, Kustom, Palmers Surf, Xcel, Tigerlily, Sector 9 and RVCA were the company’s other brands. In 2018 Billabong International Limited was acquired by Boardriders, Inc, owner of rival brand Quiksilver.

From late 2012 onwards, following the company’s decline in the period since 2008, Billabong International has been the subject of several protracted bidding and takeover processes in which the company’s former United States chief Paul Naude has been a participant. During one period, Billabong used a corporate turnaround strategy to return the company to profitability, which it achieved in 2014.[5]

In December 2016, former chief executive Matthew Perrin was found guilty of fraud and forgery by a jury in the District Court in Brisbane,[6][7] and was sentenced to jail in January 2017.[8]

 

Categories: Surf Clothing Mens

Surf Clothing Womens

Women’s surfing concerns the mythical Kelea in the earliest recorded incidence. Kelea was born of royalty in Maui, it is believed she out-surfed riders of both genders. A few centuries later in the mid-late 1800s, Thrum’s Hawaiian Annual reported that women in ancient Hawaii surfed in equal numbers and frequently better than men.[1][2][3][4][5] Women’s surfing in Australia has a popular following amongst female participants.

Women’s surfing has increased in popularity over the last 50 years

Surfing most likely started in New Guinea.[13] It was a sport full of culture, fun, and adventure. Surfing was used to explore the oceans and to have fun becoming a part of nature. It spread from New Guinea to Hawaii. It is mostly known to be practiced in Hawaii and the surrounding islands, but it has spread to the rest of the continents. It was not widely accepted by Europeans because it took time away from working and labor, although they enjoyed the excitement of seeing the action of surfing.[

The California Golden Girls played a huge part in the making Women’s surfing featured.[15] They were pivotal in the 1970 to the 1980 to making people aware of the sport and they gave a face to the once widely known “Men’s Sport.”

In the United States, the most common places you will find women’s surfing would be California and Hawaii because they have the best conditions for surfing. Although you are able to surf in any place that has waves, surfing is mostly found all across the world from Peru, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, France, Philippines, Ecuador, and anywhere else that has a shore and waves coming in. Tide, time of day, storms miles off shore, and weather can all affect the strength of the waves.

Bethany Hamilton: She is an American surfer that despite getting attacked by a shark while surfing, and having her arm bitten off, she did not let that stop her from continuing her career as a surfer. She continued to get better and won many competitions following her attack.[17]

“It’s hard for me to describe the joy I felt after I stood up and rode wave in for the first time after the attack. I was incredibly thankful and happy inside. The tiny bit of doubt that would sometimes tell me you’ll never surf again was gone in one wave.” –Bethany Hamilton

Marge Calhoun: She was a woman surfer who pioneered surfing in Hawaii. She is considered the first women surfing champion. She was indicted into the surfing hall of fame in 2003.[18]

Stephanie Gilmore: “Fear – It’s a fine line between that and pushing yourself. You definitely reach new heights when you push. But fear is good. Fear keeps us alive. If we didn’t have it, we’d be doing crazy things and getting in sticky situations.” –Stephanie Gilmore.[19]

Carissa Moore: “We all strive to find something unique and special that we are passionate about that separates us from the rest.”[20]

Maya Gabeira is a big wave surfer who was born in Rio de Janeiro. She has five Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award titles received from 2007–2010 and in 2012. She also won the 2009 ESPY Award for Best Female Action Sport Athlete.[21]

Courtney Conlogue is a 25 year old American professional surfer. In an interview with ESPN she outlined what it takes to be a professional surfer. “I think some people perceive surfing as just a lifestyle sport. This will be my sixth year competing professionally on the World Tour, and to be involved in something like this goes to show that we do fine-tune our bodies in order to be as strong as we can when we enter the water. During the offseason, I train three to five days a week, and then I train every day in the water. Depending on the way the swell is — because our sport is based on Mother Nature — when the waves are good, I surf probably six hours a day.”[22]

Categories: Surf Clothing Surf Clothing Womens