The ocean is a dangerous place, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid it. If you’re really interested in the marine life under the waves, then there are some pieces of equipment that you should have before going exploring. This article will list some essential gear for sea lovers and the best reasons to invest in them.
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A Surfboard
Surfboards are the most important piece of equipment for sea lovers. They can be used to get closer to marine life, like dolphins and whales. Surfboards provide a stable platform while in water that’s full of waves due to the board’s wide surface area and flat shape. Here’s how to pick the right surfboard for you:
Brand
Surfboards are often purchased based on the brand name. Some brands are more popular than others, so surfers flock to them for the latest model. Some of the best brands include js surfboards australia, Hae Nalu surfboards, and Ventana Surfboards. However, some companies are overrated and don’t produce the best boards so stay away from those.
Price
The price of a surfboard depends on the materials used to make it. Cheaper boards are often made from polyurethane, which can be damaged easily by fish teeth, coral reefs, and rocks in shallow water. Better surfboards are made of more expensive materials like epoxy resin and fiberglass. These are harder to damage, which means you’ll spend more time having fun in the water.
Surfboard Length
The length of a surfboard determines how quickly it can manoeuvre through the water. A longer board is slower, but it is balanced and easier to control. Smaller lengths are faster but harder to control due to their lightness and narrowness. Expert surfers often use smaller boards, but beginners should start on a longer board for better stability and control.
Volume
As a general rule of thumb, larger people will require larger boards with more volume. The board’s volume is measured in litres and it indicates how much water weight the board can hold. This affects how stable it is when you’re on it. So overall, larger people should go for boards with higher volumes.
A Snorkel
Snorkels are good to have around because they allow you to breathe underwater without scuba equipment. This can be useful when looking at the marine life that lives in water that’s shallow enough to stand in. It’s a good way to get up close and personal with fish, turtles, and other animals without frightening them away. Here’s how to pick the best one:
Brand
Like surfboards, some snorkels are more popular than others. If you’re looking for quality then you should invest in a large brand name that produces scuba equipment. This will allow you to go deeper in the water without worrying about your gear breaking down on you.
Size
The size of a snorkel depends on its volume. This affects how much air a snorkel can hold before water starts to enter the tube. Bigger people need higher volumes for enough air to get through so they should go with larger sizes.
Colour
The colour of your snorkels doesn’t affect their performance, but it does let you choose one that’s appropriate for your skin tone. For example, white can offset tan lines, while black works well on people with darker skin tones. Purple is also a good choice if you want to stand out of the water.
Face Plates
The faceplates of your snorkels should be made from glass or polycarbonate plastic because they’re durable and resistant to scratches. Some even come with UV protection, which is good for your eyes if you look at the sun through them. Glass will allow you to see deeper underwater, but it can break easily. Polycarbonate plastic is more durable but it makes everything yellow underwater.
Fins
Fins are another must-have. The best fins are short and stiff because they are easy to maneuver. They also have channels for water flow, which improves hydrodynamic force and reduces energy expenditure. If you’re an expert surfer then you might opt for long fins that allow greater speed, but beginners should stick with shorter versions until they become experts.
Wetsuit
A wetsuit is an essential part of your gear because it protects you from the cold and keeps you warm. There are two types: short-sleeved and full-sleeved. Short-sleeved ones cover your upper body, but they often don’t go past the waist so they’re not great for surfing in colder waters. Full-sleeved wetsuits are better, but they can be restrictive because you have to put them on over your head.
Overall, a wetsuit with a thicker neoprene is better for colder waters because this material doesn’t let heat escape. A thinner version works well in warmer waters because it’s lighter and can be more difficult to see underwater.
The sea is a great place to go if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery. The best way to do that is by having the right equipment, so having a surfboard, a snorkel, good fins, etc is important. The more complete your gear is, the easier it will be to enjoy yourself out there.