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EQUIPMENT GUIDE
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR YOUR LESSONS

GEAR GUIDE
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR AFTER YOUR
LESSONS


 

EQUIPMENT GUIDE
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR YOUR
LESSONS
The learning experience is challenging enough without having the wrong gear. We have found that using equipment specifically designed for learning or chosen for its user friendly characteristics, will enhance the learning process. You will have greater success, more fun, and maintain a higher level of motivation. Using this equipment.

 

All  Lessons:
Wear Sturdy Swimwear (board shorts), this goes for men and women. Wear a rash-guard shirt.
If you are buying one, get a long sleeved rashguard. Bring your booties if you have them.

We have them if you don't. If you have a "shorty" wetsuit, bring it along.
Always wear a good waterproof sunscreen, that is designed for surfers. Good sunscreen will be a 30+ or 40+ SPF,
and it will not wash off or burn the eyes. Wear a hat, or baseball cap.
Wear your hat at all times when you are not in the water.
Wear sunglasses, preferably polarized, at all times on the beach.

Ideally you should purchase water-sunglasses, like the Oakley Water-jackets, or Sea-Specs.
Bring plenty of water to drink at the beach. Bring your usual medications (if any).


Beginner Windsurf Lesson:
Hifly 335 Revo with a 2.0m - 3.0m school sail, larger sail for heavier sailors. Sailors over 220lbs may want to rent the "Naish Kailua".
(Students should bring booties, waterproof sunscreen, rash-vest or tee-shirt, drinking water or drinks)
The biggest most stable board you can find, and a lightweight sail, with a low boom. Do not jump on a friend's shortboard, you will be totally frustrated. Most actual beginner boards are only found in schools, which is a good reason to buy a lesson. Many rental fleets will not bother stocking a true beginner's board, so you are just given the biggest board they have, (or the biggest one they are prepared to lift onto your car's roof-racks.)
Waterstart Lesson:
Bic Veloce 298 with 4.5m -5.0m sail is standard.
Bic Astro Rock for lighter sailors with 4.0m - 4.5m sail.
Bic Veloce 310 with 5.0m - 5.6m wave sail for heavier sailors.
(No centerboards or cambered sails please)
A transition style board, or a big floaty short-board (aka funboard). Not too big though, because it is an advantage if the board can sink slightly under your weight.
Harness & Footstrap lesson: (First time shortboarders)
Bic Veloce 310 (with 3 footstraps) is standard.
Bic Veloce 298 (with 3 footstraps) for lighter sailors
Bic Veloce 328 (without a centerboard, with 3 footstraps) for heavier sailors.
(wave sails preferred, slightly underpowered, harness with a high hook)


A transition style board, is a big floaty short-board (aka funboard). When learning the straps you need an easy planing board that has a wide unsinkable tail.
Shortboard Jibe Lesson:
General rule;  floaty slalom boards with slightly underpowered sails. 
(Students should already be using the harness and footstraps).
For longboard jibes we do a warm up exercise on the HiFly Revo 335's. (with the CB up)
A floaty wave/bump style board is best, is a big floaty short-board (aka funboard). When learning the straps you need an easy planing board that has a wide unsinkable tail.
Jumping & Looping lessons:
Bic Veloce 278 should be the maximum size board for jumping class.
Floaty waveboards, bump & jump boards are best for loop class.
All students must wear a helmet and wetsuit.


Loop lessons can be punishing on the gear, so do not use an eggshell strength board. Use a stronger production board, with a nose-guard. (for the board), (but one for yourself is not a bad idea either.).
Beginner Surfing lessons:
9ft longboards like the "BZ foamy" for students up to 185lbs.
10 foot longboards for heavier surfers 185-210 pounds.
11 foot longboards for big folk 210-230 pounds
Children can use the 8ft BZ if they're very small.
We recommend a rash vest and booties. 
Big is beautiful. We have more success and more fun using a slightly oversized surfboard. Larger boards are easier to paddle and have more stability, than shorter ones.

GEAR GUIDE
RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR AFTER YOUR LESSONS
Once you have learned the basics, you will want to buy your own gear that will grow with you as you progress. Having used user-friendly gear in the learning process, was just the stepping stone to something a little more challenging. In this section we recommend the gear that is quality and offers the most versatility for a rapidly progressing student.

ACCESSORIES

BOARDIES
Wear Sturdy Swimwear (board shorts), this goes for men and women.  Shorts offer protection against board rash and sand infiltration. Surf shorts will be made of a synthetic fabric so they quick dry, and have a tied fly so they don't fall off in the surf, or Velcro fly with a snap, Not a rusty metal zipper. Good shorts will allow freedom of movement. My latest O'Neill shorts have stretch panels made of ultra thin neoprene. I like to have one pair of shorts for every day-per-week I surf. I surf seven days per week, so I have seven pairs. I try to rinse off my shorts in fresh water after every use, I jump in the shower with them and kick them around in the soapy water. This is the surfer's laundry trick. A good pair of shorts will cost about $50.00.

RASH GUARDS
Wear a rash-guard shirt for sun protection or under a wetsuit to increase warmth, and to reduce friction that could chafe and cause a rash. When you are buying one, get a long sleeved rashguard for the most protection. There are different styles and makes, some are slinky Lycra, and there are polypro fleecy fabric for more warmth. Take care when choose a color because white becomes transparent when wet.

BOOTIES
Bring your booties if you have them. You can get thin ones or thick ones. Split toe or round toe. Try them on and check your footstraps to see if they will still fit.

WETSUITS
On Maui, if you have a "shorty" wetsuit, you should wear it. When buying a wetsuit, get a good fit!!! Comfort is king. For more information on wetsuits check out my read-online books. Buying a wetsuit should be done with care. Take the time to try as many different suits as you can, which is a difficult task in itself. Do not get rushed into a decision or swayed by discounts. Select an appropriate style and thickness of neoprene for the water temperature in your area.
SUNSCREEN
Always wear a good waterproof sunscreen (sunblock), that is designed for surfers. Good sunscreen will be a 30+ or 40+ SPF.
It should be water-proof and it will not wash off or burn the eyes. I use one thick gel for my face, and I use a separate lotion for my shoulders etc. Some are alcohol based (no thanks) Bullfrog is well known, but gets in my eyes. "Zinc Oxide" cream is a good sun blocker, it is the one with the distinctive white (or pink) color, that does not rub in. The active ingredient in many sunscreens is "Titanium dioxide". I have tried every waterproof sunscreen and still prefer to use the Aloe Gator Gel (not the lotion) for my face. It is so thick it does not wash off. You actually have to wash your face properly after using it, or it will contribute to pimples (clogged pores). It is not available everywhere, so when I see it I buy several large tubes of the stuff. it is about ten bucks per tube.
HATS
Wear a hat, or baseball cap.

Wear your hat at all times when you are not in the water.
SUNGLASSES
Wear sunglasses, preferably polarized, at all times on the beach. And preferably you should wear eye protection on the water.
Ideally you should purchase water-sunglasses, like the Oakley Water-jackets, or Sea-Specs. I wear these surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

HARNESSES
The DaKine "Thermo" and "Pyro" waist harnesses, are the simplest and easiest harnesses to use, especially if you like the freedom the waist harness provides. These harnesses are useful for kiteboard and windsurf. (Hammerhead bars are for kiteboarding use only) get the generic hook if you intend to use the harness for both sports.

DaKine fusion seat harness, for kiteboarding and windsurfing. offers the most support and comfort. (Hammerhead bars are for kiteboarding use only) get the generic hook if you intend to use the harness for both sports.


WINDSURFING GEAR
Beginner Windsurf equipment:
Hifly 335 Revo with a 2.0m - 3.0m school sail, larger sail for heavier sailors. Sailors over 220lbs may want to rent the "Naish Kailua". The wide style beginner boards are available in several different lengths. Some boards will come equipped with a retractable center-board. These boards will be the best on light winds.
Small lightweight sails will work best, Sail sizes will be relative to the rider's weight.
Windsurfing


 

When setting up a new rig 'a la carte" get the most reliable mast and booms. We use and recommend Fiberspar masts.

Waterstart equipment:
Bic Veloce 298 with 4.5m -5.0m sail is standard.
Bic Astro Rock for lighter sailors with 4.0m - 4.5m sail.
Bic Veloce 310 with 5.0m - 5.6m wave sail for heavier sailors.
(No centerboards avoid using cambered sails.)
almost any board will work for waterstarting practice. there are many used boards that will fit the bill.
Shortboard Jibe equipment:
After you have mastered the shortboard basics the next challenge will be mastering the jibe. Some boards are easier to jibe than others. As a general rule; floaty wave/slalom boards with slightly underpowered sails work best. (You should already be using the harness and footstraps and waterstarting).
 Your board should have a curvy tail rocker. A bump & jump board will foot steer easier then a flatter slalom board. your board should have a single rear footstrap on the centerline. this helps with the pre-jibe bear away.
Harness & Footstrap equipment: (First time shortboarders)
Bic Veloce 310 (with 3 footstraps) is standard.
Bic Veloce 298 (with 3 footstraps) for lighter sailors
Bic Veloce 328 (without a centerboard, with 3 footstraps) for heavier sailors.
(wave sails preferred, slightly underpowered, harness with a high hook)
 
Jumping & Looping equipment:
Bic Veloce 278 should be the maximum size board for jumping class.
Floaty waveboards, bump & jump boards are best for loop class. The Naish Wave, is an epoxy foam sandwich board with good strength to weight characteristics. Wave sails, with short booms. Preferable 4.5m or smaller. With strong carbon-fiber wave masts.
Wear a helmet like the Deluge, or Gath. A wetsuit will provide some protection against scrapes, bruises and slaps. There are also some good thin style impact jackets.


SURFING GEAR  
Beginner Surfing equipment:
9ft longboards like the "BZ foamy" for students up to 185lbs.
10 foot longboards for heavier surfers 185-210 pounds.
11 foot longboards for big folk 210-230 pounds
Children can use the 8ft BZ if they're very small.
We always recommend that you use a rash vest and wear booties.

*After your lesson you will want to take about one foot off the board length you used in your lesson.
*If you used a 10 foot board in the lesson, buy yourself a nine footer.
*some consideration should be given to your fitness level, and anyone else sharing the board with you.
*If two different size people are to share one board, you should choose the board to suit the heavier surfer.

*After your lesson you will want to take about one foot off the board length you used in your lesson.
*If you used a 10 foot board in the lesson, buy yourself a nine footer.
*some consideration should be given to your fitness level, and anyone else sharing the board with you.
*If two different size people are to share one board, you should choose the board to suit the heavier surfer.
FOAMIES: If you have children learning to surf, a "foamie" board could be the best first board for them. Foamies are a softer foam construction boards. There are several types, that are more or less sophisticated. The "BZ" brand foam board is the traditional beginner board. 8, 9, and 10 foot sizes are available. these boards are the safest type, because they are soft and they have soft plastic fins. These boards should be rinsed in freshwater after use, and kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Sun damage will age these boards prematurely.

The 5' 6" BZ Fish has a wider surfboard template with a wide winged fish tail for a looser more skateboardish style of surfing. The smaller size and width of this board also give this board added float for those slower mushy conditions. With a solid seven layer fiberglass stringer and Dow core, the fish has the strength to take beatings from floaters, gauges, airs, etc. Other features include: High density urethane fins for safety and wave slashing ability Double tab leash tabs keep your leash securely attached to your board Stainless steel screws secured on the top deck by our exclusive urethane anchors hold your fins in place better than plastic plugs and Structron dual fiberglass stringers
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs.
SOFT-TOPS: The softtop type board is a hard epoxy board with a foam skin over the deck, these boards have the performance of regular boards, with more durability. These boards are suited to adults and intermediate surfers. SOFTOPS blend performance, safety and durability.
Their unique epoxy/fiberglass construction gives SOFTOPS a stiffness that helps them out-perform sponge or soft surfboards. And their E.V.A. foam-rubber deck-and-rail combination gives you extra safety, comfort and traction without wax. Sizes available are: 5'6", 7'0", 7'6", 8'0", 8'4", 9'0", 10', 11', 12'.


Surftech make a range of boards called soft-top, they are made of advanced materials, styrofoam, epoxy, and have a distinctive EVA foam skin on the entire deck. they do not need surf wax. The foam gives them grip, and makes them softer to lie on. especially at the pressure points of the hips and ribs. The foam skin also acts like a bumper that will protect the board from many bumps and dings. However you have to were a rashguard to protect from the rubbing. (These boards are the number 1 choice of surf schools, and could be your choice for your first board)

 

*After your lesson you will want to take about one foot off the board length you used in your lesson. 
*If you used a 10 foot board in the lesson, buy yourself a nine footer.
*some consideration should be given to your fitness level, and anyone else sharing the board with you. 
*If two different size people are to share one board, you should choose the board to suit the heavier surfer.
          


New Surf Project make a line of lightweight epoxy styrofoam construction boards, that are lighter and stronger than regular boards. they have a thin plastic top-sheet that protects the board's finish from scratches. (your second board) After your learning phase you may want to step up to the NSP type construction. Still quite durable, but light enough to take you to the next level. These boards will need wax and are best kept in a padded bag.

Advanced Surfing Equipment: mini tankers and fun shapes are more challenging than longboards. They require more paddling power and a steeper wave to ride. Shorter and wider styles offer a good compromise of stability, easy paddling, and good turning ability. Short "longboards" are also called mini-tankers. They are characterized by a round nose similar to a longboard's nose-rider shape. Fun shapes are fatter longer versions of the typical shortboard. They have narrow noses and thinner rails at the tail. As the name suggests, they are fun to ride, and they are easy to paddle. Then there are "fish" boards. The Fish board concept is a new take on some classic design elements, or a re-combination of design features. They are boards that can ride on the flats ahead of the wave face. They stay planing while offering a turny feel like a much shorter board. Fish boards are distinctive looking and resemble the "Friar Tuck" knee boards of the 70's.  They often have big swallow tails to aid their turning ability.

Surftech also make a complete line of epoxy/sandwich boards, which are light, stiff & high performance. They call this line, "Tuflite". Tuflite construction is more expensive and lighter than other constructions. That is why we only recommend it to advanced surfers.
     

 


Southpoint make a superb line of lightweight foam sandwich construction boards, that are durable and lightweight. their line of production boards includes a variety of mini-tankers, and fish, and fun shapes. the extra lightness of this construction will only be appreciated by the more advanced surfer. (your third board) This construction is less robust than the other two. The boards are stiff, light and fast. The finish coat may scratch up if not cared for. This board will not like to get hard knocks on the rocks. This board type should be kept in a padded bag, and repaired with epoxy if necessary.


KITEBOARDING  
TRAINER KITES
For the fun and easy way to get kiteflying skills, we recommend that you purchase a trainer kite before your kiteboarding lessons. Ram-air design kites in sizes ranging from 1m, 2m & 3m. When using any kite you should take extreme care. You should read the instruction manual and watch the training DVD's.
Good brands of trainer kites include; Naish, Slingshot, Airush and Best. These are fun performance kites that can produce a lot of power, and younger fliers should always be supervised by adults.
These kites are extremely fun, but they are not toys. The larger trainers  can be used as traction kites on land or snow.

Airush Trainer

FIRST TIME KITES
For the most successful and entry level kite in recent years we recommend the Naish CODE. This is best described as a moderate aspect ratio kite. Its fuller shape gives it consistent power, and easier relaunch-ability. This kite is the same as the CULT without the Octopus system. These kites will handle everything you can dish out. First released in 2008, the sigma kites became an instant success. The design has superseded all the previous kite designs. Sizes are 3m, 4.5m, 6m, 9m, 12m. We recommend that you set up this kite on multiple line lengths, and learn safely.

INTERMEDIATE KITES
For the my favorite all-round kite, and the one I use most. The Naish Cult, which is a very forgiving kite that can handle being very overpowered. The smooth and predictable handling makes it a trustworthy friend. And a great kite for pushing your own limits and learning new tricks. This kite utilizes the New SLE "Smart-bar", Great for big jumps, or riding the waves. The new Sigma shape allows easy relaunching in a wipeout even in light winds. The Sigma series kites are new for 2008 and are a great addition to any quiver.
 

Naish Cult

ADVANCED BOW KITES
For the newest kite design. the Naish Helix, uses a Sigma-SLE design. The Supported Leading Edge has a flatter profile and a greater projected area. This gives the kite more power for the size. The kite design allows a greater range of depowering. They will depower 100% without unhooking from the trim loop. They will also handle a greater wind range. The smartbar can be used as a pullybar system 2:1 or as a lightwer feeling 1:1 bar. This kite is fast and gives the kite snappy turns at any sheeting angle. We recommend the Helix to intermediate and advanced riders that have good kite control, and good relaunching skills. Almost every manufacturer now makes a bow kite, with slight variations in the bridle, bar or kite. But only Naish has the HELIX!

KITE BOARDS
Choosing the type of kiteboard to buy depends on your ride-style. The size you choose depends on your weight and wind range. The lighter the wind in your area, the larger & longer the board you should ride. Heavier riders should ride bigger boards than lightweight riders. In kiteboarding, it is not the volume or buoyancy of the board that counts, but mostly the surface area, because it provides the lift. if you plan to ride in extreme light air, at displacement (sub-planing) speeds, you will need a larger floatier board. Very popular with light wind riders is surf style riding on surfstyle kiteboards, or regular surfboards.

 

Board Types: Here is a range of different kiteboards.  The Alien is a semi-directional board that has surfing abilities. The Kitewave is a full on surf style board for the waves. The Thorns are hard edged twin-tips inspired by snow boards. The Sol is the wake style twin-tip. And the Haze is the entry-level twin-tip board with easy riding and durability.

 

Twin-Tips:
Naish Thorn sizes 126 / 129 / 132 / 135
This is our favorite production Twin-tip board. The Thorn 126 is also the board that I set the Maui open water kiteboarding speed record on at over 40mph. This board uses snowboard technology for the ideal combination of flex, weight and strength. New uni-directional laminates of carbon and Kevlar have been added to increase the reflex speed making the board feel super positive and lively. There are three types of Thorn, The smallest is the Grom at 111cm, then the Rose Thorn is slightly larger at 122cm, and the largest is the Thorn and it comes in 126cm, 129cm, 132cm, 135cm.

Naish Thorn GromNaish Thore RoseNaish Thorn

 Naish models

 KiteWave: For big waves, small waves, freestyle or just light wind cruising, these boards are so much fun that everyone wants one. With the release of the 5'5" in 2008, Naish set the new standard for performance in a wave board. For 2008, a second, smaller sized wave board has been added to the range.

 The new Thorn boards feature much more power, solid edging, controllable speed and greater pop for all the performance required for contemporary riding.
previous year, making the new Thorns track super solid through the water. A radial concave bottom was added making the Thorns ride higher, faster and livelier. Wide tips and aggressive fin positions make the boards powerful and reliable. The Rose and Grom boards are equipped with smaller-sized inserts, footstaps, deckpads and fins.

 The Haze is an affordable twin tip range developed for all levels of rider. The range includes five models, from 128 to 154, covering the performance needs of almost all sizes and styles of riders. The 2008 Haze offers more power and solid tracking with enough flex to still be easy to ride.
The shaping of the Haze is completely redesigned for 2008 but still utilizes the same scoop rockerline and tapering thickness flow for a similar flex from the 2007 design.

 The 2008 Naish Sol is a premium twin tip range developed for top level riders. The 2008 Sol combines a refined design concept similar to the 2007 Sol, but with a completely new construction technology for unparalleled performance. Although the performance demands were driven by professional team riders, intermediate level riders will equally benefit from these same riding attributes.

Naish AlienNaish HazeNaish SolNaish Floater  

 

Naish model

  ALIEN 122, 138, 146cm

 HAZE 128, 133, 139, 146, 154cm

SOL 124, 127, 130, 133, 136

GROM 111cm

ROSE 122cm

THORN 126, 129, 132, 135cm

 FLOATER 140, 150cm

 WAVE  5'2" & 5'6".

 

 

 

KITE SURFBOARDS
Naish Wave directional surf style kiteboards, are one of the funest boards to ride. The 2008 Kitewave literally tear up the waves. They can be ridden with foot straps or strapless. They are made from a strong epoxy construction so they can take a beating. Available in two sizes, 5'2" and 5'6".
The Naish KiteWave comes with:
- 2 Adjustable carbon plate, 3-D molded footpads
- 2 Restyled adjustable footstraps
- 3 11 cm wave fins
- Mounting hardware

 

Jimmy Lewis does a killer sandwich wavesurf model in various sizes.

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