In 2023, we set out to create products that removed more waste from the environment than they created, so we were stoked to add products made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) material to our range this year.
So what’s the buzz about? Admittedly, we’re geeks when it comes to surf gear; we love good quality gear and are always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact.
If you haven’t heard about rPET material, we’ve put together a list of three reasons why you should consider it for your gear and why the material is changing the surf gear industry.
We all know single-use plastics are a huge issue for our landfills and oceans. As water lovers, we don’t want to see rubbish and plastic clogging up the beaches.
rPET material gives a second life to those single-use plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills, making it a fully sustainable and recyclable material. It can also be continuously recycled without losing its quality.
A lot of surf gear on the market uses a lot of plastics, so doesn’t it just make sense that this plastic is recycled?
The production of recycled material is better for the environment than the original product, making it the more environmentally friendly option for manufacturers.
Now, let's talk performance. When creating new products, we always look at their durability – we can’t stand uncomfortable gear that breaks after a few uses.
rPET is durable, lightweight, and water-resistant. Our rPET gear is built to withstand the elements, ensuring you can confidently enjoy the water, knowing your equipment is up for the challenge.
Here at BPS HQ, we’ve created bags and hats from rPET material so far, with more products in the works, so keep an eye out in 2024!
Shop our recycled products here
]]>Wetsuits
As temperatures drop, and unless you’re a seal, a wetsuit is a must if you want to be in the water for a reasonable amount of time.
We suggest looking for long-lasting quality materials that provide both warmth and flexibility. No one likes to surf in a suit of armour. If you’re thinking about a thicker wetsuit, sometimes accessories like booties, gloves, and hoods can save you from going up to the next thickness, which is often heavier and less flexible.
If you hate wetsuits like we do, items like neoprene vests, rashies, and jackets are great to wear before you go the whole hog and get back into that giant rubber onesie.
Boards
Different seasons often mean a change in the waves. Could a new or another board suit the new conditions better? From bigger swells to different breaks, the right board can enhance your performance and enjoyment. And we suggest considering the extra weight that a thick wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood can add once wet.
Surfboard Fins
A new fin setup can make an existing board feel totally different. Have a chat with a local expert to consider if you want to make a change for the fall and winter surf season.
Post Surf
We like to make sure we have warm items that are easy to put on and ready to go once you are out of the surf. Dealing with things like buttons or domes with cold hands is a ‘no go.’ You’ll find us in hoodies and trackies all day long.
With all this, you suddenly have a fair amount of stuff to manage. To make things as easy as possible, we suggest packing your bag in the order you will need things - last items at the bottom of the bag, first at the top, this way getting changed in a cold, windy car park is done as quickly as possible. Searching for what you need first with cold hands while you drip everywhere is no one’s idea of fun.
So, here’s to fully revelling in denial – hopefully we see you out there!]]>The BPS team is all about buying gear that will stand the test of time. There’s nothing worse than buying new gear and finding out it’s uncomfortable or having it break after one season. A surfboard leash is one of those essential bits of kit and a pain if it breaks!
Here’s what we recommend keeping top of mind when picking out your surfboard leash:
Durability and Strength
No one wants to be out for a surf only for your board to get taken back to shore on a wave. Not only is this annoying, it’s also dangerous for other surfers around you. A leash should be able to hold up against the pull of the waves and withstand repeated use in salt water. Look for leashes made from high-quality materials such as polyurethane or nylon, as these materials are known for their strength, resilience, and ability to withstand the effects of saltwater. A leash with swivels and a strong ankle cuff will also help ensure durability.
Length
The length of a surfboard leash is essential to get right for your safety and surfboard manoeuvrability in the water. Make sure your leash is a comfortable length - you want it to be long enough not to be restricting but short enough that it won’t get tangled or caught. We recommend getting a leash around 5 to 10 feet long, but this will vary depending on your height. You want your leash to be equal to or slightly longer than the length of your surfboard. It’s also important to consider the type of waves you'll be riding and your skill level when deciding the length.
Thickness
Riding big waves? You’ll need a thicker leash that will be able to handle the power of the big waves and will be less likely to snap under pressure. On the other hand, thinner leashes are lighter and less restrictive, making them ideal for smaller boards and smaller waves. Consider the types of waves you ride and look to strike a balance between thickness and strength.
Swivel Mechanism
The swivel mechanism on a surfboard leash is designed to prevent tangling and reduce strain on the leash itself. Swivels made from high-quality stainless steel or brass mean that the leash will rotate smoothly as needed and stand the test of time. Look for a leash with swivels at both ends of the leash as this will minimise tangling, allowing you to move freely without getting entangled in the cord.
Comfort and Fit
How a leash sits on your leg can be the difference between a bad experience or having an epic time on the water. You want the ankle cuff to be comfortable and secure, with ample padding and an adjustable strap to ensure a snug fit. The cuff also needs to be strong enough to withstand powerful waves… but not so tight that it restricts your blood flow!
Looking for the perfect surfboard leash for you? We’ve got a variety of surfboard leashes to suit your needs, whether you’re riding small shore breaks or tackling big waves.
]]>How you choose your skimboard will depend on your experience level and if you’re looking to do flatland skimboarding (skimming along shallow waters such as lower tides along the beach) and wave skimming (at shore breaks with incoming waves).
If you’re looking to give skimboarding a try, we’ve put together this simple guide to buying a skimboard.
Choosing a Skimboard:
Skimboards come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials that all impact the board’s speed, balance and maneuverability.
Size – The size of your skimboard will depend on your height, weight, and skill level. Beginners are best to choose a larger board that is easier to balance on and maneuver, while advanced riders might have the experience to opt for a smaller board that allows for greater speed and control.
Shape – The shape of your skimboard will also impact its performance. Flat boards are great for beginners and for riding on flat water, while boards with rocker (a curved bottom) are better for riding on waves. Boards with a pointed nose are ideal for wave riding.
Material – Skimboards can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, foam, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. At BPS, we recommend wooden boards for beginners looking at flatland skimboarding, as they are easier to control and usually cheaper!
Must-Have Gear:
Wax – Our skimboards have a built-in foam grip pad and don’t require waxing; however, most boards on the market need to be waxed to maintain grip and prevent slipping. Though there are wax products specifically for skimboards, tropical surf wax also does a great job.
Board Bag - A board bag will protect your skimboard during transport and storage. Look for a bag that is durable and padded.
With these tips, you'll be ready to hit the beach and enjoy the thrill of skimboarding in no time.
Here at BPS, we have a selection of lightweight, durable boards that are ideal for beginner skimboarders. Check them out here.]]>If you are new to bodyboarding, choosing the right gear is essential to ensure everyone has a safe time in the water. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with three tips for picking a bodyboard and other bodyboarding essentials.
If you’d like to learn how to bodyboard, check out our tutorial video below for some quick tips.
What size bodyboard do I need? Choose a bodyboard that reaches the height of your belly button.
High-quality boards are strong, lightweight and suitable for every wave type. On the flip side, low-quality boards can be stiff and hard to maneuver, which at best, makes the learning experience feel like a chore and, at worst, can potentially be dangerous in the wrong waves.
Check out our BPS Storm Bodyboard (pictured). These high-quality boards come in three different sizes and several bright colors. Plus, with a non-dragging leash, you will never have to worry about losing your board in the surf.
We reckon rash guards are the unsung heroes of watersports. Good quality rashies offer SPF50+ protection and are lightweight and breathable, protecting us from heat, humidity, cold, and chafe.
Read more: why we think the humble rashie is an essential piece of kit.
Our BPS rash guards (pictured) feature four-way stretch fabric, giving a comfortable full range of motion, preventing irritation and chafing in the water. Our rash guards come in both kids, youth and adult sizes, so there’s something for the whole family.
Longer bodyboard cords are a nuisance, quickly becoming tangled when paddling and tend not to handle bigger surf too well. Our BPS ‘koru’ pro bodyboard leashes (pictured) are coiled to prevent any tangling around itself or your board or getting caught on other submerged objects, keeping any bodyboarder safer in the water.
What size to buy? Here at BPS, our leashes are 4’ long, the perfect length to ensure the leash is up out of the water as much as possible.
Constructed from the highest quality materials, our leashes feature a padded neoprene cuff for comfort and strong velcro, so you can rest assured that your board is always close by.
There you have it. With the right gear, beginners of any age will be out on the water catching waves in no time.
Want to know how to bodyboard before you head to the beach? Watch below for some quick tips from our founder, Blair.
]]>Starting off
To catch a wave, you need to paddle towards the shore ideally as fast as possible. We recommend sitting just beyond where the waves are breaking, parallel to the beach (so not facing it). As you see the wave coming, you use only your dominant side to paddle, which will help you build speed and turn you in an arc towards the shore. Because you’re not switching sides to paddle, it avoids the risk of missing the wave or falling off as you change paddle sides. For those just starting out, it might take practice turning the board quickly and timing the paddle strokes right.
Stand up and paddle
Foot placement is important for maintaining your stability on the board. When paddling through flat water, we recommend standing with both feet roughly parallel to each other, facing the front of the board. For riding waves, you’ll need to adopt the surfer stance and place one foot forward and the other behind. You can jump straight into the surfing stance from the parallel position; however, beginners might feel more comfortable catching the wave with their feet parallel, and then stepping or jumping into the surfer’s stance.
Keep your paddle in the water and under strain
Keep paddling as the wave comes under the board. The paddle acts as a handrail to keep you stable as you are picked up by the wave and gives you an added sense of control. Keeping the paddle in the water under tension literally gives you something to hold onto - and this works both for when paddling to catch waves (with the wave coming underneath the board from the tail) – and also when paddling out through waves (with the wave coming underneath the board from the front or nose).
A top tip once you are (mostly) catching waves
Once you have nailed jumping into the surfers stance, if you're going for a wave but not quite sure you are going to get it, try jumping into the surfer stance a little further forward on your board. This will tilt the board, tipping it down the front of the wave, making it a little easier to catch.
We’re sure that with these tips and some fun practising, you’ll be carving up waves in no time. When it comes to all things water sports, we’ve got you covered. Check out our shop for great deals on stand-up paddle gear and more.
]]>Cut your sunscreen application time in half and get you to your happy quicker by wearing a rash guard. Designed to protect your skin while out in the water from harsh UV rays and chafing, rash guards sit against the skin while still allowing for flexibility and breathability. The BPS team would never surf without one.
Here are our top five reasons why the humble rashguard is on our list of essentials when out on the water, whatever your watersport preference.
Wearing a rash guard in the water provides that extra barrier between you and the sun. We’re big on sun protection in New Zealand, as the sun is much more severe in our little corner of the world.
Most sunscreens wear off after a few hours in the water. So, if you’re in the water for a long time, your chances of getting sunburnt are very high – unless you take a break, get out of the water and reapply.
Like other good quality rash guards, BPS short and long-sleeve rash guards provide UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) up to 50+. That means 98% of the UVA and UVB rays are blocked. So cut your reapplying time in half and chuck one of these on.
We’ve all been there – it might be a really sunny day, but a light wind makes having your shoulders out of the water feel cold! Wearing a rash guard provides that extra layer of thermal protection between you and the elements.
While not ideal for the shoulder and winter months (you probably want something a bit thicker for these times of the year), a rash guard will help in warmer months if you feel the cold.
One of the main benefits of wearing a rash guard is protecting your body from chafing.
For surfers, in particular, the wax on your board is great for keeping your feet on the board, but it makes for a super rough surface that easily causes chafing on your stomach and chest.
Our pro tip? Get a rashguard with a board short connector loop to stop any annoying riding up while out on the waves.
Feel fresh all day long, whether in or out of the water, with a good quality rash guard like ours that is quick dry and moisture-wicking.
Having a bright-coloured rash guard means that you can easily be seen should you need to be.
Speaking of the water, we can hear the waves calling our name. See you out there!
]]>Safety
Safety is the most important thing to think about for any surfer, no matter your age or experience level. Being confident in the water is number one. Learning to stay afloat and get yourself out of tricky situations could, quite literally, save your life. Surf with a buddy or at least have someone sitting on the beach, so if you get into trouble, you have someone there to help. If you aren’t a confident swimmer, it’s best you improve your swimming skills before learning to surf.
Before going into the water, look at the waves. Are there any rips? How are the waves breaking? If you don’t know how to spot a rip, you can ask a lifeguard to point them out for you.
If you’re just starting out, stay shallow to begin with. These waves are usually great for beginners as they’re a bit smaller, easier to ride and make it easier to stand up.
Choosing the right spot
Now the serious stuff is out of the way, let’s talk about getting in the water.
Before you get in the water, you need to choose the right spot for you. Find a surf break with sand and stay as far away from rocks and coral as you can. We all end up with a face full of the ocean floor at some point, but trust us when we say, a mouth full of sand is better than going face-first into the rocks.
When you’re learning to surf, do yourself (and others) a favour and make sure you give yourself some space. Look at the path the wave will take you on and, if you think you will run into someone if you catch that wave, don’t catch the wave.
Finally, look for the right waves. You’re looking for gentle waves with a long run of white water. This will give you the best chance of standing up on your board and help avoid a dreaded nosedive into the ocean floor.
Gear
When you decide to learn to surf, we all have a vision of carving up the waves. But, my friend, even Kelly Slater had to start somewhere. And that place is usually a big soft board.
Now stay with us here, a large surfboard sits higher on the water and moves across the water faster. The faster you’re going, the easier it is for you to catch the wave (or for the wave to catch you). A large surfboard is more buoyant and more stable, making it easier to ride a wave, balance, and stand up. Most learners take a long time to stand up on each wave. Take your time and practice, practice, practice!
One of the most vital pieces of gear for surfing is a leash or leg rope. While using a leash is safe, it also provides a sense of security and means that if you fall off your board, you won’t have to worry about losing it in the surf. Swimming to retrieve your board will quickly tire you out. Plus, losing a board is expensive
Something else to consider, particularly for New Zealanders, is being SunSmart. Slip, slop, slap and wrap! A rash shirt can come in particularly handy as it can help protect you from the sun as well as protect against chafing.
Your future self will thank you.
Technique
When you’re learning to surf, it’s as much about technique as it is about figuring out the feeling of the board and how it feels to be on a wave.
Surfing is about balance, and you need to find the sweet spot on your board where you’re balanced from side to side and between the front and back of the board. Finding this balance is something that takes practice and is easier with a bigger board. If you haven’t found this balance point before you catch the wave, you’ll not only find it hard to catch the wave, but you won’t be in the right position to stand up.
Another common mistake beginners make is trying to stand up too quickly. When you’re on the wave, you need to wait to feel the board drop down ever so slightly before you stand. So, the lesson to keep in mind? Always wait for the drop.
Basic etiquette
When you’re surfing, particularly on a busy beach, there are a few etiquette rules that surfers abide by. These aren’t so much rules but guidelines that ensure everyone is safe and able to have a good time, but you’re bound to be told if you break them.
A note here is that while there are universal surf etiquette rules, there are also local etiquette rules, so it might pay to talk to a local surfer before heading in.
While we won’t go into these rules in-depth here, the most important thing for a beginner to avoid is ‘dropping in’ on another surfer. To drop in on another surfer means to disrupt their path on the wave. Put simply, if you see someone surfing a wave, don’t jump on that wave. Give them room and let them enjoy the ride.
We hope this list helps you find your happy. To find all the gear you need, visit the BPS shop.
Happy surfing!
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