HOW TO INSTALL A TRACTION PAD IN A SURFBOARD?

TRACTION PAD INSTALLATION

Photo: http://www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Surfing/Wax+and+Grip/dread/X-Trak+Dread+Icon+Series+Traction+Pad

So, you’ve gone and purchased a new traction pad… maybe even a surfboard too. 
Now you need to slap that fresh pad on your stick. 
Have a look at video tutorial, or if you’re more of the reading type, 
feast your eyes on our written version below.

PREP

Installing a traction pad can be applied to both new and used surfboards. There are a few simple steps we need to cover before jumping into applying the pad, so let’s get down to it.

Dust, wax, salt, sand and any other grime needs to be cleaned off the surfboard. This can be done using wax remover or mineral spirits. If neither are available, try a liberal amount of acetone or a wet rag. After wiping down the surfboard, go over it one last time with a clean rag or paper towel to remove any remaining residue from the cleaners.

INSTALLATION

Remove the traction pad from its packaging (don’t remove the backing just yet) and lay it out on the surfboard. Line up the pad wherever you like. There’s no right or wrong way. It may be placed for example close to the tail, just above the leash plug.

Once lined up, grab a pencil and trace around the corners of each piece. Remove the backing from the first piece and line it up with the pencil marks. Try not to touch the sticky adhesive by holding the outer edges with you thumbs and forefingers.

Align one corner of the piece with the pencil marks and gently place it on the surfboard. Align the opposite corner with the other pencil mark letting the piece rest gently on the surfboard. Firmly slide your thumb across the traction pad from one side to the other. This will remove any air bubbles trapped between the adhesive and the surfboard. Follow these steps for any remaining pieces.

GO SURF

Well, not just yet! Most brands recommend waiting 24 hours before surfing. 

But they say that even if you'll go surfing just after applying a traction pad, there shouldn’t be any problems as long as you’ve done a good job pushing that pad onto the surfboard.

RELATED PRODUCTS:

• Traction Pads
• Wax and Wax Remover 

The source: http://blog.surfride.com/how-to-install-a-traction-pad-on-your-surfboard/

HOW TO PUT FINS IN A SURFBOARD?

There are many different types of fin systems available. 

The two most popular systems are:

•  FCS 
• Future. 

Understanding how to put these fins properly on a surfboard is a basic, 
yet essential skill. 
This short video will walk you through fastening FCS, Future, quad and longboard fins to your surfboard.

...and now let's watch another video:

The source: http://blog.surfride.com/how-to-put-fins-on-your-surfboard/

BABY SHARKS RESCUED BY SURFERS

BABY SHARKS RESCUED BY SURFERS:

THE BEST ANIMATED LEGO'S SURF VIDEO

THE BEST ANIMATED LEGO'S SURF VIDEO

BEST SURF SPOTS IN YEMEN

BEST SURF SPOTS IN YEMEN

Photo: http://surftherenow.com/2008/09/22/surfing-yemen-really/

The coastline of the middle east, the last surfing frontier? Likely. 

Countries of Somalia, Yemen, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan all have significant coastline exposed to Indian Ocean swells... 

*(check out how long Somalia’s coast line is!!!)

A quick search on Wannasurf.com listed one spot in Somalia, none in Yemen, 12 in Oman, and not surprisingly none in Iran or Pakistan.

Yemen is an elusive surf destination. A very conservative Muslim country that has in past been an enclave of Al Qaeda. The government isn’t too keen on tourism and you’ll likely be the only surfers in the country. A few adventurous surfers hit up Yemen and charged the various breaks down there.

Check out the article at the LonelyPlanet.com.

“You’ll need ample time, determination and money; but for the experienced wave rider looking for quality surf spots and empty beaches, Yemen is the ultimate adventure playground. The mainland has a number of gentle points, some good-quality beach breaks and one world-class wedge that, day after day, chucks out massive barrels with a predominantly offshore wind.”

“If circling hammerheads and the risk of terrorism aren’t enough to put you off, you could be among the first to blaze a trail to this top-class surfing destination. Local tour operators are only just starting to latch onto what they’ve got. For the moment independent surf travel is all but impossible – you’ll need to employ a tour company to source jeeps, guides and permits. Though this all adds up, making a Yemeni surf trip anything but cheap, 

you’ll be getting some dream waves in return.”

The writer claims Yemen offers long reeling points, beach breaks, and wedges. Suqutra, Yemen’s largest island is located conspicuously offshore in the line of swell pumping off low pressure systems during the monsoon season from May to September. No doubt you’ll have the place to yourself.

So the time to go is between May and September. You’ll want to bring your standard short board, a satellite phone, a copy of the Koran, and any connections you have with the US State Department.

The source: http://surftherenow.com/2008/09/22/surfing-yemen-really/#sthash.LRphX3IM.dpuf