• Select a Surfboard

• Ride the Waves on a Bodyboard

• Set Sail With Windsurfing Gear

• Catch Some Air With Kitesurfing Gear

• Get Essential Surfing Apparel & Accessories

• Find Surfing Equipment on eBay Australia

• Buy Surfboards, Bodyboards & Windsurfing Gear with Confidence

• Need More Help?

• Legal Disclaimer

Select a Surfboard

Select a Surfboard

There are many different types of surfboards to suit different levels of experience and varying budgets. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will want to make sure that you pick the right surfboard for your surfing technique.

Surfboard 101

The front of the surfboard is known as the nose, the back as the tail, and the sides are called rails. The deck is the top of the surfboard, where the rider stands.

With the exception of the most expert of surfers, it is essential that everyone use a leash while surfing. Besides preventing you from losing your surfboard in a wipeout and thus allowing you to retrieve it faster and catch more waves, leashes also aid you in keeping control of your board so you won't hit other surfers. A swivel leash will help to minimise tangles while one with a paddle ankle strap will provide the most comfort.

Get the right size surfboard

Surfboards are sold in feet and inches. No matter which surfboard you buy, make sure it is at least 6" over your own height.

• Longboards: Longboards measure 9 feet or over. These glide across the water and provide better balance.

• Shortboards : Shortboards are under 7 feet in length. While they are more maneuverable compared to longboards, they also paddle slower. You will have to take off on the steepest part of a wave and get to your feet quickly.

• Wide surfboards: Wider surfboards provide more stability.

• Thick surfboards: It is easier to catch waves and paddle on thicker surfboards as they are more buoyant.

• Ultra-thin or light shortboards: Beginners should probably stay away from ultra thin and light shortboards as it is harder to surf on them.

Which type of surfboard is right for you?

For beginners, longboards, soft boards, pop-outs and mini mals are all good choices. A broad, thick and light surfboard is the most ideal for learning on. A lot of surfboards are custom made, giving you a large number of options when trying to find a suitable board.

• Soft Surfboards : Consider starting with a soft surfboard if you are a beginner. Besides being buoyant and large, soft surfboards (also known as foamies) are soft enough such that they lessen the blow of an impact. The fins also tend to be softer compared to other types of surfboards. A soft surfboard is a good choice for the beginner and infrequent surfer. However if you are serious about surfing, you will want to move on to a more versatile surfboard fairly quickly.

• Pop-Out Surfboards: If you are looking for a good value surfboard, pop-out surfboards are a cheaper alternative to custom made fibreglass surfboards. Made on a production line, these surfboards have a foam core covered in thick fibreglass and are virtually indestructible. Due to this, they are heavier compared to soft surfboards and hence much more stable making this a good choice for beginners. However they are less responsive in the water. Pop-out surfboards also have good resale value as they are in demand.

• Shortboards: The most popular type of surfboard, the shortboard (also known as thruster) is a light and easily maneuverable board designed for quick turns. Measuring from 5'8" to 6'10" in length, a shortboard is a good option for beginners if you can find one with single or twin fin that suits you. Do not get one with too many fins as the more fins there are, the higher chance that you will get cut.

• The Longboard or Malibu surfboard: Typically starting at about 9', longboards have a different overall shape as well as a more rounded nose compared to a shortboard. They also tend to be thicker and have only one fin. The extra length and thickness makes them more stable. However, try to avoid the very old, heavy boards as they may not surf as well and can be awkward to use.

• The Fish: The fish measures between 4'8" to 6' in length. Compared to a typical shortboard, it is shorter, rounder and wider.

• The Gun: Ranging from 7'2" to over 12', the gun is a larger version of the shortboard and is used for big waves. The increased length of the board means makes it possible to paddle into larger waves.

Other surfboard considerations

There is no need for beginners to spend too much on their first board. It's best to start out on an inexpensive board, as long as it hasn't been broken apart and repaired or totally thrashed. Make sure that there isn't any holes in the fibreglass and all the fins are in place. Also check that there are no major cracks where the fins join the board.

Most secondhand boards will have some dents or damage. You can either take it in for professional repair or fix the dings yourself with a repair kit costing about $20.

Ride the Waves on a Bodyboard

Ride the Waves on a Bodyboard

Bodyboards are easy to pick up and fun for people of all ages. It does not require much experience, just hold onto the sides and enjoy the waves.

Some well-known choices include Manta bodyboards and Morey bodyboards.

Use the following guidelines to choose the right bodyboard for you.

• Bodyboard size: The top of the bodyboard should come up to about navel height.

• Bodyboard shape: Flat bodyboards are better for gentler waters. If you are riding prone instead of on one knee, a bodyboard with a larger nose will serve you better.

• Bodyboard rail: If you are after speed, go for a 50/50 rail. Or opt for a 60/40 rail if you want more control. The numbers describe the angle of the rail.

Set Sail With Windsurfing Gear

Set Sail With Windsurfing Gear

Windsurfing combines sailing with riding waves on a board. The sail is attached to a mast on the average windsurfing board, while a piece called the universal joint attaches the sail to the boat. The handle that you hold to steer the sail is called the boom. A harness can help to relieve arm strain by transferring power through your body.

Choose a windsurfing board

Go for a board that is at least 11' long if you are a beginner learning on your own. Kids will need a short board. To make it easier for you to stay upright, make sure you choose the correct flotation level for your weight. The centreboard should also retract.

Select the right windsurfing sail

The size of the windsurfing sail is dependent on the wind strength and your weight. During your first few time sailing, a small sail would be the most suitable.

Catch Some Air With Kitesurfing Gear

Catch Some Air With Kitesurfing Gear

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is one of the latest water sports to gain in popularity and involves using a kite to propel yourself over the waves while riding a board.

Some popular kitesurf brands include Naish, Slingshot and Cabrinha . The following is a list of the equipment you’ll need to enjoy the sport of kiteboarding.

• Traction Kite: Traction kites come with either two lines or four. Some also has inflatable bladders and float, allowing you to relaunch them from the water. This however reduces their aerodynamic efficiency. Ram-air kites are more efficient and will perform better for the more experienced kiteboarders.

• Kiteboard control bar or boom: The kiteboard control bar, also known as the boom, refers to the handles by which you keep hold of the kite. This is the simplest system and is used for both 2 and 4 line kites. Don't be mistaken that kites with 4 lines will tangle, that's not the case at all. In fact they give you more control and are more maneuverable on the water. If you have experience wakeboarding or windsurfing, you will most probably use a boom.

• Kiteboard harness: The kiteboard harness distributes the pull through your whole body rather than just your arms.

• Kite surfing flying Lines: Almost all kite surfing flying lines are made of Spectra Fibre - a strong, thin material with very little stretch. While the line length for traction kites is usually 36.5 meters, all kites have a recommended length. No matter whether you are using 2 line or 4 line, always check to make sure that the length of the lines are equal.

• Kite surfboard: It is necessary to get a kite surfboard that is specially designed for kitesurfing. Sizes vary depending on your weight, skill and conditions. Small boards are used for speed and tricks whereas larger boards are ideal for light wind and cruising. To avoid getting separated from your board in the water, attach it to you using a long, standard leash.

Get Essential Surfing Apparel & Accessories

Get Essential Surfing Apparel & Accessories

The wetsuit is the most common accessory in any surfing sport. However, there are other items that you may want to consider to up the comfort and enjoyment level while surfing.

Some popular choices for wetsuits, apparel, and other surfing accessories include O'Neill, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and Billabong .

Wetsuits

In all water sports, you will require a wetsuit to keep you warm and help you float. When buying a wetsuit, go for one that has been specially designed for your sport.

Pick a wetsuit that is suitable for the water temperature. A 3/2 wetsuit is 3mm thick in the chest and 2 mm in the arms and legs. If you get cold easily, go for a 4/3 wetsuit.

There are a few different styles to choose from when purchasing a wetsuit.

• Shortie : A shortie is a short-sleeved, short-legged, one piece wetsuit that's worn in water temperature over 21 degrees Celsius. Also know as a spring suit, it is made of 2 mm neoprene.

• Three-quarter wetsuits: Made of 3/2mm neoprene, three-quarter wetsuits has either short arms or short legs. It is recommended for water temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.

• Full wet suit : Go for a full wet suit, or steamer, in water temperature under 18 degrees Celsius. Full wet suits come in 4/3 and 5/3. If the water temperature is under 16 degrees Celcius, you will need a 5/3 wetsuit. The thicker a wetsuit, the less flexible it is.

Surfboard Covers

When buying a brand new or good condition surfboard, you should look into investing in a surfboard cover or bag to help keep it in good shape. Covers that offer more protection usually carry a higher price tag.

Personal Flotation Devices

A personal flotation device (PFD) not only make it easier for you to float upright, it can also help to protect your body and keep you warmer.

Booties and gloves

Although it is not essential for you to wear surfing booties, they are a good way to protect your feet from scrapes and abrasions. Gloves offer protection for your hands and at the same time provide you with additional traction for holding onto your board or sail. Both can also help to keep you warm in colder water.

Sun Protection

Harmful UV rays are reflected off the water on both sunny and overcast days so it is recommended that you wear a good sunscreen. Go for one that is waterproof and make sure to reapply often.

Find Surfing Equipment on eBay Australia

Find Surfing Equipment on eBay Australia

Once you know what type of surfboard you want, go to the Sporting Goods portal. Click Surfing and start searching for item listings on eBay Australia.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Accessories, Bodyboards, Surfboards, Wetsuits, Windsurfing and more.

• Keyword search: Search eBay Australia listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find longboards, type "longboard" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay Australia's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, shop eBay Stores, tell the eBay Australia Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay Australia will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Surfboards, Bodyboards & Windsurfing Gear with Confidence

Buy Surfboards, Bodyboards & Windsurfing Gear with Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Australia and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Australia (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Australia are not covered by eBay Australia protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay Australia item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay Australia sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay Australia and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorised payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,500.

• eBay Australia Security & Resolution Centre: Visit the Security & Resolution Centre to learn how to protect your account and use eBay Australia's quick and efficient resolution tools.     

Need More Help?

Need More Help?

Visit our help pages or start a thread on one of our Community Discussion Boards - If you have a quick question that needs answering, try posting it on our community Answer Centre - there's bound to be a seasoned eBay Australia veteran with just the information you're looking for!                   

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

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