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How To Upgrade Your Board Sports Gear: 6 Simple Tips
Board sports are the most popular adrenaline-pumping activities on Earth. Upsurge in skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding has made it not imperative to hit the slopes or beaches during vacation time if you want to get your heart racing. Now more than ever, people of all ages are participating in these extreme sports. If you’re an athlete who wants to upgrade their gear to improve their game, here are 6 tips to help you out.
Protect Your Vision
Surfers need sunglasses to protect their peepers from both sun damage and flying objects or waves during wipeouts. If you lose or destroy your shades, you can’t participate in your favorite sport until you get a new pair. This is why it’s important to shop for quality eyewear that meets your specific needs.
For starters, buy sunglasses that fit your face comfortably and don’t slide down when you’re in the water. Look at sunglasses with polarized technology, which will cut back on glare and prevent the sun from blinding you during high noon. Don’t worry about breaking or scratching lenses in rough waters; polycarbonate and plastic lenses are very durable and won’t shatter like glass ones might if they come in contact with sand or rocks.
Fix Up Your Footwear
Nothing undermines an athlete’s confidence more than having his kicks fall apart just before an event. To upgrade your board sports gear, invest in high-quality shoes that fit your feet well and will last you a long time. Look for running shoes with durable soles and plastic shanks to prevent tears from water damage or staining (such as those caused by chlorine). Find quality flippers to buy now if that is needed for your sport. Purchase boots with rubber toes and heels that can take a beating without showing signs of wear.
Shield Your Chest
If you’ve been hitting the slopes hard, your pectoral muscles probably feel like they’re about ready to explode. To protect this vulnerable area and avoid serious injury, be sure to wear body armor during activities such as snowboarding and surfing. A good chest guard should cover the front and insides of both arms so you can move around safely on your board. It should also have a strong shoulder strap that can hold it in place when you fall down.
If you’re not sure what size to get, err on the side of caution and buy a larger one, which can be shortened with scissors if necessary.
Rethink Your Wetsuit
If you’re a surfer or stand-up paddleboarder, upgrading your board sports gear means purchasing a quality wetsuit. These may seem pricey but they will protect you from both heat loss and sun exposure during long sessions in the water. A good suit is made of neoprene that fits snugly so as not to snag on reefs or other metal objects. Seek out reinforced seams and pants with adjustable legs for added protection if needed.
If this is going to be your first time buying a wetsuit, consider going to a specialty retailer rather than an online dealer. This way, you’ll have someone there who can properly measure your body and recommend the right size for you. Also, if you’re not sure what your next wetsuit jacket should look like, check out one of the many design books on the market that can give you some ideas.
Upgrade Your Boards
If you want to upgrade your board sports gear, it’s time to invest in a new surfboard, wakeboard, or paddle-powered vessel. Each sport requires different needs depending on what type of activity is involved. For instance, you’ll need a long and narrow board with plenty of width for surfing but this may not be ideal for wake surfing.
A beginner will want to purchase a multi-purpose vessel that will meet his exacting standards, while an experienced athlete will look for something more precise that suits his unique skill set. If you’re not sure, consult with an expert to see what type of board will work best for your body type and your desired performance level.
Optimize Your Rigging
Finally, if you’re serious about sports like surfing or kayaking, it’s time to upgrade your board sports gear by making some simple adjustments to the rigging on your vessel. These changes are fairly inexpensive but can make a big difference in how well you perform.
For instance, put carabiners on both ends of the leash inside the boat so you don’t have to hunt around looking for them when they go flying off. Additionally, taping down your paddle so it doesn’t spin around while you’re out on the water will help you cut through waves more easily and stay balanced.
In addition to safety and comfort, proper board sports gear should also enhance your performance on the water or slopes. If you feel as though your current equipment is lacking in any way, it may be time for a change. Investing in improved materials and high-quality construction can make a world of difference in how well you perform during activity and help you avoid injury.
