Surfing
10 Frivolous Gear Accessories You Just Might Love
Gadgets you certainly don't need, but if you've got money to spare, why not?
How to handle that end section
© Trevor Moran
What kind of surfer are you? Do you deliberately aviod using anything associated with the act of wave-riding outside of trunks, a board and bar of wax?
Or do the bright lights of the latest and greatest accessories, and their promise of a better life achieved through utility, excite you more even than Miley Cyrus' latest iTunes drop?
If you're the latter, the next few hundred words are right up your alley. We've put together 10 wonderfully excessive, and in some cases oh-so-handy, gadgets that aren't gonna score points with the rough, rugged, on-the-road types (they're more guilty pleasure than core), but make all the difference if comfort and ease is what you're after:
1. The Adult Towel Poncho
Most surf co's hit a brick wall a few years back on junk to sell the surfer who has everything. That is, until someone in a cubicle somewhere in Orange County decided to charge a c-note for a terry-towelling pancho. Could be the ultimate gag played on the modern surfer, or a truly handy invention. We're not sure yet.
2. The Rip Curl GPS watch
One of those rare accessories that is actually… awesome. Or at least it is until you become so obsessed with your waves caught, distance ridden and average speed, you forget everything except going fast on as many waves as possible. Seriously though, this watch is a must have.
3. Change Mat
If changing into your trunks or wetsuit while standing on the sand or parking lot asphault really makes your skin crawl, then no worries. There's a mat for that.
4. The Utility Bucket
We've all got one of these. An old milk crate or plastic tub from Target should cut it, but if you're convinced only a branded bucket will work, well, here ya go.
5. Kidney Belt with "Magic Heater"
Are you cold? A magic heater sounds amazing (and so much better than a normal heater). A belt with Magic Crystals sounds like something a super hero would rock. So why not push the "Add to cart" button? Heats in seconds and is only $200! Click here to buy!
6. Key Box
What fun's a surf if you don't spend the next two hours trying to find your car keys in the dirt pile you buried 'em under?
7. Deluxe fin tool
Those fin tools you get in the fin pack? For beginners. Try the $10 version, complete with magnetised heads and ratchet handle.
8. Mega board bag with wheels
Why travel with one or two all-round surfboards when you can drag seven through airports around the world? Talk about making a statement.
9. The Rip Curl Pack Skunk
Insulated bucket that chills your Red Bull four-pack while you surf or holds that wet wetsuit post-surf. A necessity for the on-foot traveller and very thirsty.
10. GoPro case
Selfies don't take themselves. When your precious quiver of GoPros aren't in the water, they must be safely stored in a water-and-sandproof case in the back of your car.