Many people don't even know where to start when looking for a good wet suit. Whether it be for surfing or diving, we all want the same thing. UV protection, comfort, durability and long lasting quality. Sadly, most brands of wet suits come in a very uncomfortable fit and are made of so much rubber that moving becomes almost robotic.
So what do you look for when purchasing a wet suit? In my personal opinion brand is very important. You will find that some brands have flaws whereas others have standard good features throughout. Take the Triple-X brand for example, their wet suits for diving generally have low buoyancy, lightweight and flexible material, extra warmth, very close fitting, water proof zippers and comfort. They are made of less rubber than average wet suits which makes movement way easier.
The surfing wet suit range have a zero chill wind factor, are super lightweight, have extra warmth, are fast drying, are super stretchy, are made of 4 way multi directional neoprene, have added durability, absorb very little water and come in a unisex fit - and this to name but only a few of the advantages of purchasing one of these wet suits.
Make sure that when purchasing a wet suit or ordering a wet suit whether it be for sea surfing or for diving, that you enquire if the brand you are purchasing has any of the above listed qualities. With this high quality type of wet suit, you cannot go wrong.
Welcome to South Africa.
The Eastern Cape South Africa. Where else can you surf the worlds biggest waves, ski down the only snow slopes in Africa, go on a `big seven safari, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and bungee the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere? The Eastern Cape, of course!
The second largest of South Africa's nine provinces, the diverse Eastern Cape landscape ranges from the dry desolate Great Karoo to the steamy forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley. The area also embraces the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple harvests, and is cradled by the mountainous southern Drakensberg.
Here, widespread hills are juxtaposed with sandy beaches; here small-town South Africa comes to greet you - gently offering hospitality and friendship and asking for nothing in return. This is where the `big seven' roam, and where the tropical forests share their space with abundant birdlife and nature at its most generous.
The shoreline of this province extends from the Umtamvuna River in KwaZulu-Natal, to the Storms River mouth on the scenic Garden Route, in the west, and stretching inland, to the north, bordering on Lesotho. Today, the Eastern Cape incorporates the previously independent `homelands' of the Ciskei and Transkei. Despite its colonial past, the Eastern Cape remains the home of the Xhosa-speaking people of South Africa. With its almost seven million people, the Eastern Cape has the third-largest provincial population, living on about 169 600 km2 of land.
The Eastern Cape climate varies considerably but has, a year-round holiday climate. The Eastern coastal regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters and Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of 7 hours sunshine. Northern regions are much cooler. Certain areas receive rain throughout the year albeit erratic.
Major attractions in the area:
Nelson Mandela Museum
The museum was officially opened on the 11 February 2000, at a function to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the release from prison of Nelson Mandela in 1990. The birthplace/museum is situated at Qunu, along the N2 highway, south of Umtata.
Addo Elephant Park
Situated 73km from Port Elizabeth, in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the park is a true conservation success story.
Valley of Desolation
The product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years, the Valley of Desolation is one of the most spectacular sights in the country. A steep and narrow road leads into the mountains that surround the valley - a journey not to be dared by the faint-hearted.
Grahamstown National Arts Festival
Africa's largest and most colorful cultural event takes place, annually, in this University town, offering a choice of the very best of both indigenous and imported talents.
Hole in the wall
Just south of Coffee Bay, on the eastern seaboard, is a prominent rock formation with a big hole in the centre. This distinctive site has become a symbol for the Xhosa in remembrance of a great historical tragedy - the "Great Cattle Killing". The unique structure with a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves. The local Xhosa call this place "izi Khaleni", which means "place of thunder".
Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
If you are a surfer or someone that wants to learn how to surf you need to know about all the great surf vacations that you can take to different parts of the world. This can be one of the best trips you have ever taken as you catch some of the best waves in the world. Even if you are a beginner many of these vacations have beginning surf classes that can help make you a better surfer while you are on vacation.
Some of these vacations are specifically guided and for advanced surfers that can handle the largest waves that can be found. This can be very dangerous, but can also be a lot of fun. This is not they type of trip for a regular surfer, but more for one that is considered to be a top surfer or very advanced. This could be the most incredible surfing experience of your life.
Another one of the types of surf vacations is those that are for teaching. Usually you will have one or two instructors that can work with your entire group regardless of their skill level. They can help beginners learn how to be better surfers and even the more advanced surfers can learn something from these trips. Plus you will see things you may have only dreamed about seeing.
If you are a surfer, then taking one of the many surf vacations that exist is a great way to enjoy your hobby and get away from your regular life. This is the best thing you can do in order to make sure you are able to have fun on your vacation and relax as well. Surfing is a lot of fun and even if you are a beginner you can have a great vacation with surfing.
Luckily for surfers, God had created this earth with 2/3rds of water, hence, the opportunity to do surf trips to Bali, Fiji, and Tahiti to name a few. There are numerous places to surf on this planet and surf trips to Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Panama, Indonesia, Mexico, or Central America might also be as exciting as the former. Most likely surfing communities have made surfing waves for beginners easy by offering surf lessons and surf schools taught by experienced surfers, and expert watermen(women). You can retreat to these surf destinations to enjoy the loveliness of the location, get tanned, or just spend the day catching the best waves. If you are a beginner on a budget or are having trouble saving money there are inexpensive surf trips, lessons, and surf camps available.
Another way to take a surf trip without having to leave your living room couch is by watching surf videos. There are tons of videos out there documenting the different waves across the world, from North America, to Hawaii, to Japan and so on. Watching videos is also a good way to prepare to surf . I have found that this is a really good way to get in the right frame of mind for catching waves. I noticed that if I surfed after watching a surf video I performed better by trying to replicate what I saw on the videos. Still the best way to progress as a surfer is to go out and surf.
As I mentioned in a previous article, 'The how to of surfing waves for beginners: surf lessons and surf schools' beginners have many options as far as learning to surf around the world. Most schools and lessons are very flexible; they offer 2-3 lessons a day and also offer 1-5 day surf lesson packages or more. These surf classes cater to beginning, intermediate, or advanced surfers.
Fiji is a good example of a great surf destination, where many people go to vacation and surf. One of the main surf spots is called 'Tavarua' and is located close to the main islands in Fiji. It is a beautiful place with sweet waves, island resorts and accommodations, and island tours. This is a great place to go for a surf trip. Lastly, a surf trip to Tahiti may be the crowning experience for surfer enthusiasts; especially for surfing pros who seek to ride Teahupo'o. This wave is a heavy but beautiful wave that reminds everyone of the power of ocean. Teahupo'o is more for seasoned surfers and pros, and beginners can find other waves located around the island that are gentle and perfect for the aspiring surfer.
Surfing waves can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced surfers alike. These waves can be found around the world and even in your back yard. You can plan a surf trip to Bali, Fiji, and Tahiti and see the beauty of these places with an ocean view.
The how to of surfing waves for beginners is a blog for beginners looking for a new passion. The purpose of the blog is to ensure that beginning surfers don't get turned off from surfing due to bad experiences.
