Surfing rewards a bit of preparation. The right grip underfoot, a way to carry your board, and the small accessories that protect it and you all add up to better, more comfortable sessions. Whether you ride a shortboard, a longboard, or a skimboard on the shoreline, having your kit sorted means more time in the water and less faff on the beach.

Our surf range gathers the gear that surrounds your board, including traction pads, skimboards, roof rack pads, surf accessories, and protective kit from trusted watersports brands. It is about the details that make surfing easier and keep your equipment in good shape, season after season.

Not sure what you need? The guide below runs through the essentials, and our team is always happy to help. Browse the range below, and pair it with the right wetsuit and the care products in our Surflogic range.

What Is in a Surf Setup?

Beyond the board and wetsuit, a surf setup is really a collection of small things that each solve a problem: traction pads and wax for grip, a leash to keep your board close, rack pads to carry it safely, and bags and covers to protect it in transit and storage. None is expensive on its own, but together they make the difference between a smooth session and a frustrating one.

Traction Pads and Grip

Grip keeps your feet planted on the board. There are two main approaches, and many surfers use both.

• Traction pads: stick on EVA foam pads, usually at the tail, that give reliable grip and a raised kick tail for control; a front pad can be added for extra traction
• Surf wax: rubbed onto the deck for grip, chosen by water temperature, and topped up regularly

Traction pads are popular on shortboards for consistent grip without re waxing, while many longboarders prefer wax for its feel across the whole deck.

Skimboards Explained

Skimboarding is a brilliant way to enjoy the shoreline when the surf is small or you want something different. A skimboard is a thin, finless board you drop onto a thin film of water on the sand, then ride out to meet shore break. Boards come in foam and epoxy constructions and in different sizes, with larger boards floating better for beginners and smaller boards turning more sharply for tricks. It is an accessible, fun entry point to board riding for all ages.

Carrying and Protecting Your Board

Getting your board to the beach safely matters as much as the session itself.

• Roof rack pads: padded sleeves that protect your car roof bars and your board on the drive
• Board bags and covers: guard against dings, UV, and heat in storage and transit
• Leashes: keep your board close after a wipeout and protect other surfers

A good board bag is one of the best investments you can make, as sun and knocks do more damage to boards over time than the waves ever will.

How to Choose Your Surf Accessories

Start with what you ride and where. Match traction pads or wax to your board and the water temperature, choose a leash length roughly equal to your board length, and pick rack pads sized to your bars. If you travel to surf, prioritise a protective board bag. Our team can help you pull together a sensible kit list so you have what you need without buying things you will never use.

Looking After Your Surf Gear

A little care keeps everything working and lasting.

• Rinse leashes, pads, and accessories with fresh water after salty sessions
• Store your board out of direct sun and heat to protect the deck and glass
• Keep traction pad surfaces free of old wax and grit
• Dry bags and covers fully before storing to prevent mould
• Check leash cords and swivels regularly and replace worn ones

Checking your leash for wear before each session is a simple safety habit worth keeping.

How Much Do Surf Accessories Cost?

Most surf accessories are affordable, which is part of their appeal. Traction pads, wax, and leashes sit at the lower end, rack pads and skimboards in the middle, and protective board bags vary with size and padding. Spending a little more on a hard wearing board bag and a reliable leash usually pays off, as these protect both your board and your safety in the water.

Why Buy Your Surf Gear from Surface2Air Sports?

We have been fitting watersports enthusiasts since 2002, with a shop in Poole and the full range online.

• Traction pads, skimboards, leashes, and surf accessories
• Roof rack pads and protective board bags
• Trusted watersports brands
• Honest advice on grip, carrying, and protection
• In store support and online guidance
• A range to suit different budgets

Whether you are kitting out a first board or restocking the essentials, we can help. Fancy trying something new on flat days? Take a look at our paddle boards too.

Getting Started and Surf Etiquette

If you are new to surfing, a few simple habits make the line up safer and more welcoming. Learn the basic right of way, where the surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave has priority, and never drop in on someone already riding. Paddle out around the break rather than through it, keep hold of your board, and start on a gentle, sandy bottomed beach break well away from crowds and hazards. A larger, more buoyant board makes catching waves and standing up far easier while you learn, and a good traction pad or fresh wax keeps your feet planted as your confidence grows. Respecting locals, reading the conditions, and building up gradually will get you riding more waves, more safely, and keep the atmosphere in the water friendly for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surf Gear

Should I use a traction pad or wax?

Both work. Traction pads give consistent grip without re waxing and suit shortboards, while many longboarders prefer wax for its feel across the whole deck. Some surfers use both.

What size skimboard should I buy?

Larger boards float better and are more forgiving for beginners, while smaller boards turn more sharply for tricks. Your weight and intended use guide the size.

What length leash do I need?

As a general rule, choose a leash roughly equal to the length of your board, going slightly longer rather than shorter if you are between sizes.

Do I need a board bag?

If you travel to surf or store your board in a warm, sunny spot, yes. Sun, heat, and knocks cause more damage over time than the waves, and a bag protects against all three.

How do I carry my surfboard on my car?

Padded roof rack pads protect your bars and board. Choose pads sized to your roof bars and secure the board well for the drive.

Is skimboarding good for beginners?

Yes. It is an accessible, fun way to enjoy the shoreline when the surf is small, suitable for all ages, with a gentle learning curve near the sand.

How do I look after traction pads?

Rinse them with fresh water after salty sessions and keep the surface free of old wax and grit so they stay grippy.

How often should I replace my leash?

Inspect the cord and swivels regularly and replace a leash as soon as you see fraying, cracking, or stiffness, since a failed leash is a safety risk.