bondipom

Looks like there are some great waves at Snapper Rocks.
http://www.coastalwatch.com.au/cam.asp?cam=1900
There were plenty of rescues up there yesterday and the stingers are in action.

Hoping it will hit Sydney for an afternoon paddle.

I was a bit desparate yesterday afternoon and had a paddle at low tide. It was fun despite the size as I was one of 2 on the break. It all disappeared as soon as the tide rose a bit.

Renth and Owieb how are the WA waves this time of year?

owieb

Not great at the moment, there was a big swell in the past couple of days, but coupled with the wind it was only really for experienced surfers. Plus the waters are too crowded over the school break and there are some nasty rips on the beaches.

Kiting is the summer activity!

bondipom

I just had a look at the Noosa points and its gridlock out there. The Mrs just rang and wants to go shopping this arvo.

renth

I've been out ar Trigg the last 2 mornings about 6.30 a.m. for a couple of hours on the 8'6 mal that santa bought me.

Both times I've been throught the washing machine but good fun though.

bondipom

The early surf is the best. You have a great Santa.

RichS

Got the body board for Xmas - apparently I'll need flippers too. I've seen them in the shops in a variety of different styles from $65 to about $90

what I need to know is - what sort do I need to get, are they essentila and (BP you might know) - where's the cheapest spot for these things.

I also need to get the leash on the thing which isn't as simple as it at first looks.

bondipom

I don't know too much about where to get the Eski lid stuff but flippers and a leash are your lifeline. Us surfers have a board that rides above the water hence we can paddle with our hands.

For you to get out to the break and be able to get enough speed to catch a wave flippers are needed. Also for safety having flippers will help in a rip.

Try Rebel Sports or K-mart for a start. At Bondi Beach there are a few surf shops flogging the flippers but they aren't bargain basement shops. The largest shop is on the road parallel to Campbell Parade between hall street and the Swiss Grand.

For both items do not get the cheapest as they are your lifeline in a rip. Losing either item will make any paddling very hard work. I can also imagine the blisters badly fitting flippers will give you.

I am going to Eastgardens round your way later so I might have a look at prices. I got my westsuit for a bargain on the North Shore at Surf Factory near Warringah mall.

bondipom

Just in case you do not already know there are specialist Body Board flippers that are shorter than snorkelling or diving flippers. I started with a crappy bodyboard and no fins but I found myself limited to going forwards on the slow waves. With flippers you can catch faster waves.

RichS

BP - the prices I gave were from SDS in Eastgardens. Rebel Sport there didn't sem to stock flippers for boards.

I'm off over to Manly tomorrow. I'm looking at getting a springsuit as well, but can wait for the sales for that.

Manly seems to have much more in the way of cheap surf wear (away from the Corso).

bondipom

They do. I will try and find the address of that surf factory. BTW O'Neill make the best west suits. I have 2 of them and they are fantastic. SDS are not that cheap and are more interested in surf fashion rather than surf gear. There is a rebel sport in Bondi Junction but that is sport in general.

There is a big Surfection on Pittwater Road.

RichS

There is a good surf/ski warehouse type thing next to the Dragons ground at Kogorah. Haven't got out there for the summer stuff, but they had good winter selection.

I know the surfection you are talking about. As I recall there are several shops on the block 1 back from the beach , but running parallel going towards Queenscliff.

bondipom

I will have to have a look at that one in Kogarah. Manly and the Brookvale area are probably the areas with the most surf shops.

DianeOZ

A 17yr old drowned yesterday at Cottesloe beach here in Perth trying to save another youngster who was caught in a swell/rip (sorry don't know the lingo).

Very sad , don't know if they were swimming where they shouldn't have been.

Diane

bondipom

Swim between the flags and if you are in trouble wave to the life guards. In a rip swim parallel to the beach and you will eventually release yourself from the rip. Swim against it and you tire yourself out and then drown.

Tourists that do not do the above often drown.

bondipom

How did you go with the Springsuit?