The Mavericks Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay, California has become the most watched surf contest in the world.  Covered now by NBC Sports, the purse is impressive – and it should be for riding 50 foot waves.  Surfers around the world get 24 hour notice to be at the wave at the first horn.  Invite only for contestants, but the Official Mavericks Surf Company does send out two boats and sells tickets.  If you’re not on the boat you’re stuck two miles back on shore.  Photo above was taken from the boat with no zoom lens.  See this the right way and do it at least once.  Well worth the $300 ticket.  $300 BUY

Fletcher Chouinard shapes some of the strongest and most advanced surfboards available on the market. Made of epoxy, spruce and hemlock, these boards are nine times stronger than the average fiberglass board. The nose of the HP Longboard is made for walking it, and the tail is designed for easy movement. A great board for all levels. Custom sized. The best. Around $900.

When Patagonia decided to make wetsuits, our ears perked up. Known for high quality, environmentally friendly products, they have a lifetime guarantee on all their products. Their R3 Back-Zip Full Suit will protect you from the coldest of surfing conditions. They use Japanese neoprene made from limestone instead of petroleum-based ingredients, meaning 98% more pocketed air in the neoprene – translating to insulation for you. It has a patent-pending wool/polyester blend interior that increases warmth as well. Reinforced seams, non PVC-knee pads….we could go on. Available this fall. $TBA.

Fear not the beaches of South Africa, Australia or Northern California. Attach Shark Shield FREEDOM7 to your surfboard as a leash, to SCUBA equipment, or to a snorkel – and you will be surrounded by a protective field of electrodes. The emitted frequency goes straight to the Ampullae of Lorenzini (previously known as a “shark snout”) sending sharks into seizures, while ensuring you make it back to shore. Think of the $645 pricetag as $1 per stitch you might need without this.