Buying Boots

[Surf757]

I got a new pair of Booties--my question is how should they fit? should they be pretty tight or loose? Mine are tight around the ankles, but loose in the actual boot--seems like they should be tighter to function properly? THANKS

[jonny]

if they are loose when you put them on dry then they are going to fill with water and be like wearing two balloons on your feet!

Should be snugg all over.

[Surf757]

Thanks - thats what I was worried about - Guess I need to go exchange them-- usually have to buy a size smaller in booties to fit snug?

[k mac]

yeah my booties are a size down and fit snug as anything i have worn someone elses booties at my real size and the were rubbish cos of the 'water baloon effect'

[VaB]

I like my boots a size small- because if they are too big, as said, above, they fill with water and it sucks.

Of course, a buddy of mine buys them a size to large so they slide on and off easily and it doens't seem to affect his surfing.

Right now, I'd buy a pair of 5ml or thicker boots. I'm guessing 757 is Va. beach and with a water temp of 38 degrees, the 3ml boots aren't going to cut it. I have a pair of oneil 3ml psycho and xcel 6.5ml titanium boots. I'm wearing the xcels and my feet still freeze after a while. I know WRV is supposed to be getting some xcel 7/6s soon, that's what I'd buy. Where'd you get the one's you have?

[Surf757]

Hey VaB,
I picked up a pair of 3mm at RK's off of Pacific- I got them for probably late March? Water temp is still alitle too cold for me--I have a 3/2 so I figure should wait a while--I picked up some 3mm booties and gloves--figure when the water temp is about 55 all that should work well? What do ya think VaB? --Take it easy---J

[VaB]

55 seems late. I'd give it a shot once the water gets into the mid to high 40s. Really, it depends on how good your stuff is. I was out today with a guy wearing a 3/2 (but it was a Psycho 2) with 3 mm gloves (also pyscho) and boots and he was fine for a while. Worst case scenario, you'll have to paddle in after 30 min to 1hr. If you haven't surfed all winter, you'll proabably be pretty tired after that anyway.

[Surf757]

Appreciate it man, Im jst gettin back into surfing - been away from the area for the last few years and when I used to surf- I neer went out during winter--I just looked up a few charts and they were sayin with a 3/2 full and 3mm boots and gloves--water needs to be 55 or so -- good to hear I can hit the water alittle earlier than I was expecting -- not to ask for your favorite spot-- but I usually head up to North End (up near fort story) of the rocks in croatan--never been to sandbridge -any good? and i stay away from 1st street cause im not that good and ry to stay outta the way --J

[VaB]

No worries. Give it a shot, like I said, worst case scenario, you get cold. Sandbridge can be fun, but it really depends on the swell. Same thing for the north end vs. the sound end. Staying outta the way at first street is a good idea, lots of people down there. I learned how to surf on 5th street- far enough to be "away" but still a decent break. North end is also good, especially for beginners, pretty empty up there. Just don't surf alone. Good luck!

[Surf757]

Thanks bro, yea i might check out 5th street--but few years ago hey made that law between memorial and laborday--no surfing over there right? Yea I try to keep to myself--and first street is way too crowded to try that--dont surf alone? is that just for a safety standpoint? alot of time i do actually head out alone if its real early or just after work--J

[VaB]

No, you can still surf between 4th and 5th between memorial day and labor day, just most people don't.

Surfing with a buddy is a safety thing. When it's typical VB surf, I wouldn't be too worried but if it picks up a little I'd make sure I paddle out with someone. You never know when you'll kick out of a wave and donk your head or you'll get worked and breath in some salt water.

I went out in Frisco last october, not very big at all, maybe 6-7? Anyway, I turtule rolled a wave on the inside, a 4 foot mushballer and my board got pulled away from me ( still in my grasp) , then slammed into my head and perforated my eardrum. I was so dizzy I couldn't tell up from down, in from out or anything. I just held onto my board and let it wash me in. Without my board, I might have drowned- and I wasn't wearing a leash. So, you'll have to forgive me if I'm a little cautious.

[tomcat360]

i used to hit up sandbridge a good bit, but since isabel the breaks i surfed have been screwed up and i havent found any decent ones yet. now ive just been goin to 1st street....the crowd sucks on a good day tho