Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer, uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore.

The concept is simple, but the practice is not. Surfers paddle or are towed into the surf line, the area of open water where waves break as they near a coast. There, surfers sit on their boards and watch waves roll in to shore. The concept is simple, a breaking wave, a board and a brave athlete are all that is needed for the sport.

Rent a soft surfboard your first time out. Don't invest in your own surfboard if you've never tried surfing before. At most beaches good for surfing, rental spots will be available close to the beach, offering reasonably cheap rental options, by the hour or by the day.

Get a wetsuit. In many places, a wetsuit is just as essential as the board itself to ensure an enjoyable surfing experience.The wetsuit keeps your body warm in cold water, helping prevent chills and hypothermia.

The riding of waves has likely existed since humans began swimming in the ocean.In this sense, bodysurfing is the oldest type of wave-catching. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient cultures of Peru surfed on reed watercraft for fishing and recreation up to five thousand years ago. Standing up on what is now called a surfboard is a relatively recent innovation developed by the Polynesians.

Once reserved only for royalty in Hawaii, surfing is now a popular sport almost anywhere in the world where waves break. Wherever waves break, surfers will ride them.

Listed below are some places to shop for your surf board and accessories.