The 5 hottest surfboards for summer

By Well+GoodNYC

Surfing used to be only for bleached blonde, perpetually-shirtless, and decidedly serious surfers.

But over the past few summers in New York, it’s seriously caught a wave. And it seems like everyone is hopping on a board—whether in the water or in a fitness studio.

“More people want to take up the sport right now,” says Global Surf Industries Northeast rep Ed Gerbino, whose domain includes the Hamptons and the Jersey Shore. “Beginner lessons and surf-board rentals are definitely up right now, because it’s more for fitness and fun.”

And surfboard manufacturers have taken note, creating thicker, wider boards that are easier to stabilize, and are therefore super beginner-friendly.

Ready to paddle out? We asked Gerbino to share the 5 hottest boards for summer, and he offered picks for every surfer under the sun—from the newbie surfer to the serious sport-focused. —Lisa Elaine Held

FOR THE ECO-CHIC SURFER CHICK

The NSP Coco Mat Fish is made with natural coconut husk fibers, which give it an eco-chic look that will go beautifully with your floppy hat. The husks are a byproduct of the coconut industry, says Gerbino, so this board isn’t doing any green-washing while riding the waves. Its light, strong design makes it suitable for beginners, although more advanced surfers won’t mind this board’s perks a bit.

FOR THE FIRST-TIME WAVE RIDER

Gnaraloo’s Softshell and Fatty boards have a whimsical, kid-friendly appeal, and for good reason. “They’re both geared towards pure beginners—the first-time adult or the kid who just wants to go down to the beach and have fun and be safe,” says Gerbino. They’re extra thick and wide for stability and have higher buoyancy to make paddling out easier. And the soft surface protects you from serious bruising if you face plant the first time out.

FOR THE TECH-OBSESSED

Brand-new Australia-based brand Haydenshapes makes a line of boards that incorporate totally new technologies. The high-performance “future-flex” system allows the board to flex and twist from tip to tip. It’s the gold standard for the advanced surfer who’s forward-thinking and just has to try the next big thing.

Keep reading for 2 more here…

How to eat healthy on the road, in the airport, and at the beach

By Well+GoodNYC

You’ve already designed your perfect summer, now it’s time to make sure you stick to the blueprint.

Traveling is a time to break your own rules, but completely abandoning your healthy eating habits for airport sandwiches and resort margaritas will mess with your post-vacation relaxation buzz by adding regret into the mix.

We tapped the brains of healthy food gurus for their tips on how to make better food choices while you’re away (which will help you feel fit and fabulous once you’re back).

Here’s what Clean Plates‘ Jared Koch, Denise Mari of Organic Avenue, and vegan chef extraordinaire, Matteo Silverman, had to say…

JARED KOCH
Founder & CEO, Clean Plates

I allow myself a little more leeway when traveling. I don’t obsess, but I do try to make the best choices with whatever’s available.

For me, it’s all about taking a little time to be prepared.

Whether I’m traveling by car, train, bus or plane, I make sure to bring food with me that I feel good about eating—a sandwich or a salad, a pear, nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate. I also bring dried mango and drink lots of water.

I always bring breakfast foods—plain oatmeal packets and some almonds—since I find that the most challenging meal to eat healthy when I’m traveling.

I also research restaurants I want to visit that meet my criteria. If I’m going to L.A., I check out our Clean Plates guide, but for any other city I usually spend 20 to 30 minutes before I arrive finding a few options.

Keep reading…