With seasonally small surf on the East Coast the Beaters help liven up even the most dull of beach days. Surf em, skim em, womp em, whatevers.. these boards are crucial for a solid day at the beach. They’re small enough to fit in your trunk, but it will outperform any other soft top out there…

The water is warm and there is still plenty of swell to be had.. So grab yourself a Beater and get on it! #SMELLSLIKESUMMER

Stand Up Paddling is one of the fastest growing beach activities in recent memory. It’s fun, it’s easy and it gets you out there even when the wave machine shuts off entirely (ie. our whole last month in SoCal!) Since summer is in full swing and people are hitting up their local bodies of water with boards and paddles in hand, I thought I’d let you folks in on some crucial SUP accessories that I have personally scoped out. Here’s my list of the 5 best SUP accessories for this season:

Be prepared for the worst with the SUP survival PFD (personal floatation device). This bugger inflates with a rip cord and CO2 cartridge just like those fancy ones on the airplane. Besides giving you some added security, it also includes a zip pocket for securely stashing your keys, fishing license, sunscreen or shades.

In certain harbors or beaches, the water patrol will require you to carry a PFD anyways so why not cover all your bases with this compact lifesaving device. Otherwise you can lug around a heavy foam jacket or risk getting a ticket.

The Quiksilver Waterman Poly Pro zip Paddle jacket is perfect for all types of Paddling. The cut is slightly looser with a crew neck so it’s breathable and non-constricting. A full zipper at front allows you to zip it down when it gets hot, or zip it up when the onshores start blowing.

This jacket is made from a water wicking, poly pro material that blocks out both harmful UV rays and chilly ocean breezes. Like a lot of the Waterman line the Zip Paddle Jacket also includes a handy utility pocket at back perfect for sunscreen, ipod , ham sandwich or anything else you need to keep closeby.

The FCS SUP leash is the only stand up paddle leash that combines elements of both a standard leash and a coiled SUP leash. Unlike other leashes out there the FCS SUP leash features a non-coiled end that extends over your board. This means less tangles and no more tripping over a bunched up leash end close to your feet.

Whether you are surfing your stand up or taking it on a marathon paddle, the Dakine traction will keep you glued to your board and feel great under your feet.

The specially formulated EVA won’t add a bunch of weight to your board and will help absorb the shocks caused by rough seas and choppy waters. A lot like the cushions in your shoes, the Dakine deck pad will offer a more comfortable ride especially for extended sessionss

When we say we have the world’s best boardshorts, we mean it. Katin is the sponsor and preferred active-wear of the USA Olympic Water Polo team. Southern California being a breeding ground polo stars, the Huntington Beach based surf company was proud to support these 14 London-bound American Olympians all born and raised in California beach towns. Most of the boys grew up in the South LA Bay seeing lifeguards and waterman wearing these Katin trunks that have over 60 years for research and development.

The boys have been training with Katin’s new line of performance sport-cut shorts and signature Team USA tops, all available at SWELL. A portion of the proceeds benefit the team in their campaign to bring a gold medal back home. Support team USA by rocking the Olympic themed tees and following our hometown heroes starting Sunday July 29.

Love it, hate it the FCS PONCHO is really handy. You might get some smirks at first, but you’ll have the last laugh when you are the quickest one in and out of your suit. No more fumbling with obnoxiously small towels or accidentally flashing the car park. This plush terry towel poncho will keep you dry and keep you covered.

It’s especially crucial on cold days when you lose your finger dexterity and have to change with your ol’ “Soup Strainers.” Throw it on and it will cut down the icy sea breeze as you’re climbing into your pantaloons and shirt. It’s great for dudes and ever better for ladies! You will be thankful, you will be warm, and you will be about as stoked as Lauren Enever is in the picture below.

Ain’t that just the perkiest outfit y’ever seen? A terry-toweling modesty cap supplied by Laura’s sponsor FCS provides the laughs in this photograph.

“It’s really cute, it’s really sexy,” says Laura, dryly, although she stresses its importance and convenience when hiding her nudity in carparks. “When you are a girl you have to worry about tops and bottoms,” she says.

In this case she couldn’t be bothered taking off her wetsuit after the surf. Hence the combo of rubber + cape.C/o Surfline.