Bradley Nowell said it best: "Suuuuummeeertime and the livin's easy..." What better time to think about your surf equipment? Take a long hard look at your old beater. Find ways to refresh your old board and get ready for some full days of shredding. If your surfboard is beyond help, then start gearing up and looking around for the best surfboards for summer surfing. If you're a kid, then you have the time to scope the surfshops and bug your parents for new boards, but you adults out there will have to sneak some clicks on the Web while at work and peruse all your surfboard options on the DL. Talk to your local shaper and collaborate on a new shape or, heck, shape your own board.

In the summer, the Pacific and Indian Oceans churn while the Atlantic rests (interrupted by the occasional hurricane dream). Surf travelers take to the skies and grab perfect waves and meet wonderful maniacs from all over the planet. In Hawaii, the East Side is packed with wind swell (you guys can have the South Shore), and The North Shore is nonexisitent. But with gas prices soaring, if you do travel for surf, watch out for the extra charges (like boardbag charges).

With extra time on your hands, ride different boards. Try a longboard or a twinnie to really stretch your surf horizons and go without a leash to sharpen your skills. Mix it up and laugh a bunch...ride waves WITH your friends. Surf until dusk and paddle out with the sun. Enjoy your summer!