NEW SPRING 2024 COLLECTION AVAILABLE NOW
NEW SPRING 2024 COLLECTION AVAILABLE NOW
by Erika Togashi May 17, 2023 3 min read
Welcome to the world of surfing! Whether you're an experienced surfer or just starting out, there's always something new to learn. Here at our surf blog, we're dedicated to helping you find the answers to some of your technical surf questions. From equipment to technique, we've got you covered. So grab your board, get back out into the ocean, and let's dive into the exciting world of surfing together!
And for those of you who dwell below the equator, it's swell season so let's throw on one of our super secure surf bikinis or one pieces and start answering a few of your burning surf questions!
Q1: How do I do a drop knee turn and how do I know if I’ve done one?
Excellent question, first of all, a drop knee turn is almost misleading as it has more to do with our foot placement than our knees. Instead of keeping the back foot in its default position where the toes and heel are placed between the two rails and over the stringer line.
We instead pick the foot up and move it over to the side of the board we intend on turning, and do a ‘will you marry me/ proposal’ lunge. The back knee doesn’t quite touch the deck of the board, but is ‘dropped’ toward the deck as a product of the lunge…hence the name ‘drop knee turn’.
By pushing into the back toes over towards the rail, you will redirect the board in that direction.
Practice the move in the whitewater to get a high repetition rate, and keep your arms over the rails for the left to right stability, and stay in a soft and relaxed lowered stance to keep your center of gravity low.
Q2: I stall out of the wave when trying to cutback, what is going wrong?
A few things could be happening here. We can assume the wave is soft and low on power since that’s the reason we’re choosing to do a cutback. Our aim is to make it back to the apex of the wave, to rejoin the wave at its most powerful point, and with that in mind perhaps we want to be more passive with how much weight we’re using in the back foot during the carve. If we use too much on a low-power section of the wave then yes we will stall out.
The same can be said for our timing, if we are waiting too long to initiate the turn, then we might not be able to retain enough speed or wave power to keep us on the wave. So any inkling that a cutback is necessary lets cutback nice and soon.
If you have a bit more experience, then it’s worth noting that the relationship between how much weight we put into the back foot and how much weight we put into the toes or heel is all relative. If the carve is slow and wide then we only want a small amount of weight back and on the rail, it the carve is tight and fast then we need equal amounts on the tail and rail.
Practice these ratios in the whitewater for high repetition, the Malibu one piece will be durable and comfortable enough for all that movement. And remember practice and data increase progression so pay attention to both the successes and mistakes.
Q3: Where in the fin box should I put my longboard fin?
The answer to this is simple and straightforward; if you want a looser sensation from the board creating perhaps a more dynamic or less predictable experience then slide the fin as far forward as it will go inside the fin box closer to the center of the board.
In contrast, if you would like a board that steers from the rear with directional predictability from the back foot, then slide the fin into the back of the fin box closer to the tail of the board.
The best analogy I have to explain why a forward fin is looser and a pushed back fin is more direct-able is to just imagine how the board would feel if the fin was dead center in the board; the board would spin in circles like a spinning top, i.e looser. And the fin right back at the tail stops the tail sliding and slipping, allowing you to lean into it and direct the nose exactly where you want it to point.
Thank you to the SEPTEMBER community for the questions and keep them coming! We love to answer every and all questions!
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by Erika Togashi March 11, 2024 3 min read
by Erika Togashi March 04, 2024 4 min read 1 Comment
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Fits very snug, do not have to worry about falling out.
This is my signature top for surfing and I have bought this style in multiple beautiful colours. The smooth lines and cut fit perfect on my athletic build and smaller chest. This top absolutely stays on in the surf and also looks great with my fave pair of high waisted jean shorts. Paired with the Lucky Bottom, it's perfection!
The lucky bottom is a style I have been wearing since the beginning of SEPTEMBER. Erika truly understands what a true surf bikini needs to look and fit like. This bottom is extremely flattering on all body types and absolutely stays on in the surf. I have recommended this bottom to many surfer friends who also all love the style. They are simply elegant and beautiful.
Absolutely in love with the Hustle Leggings. They are flattering and designed with a luxurious silky fabric that doesn't jeopardize performance. I have used these leggings for intense dry land training as well as in the water surfing for the ultimate sun protection. As with all the SEPTEMBER products the quality of the leggings is top stitch, wash very well and after much abuse look like the day I first put them on. Highly recommend for all athletic activities and water sports.
I don't typically wear one pieces but from the moment I put this one on I was in love. The low scoop in the back is so pretty I often even wear it as a onesie with a pair of jean shorts outside of the water. I've been wearing it in the surf too- if you like cheekier suits this one is for you!
I've been using this suit in all types of waves and it does not budge! The perfect coverage and the back cutout is soooo cute! I get compliments every time I have it on.
This has been my go-to suit for almost four years of surfing, swimming, and beach hangs. I've put it through a lot and it has held up way better than any swimsuit I've ever owned!!
This top is so supportive and yet it feels like butter when you wear it - so soft! Fits true to size.
Holds up in the biggest swell!
Super comfortable, flattering and well made. Beautiful color!
Lola Fig is my absolute favorite suit at the moment. I’ve taken it everywhere with me in the past year - surfing, free diving, jumping into rock pools. No matter what I’m doing it always stays on. This timelessness of the suit means I can still wear in the years to come and the color fig really suits my skin tone both when I’m super tanned or when I’m pale and out of the sun for a while. Also being 5”2 the higher cut makes my legs seem longer and makes me look taller which is a great plus for me ;)
I love my Sumatra surf suit! It is so flattering, and I never, ever need to adjust it in the water. I feel protected from the sun alll the way up to my neck and I can roll the sleeves up or down depending on how I'm feeling. It's just the right cut in the back. I forget I have it on and feel super confident and balanced on my board - the two layers of fabric don't slide around when I'm turning to catch a wave, as I've experienced with some other surf suits. So grateful to have found this - it is my daily companion in the water, so well made and looks great. Thank you, September!!
I luv e in Costa Rica and this suit is perfect for my sunrise surf sessions…and any of my surf sessions. I love it. It stays in place and it’s super comfortable. It fits really well.
I found that I wanted another sports bra option (in addition to the Isa) for my exercise and love the Training Sports Bra! It works for my runs without the extra cell phone pocket so it doesn't feel as "thick" which is nice and it's perfect for spinning, yoga, and weight lifting! It's easy to get on, supports me for all my exercise...including running and I'm so glad to have another September sports bra.
Like the Isa, it is so comfortable on my body and doesn't irritate my skin (I have eczema). The material is so soft and the sports bra is really well made. Can't wait to get another in a different color.
I have always run in shorts but wanted a pair of shorts that I could exercise in and not have my legs rub and these are it!! I want to order more! They stay comfortably on my waist, have 2 side pockets that I put my phone in and didn't notice as well as a gu. Neither felt like they were adding weight or bouncing around. The material is soft and snug which felt great. They didn't sag and I felt so free running with them on. I also found that I was just putting them on to wear around the house and again, they didn't rise up around the leg nor fall down around the waist. They are really well made with a lot of attention to detail.
If you want something not just for running but also wearing around the house or to yoga that feels like your second skin...these are them!! Love them!