Surf Glossary - E: from Ear Plug to Epoxy
Ear plugs
Earplugs protect the sensitive ears. Especially if you go surfing every day, the use of earplugs can help you to become acquainted less quickly or not at all with the so-called "Surfer's Ear".
This disease causes abnormal bone growth in the ear canal because the ear is constantly exposed to (cold) water. The auditory canal narrows due to the bony adhesions and fluid can accumulate. This in turn promotes the growth of bacterial herds and leads to recurring, extremely painful ear infections.
The disadvantage of using earplugs is that you are less aware of your surroundings, hear sounds muffled and may also have problems with your sense of balance.
Egg (see also board)
An Egg Board is easy to paddle on, is very manoeuvrable and, because of its shorter length, also easy to carry when traveling.
Eggs are usually recommended for lighter riders (women and children) for starters.
Eskimo roll (see also Turtle Roll)
The Eskimo roll, also called Turtle Roll, is another penetration technique on your way to the line up. It is one of the simplest after chicken-dive and will be the first technique you will learn.
In the Eskimo role, the surfer turns while rolling a wave under his board to protect himself from the water rollers.
In order to successfully perform this technique you have to paddle to the shaft again with speed.
Just before you reach the wave, you cover the board at the front of the rails and turn your whole body lying under the board. You pull the surfboard close to your body.
You are now below your material, the Finns are pointing upwards.
Keep your arms slightly bent and take care of your head. When the wave has passed you, turn back on your board and continue paddling as usual.
Attention: If a surfer is on the wave you just have to dive, pay attention to your fins and the board. It is unpleasant to have a collision with up-facing Finns.
Never let your board go when a surfer approaches you!
Epoxy/Epoxyd resin
Surely you have already stumbled upon the term epoxy or epoxy resin in connection with surfboards.
So far, most surfboards have been made of polyester resin.
Epoxy has the advantage of being less prone to impact and therefore firmer on the whole. At the same time, epoxy resin is lighter.
Unfortunately, it is more difficult to process epoxy resin, it takes a very long time for the material to cure and it is more toxic and more expensive.
When you fix your board, you have to be sure of what material it is, because repairing it by the wrong means can destroy your board.
Polyester smells sharp and pungent. You already notice this smell when sanding the board. Epoxy, however, is odorless and often ensures that the surfboard has a slightly yellowish sting.
With these boards, it is more than likely that the blank is made of styrofoam. When it comes into contact with polyester, the solvent contained in the polyester is eaten away by the polystyrene.
A blank can also be made of polyurethane. This material has a finer structure and less air pockets.