Summer Essentials: Sporting Gear

Take hold of opportunities to get in shape and have fun this summer by purchasing the appropriate sporting gear.

With the waves in Long Beach just a quick walk away, surfing is on the top of many peoples' "to-do" lists this season. At unsOund Surf, an extensive line of surfboards is available to suit varying needs. The store carries the following brands: Lost, Channel Island, JS Industries, Cole, HIC, Timmy Patterson, Chilli, WRV, JC, Chemistry, Super, Stewart and Robert August.

The shop also has a variety of surfboards up for rent if you're just looking for a day or two on the ocean. Another popular way to hit the waves is on a bodyboard, and unsOund supplies nn array of them.

For the surfer who wants to channel the most professional vibe at all times, you'll need to purchase a wetsuit as well. Long Beach Surf has recently introduced a line called the Lotus Series from West Wetsuits. Features of these suits include all-over fluid seam technology, pyro-fiber chest and back panels and 100 percent ultraspan neoprene. Other suit styles available are the O'Neill Psycho, O'Neill Mutant and the O'Neill Womens D'Lux.

Hitting the waves certainly isn't for everybody and isn't always appropriate, depending on the weather and condition of the ocean. Whether you're a local looking to find a new way around town, or a visitor to the area without another mode of transportation, consider taking a bike ride through the area to explore or to simply spend some time with family or friends. Buddy's Bikes is the place to go if you're looking for a new set of cycling wheels. If your current bike is in need of repairs, Buddy's Bikes is there to help you out as well.

Long Beach Bicyclealso brings locals and tourists to a full range of brand name two-wheelers. Brands in stock at the shop include Trek, Fuji, Surly and Mongoose, as well as others. The shop also currently has a number of bikes up for sale at clearance prices, including the Fuji Classic Track, Kustom Kruiser Double Down and the Schwinn Campus.

Also consider shopping for some general fitness equipment that is available at Long Beach Bicycle. The shop has a wide variety of workout gear perfect for the home. Some of the pieces that they carry to help get your blood pumping and your body in shape from the comfort of your own home include the Nautilus U514 Upright Bike, the Bowflex 2 in 1 Stand and the Schwinn Fitness Airdyne Evolution Camp.

Last, but not least, on our list of local hot spots for sporting equipment is All Seasons Sporting Goods. Put in an order to jazz up team uniforms with custom embroidery or remind the champions of the hard work and effort they put in by having a trophy or plaque engraved with a special message.