More often than not, when you're perusing through the latest issue of your favorite mag (if they're still in business), you'll notice a large section dedicated to things like boards, shorts, watches, etc. Problem is, the vast majority of the reviews that accompany these items are really nothing more than altered press releases. So upon my return from surfing somewhere in Mainland Mexico, here are the things I brought with me and actually used, and whether or not you should bring them along on your next trip.

Quiksilver's Diamond Dobby Mega Bleeker Boardshorts. It isn't a myth. The Diamond Dobby fabric actually prevents the nasty rashes that come from groin chaffing. Diamond Dobby is now an absolute essential when it comes to boardshorts. Whether you're sitting on your board waiting for a wave, or taking a small hike to the nearest bar, you'll be comfortable wearing Quiksilver's Mega Bleeker Boardshorts.

Rusty's Florida Boardshorts. I got these as a gift from Omar Etcheverry, who rides for Rusty. Just a hair below the Mega Bleeker in terms of comfort and quality. The legs fit longer, which I like in my boardshorts, and the fabric made for a light feel. Plus it dries really quickly, and I didn't get a rash. Rusty's Florida Boarshorts are not a bad alternative at all to Quiksilver's Mega Bleeker.

RVCA T-Shirts. I don't know how they make the fabric so soft, but nothing is more comfortable than a RVCA t-shirt. And the artists and designers for RVCA are a level above the rest. You can sleep in it, walk in it, surf in it, go out in it, skate in it, it's the ultimate in t-shirts. Complete comfort and style is the RVCA way.

Freestyle's Stealth Tide 3.0 watch. I got this watch about six months ago, but until my recent trip have never really put it to the test. I've gone surfing with it occasionally, but not multiple times daily for a ten-day stretch. There are huge positives to this watch. Freestyle's Stealth Tide 3.0 has style, a great variety of tide locations, tide accuracy, dual time zones (meaning at the touch of a button you can switch to a different preset time), and comfort. The only negative is the backlight. It stopped working after a month or two. Still a great and fully-functional watch, even after the heavy pounding I just put it through.

Liquid Shredder 8' 2'' Funboard. Dave, one of our most loyal radio show listeners and a regular caller, works for a surfboard company called Liquid Shredder. A while back, Dave kicked down an 8' 2'' fun board that he wanted me to use to teach San Francisco morning radio talk show host Pauly Mac how to surf. Problem is Pauly gets up at 3 a.m. each day, and never mustered the energy to go surfing after work. So after my disastrous trip last year to Costa Rica that resulted in the airline destroying the entire tail of my board, I wanted a stick that could take a beating. While I wouldn't recommend this to an experienced rider looking to catch tubes, it did the job. I caught countless waves, and while I had to use some tricky footwork from time to time, the fact that I didn't have a surfboard needing major repairs, and didn't have to cough up mucho dineros to rent or buy a board, was a relief.