Ever since i was little the water bothers my ears, this sucks because i love to board. I usually just deal with the pain and the head ache that i get. i started using ear plugs but they hace a tendance to fall out and they are not perfect, they are pro plugs with the hole. Cold water is much worse than warm water. does anyone have this problem and discover a solution?

Xtremrider, <BR>I have the same problem. When I was little, I got tubes put in my ears and now everytime I fall on my head I usually rupture the same hole. Every summer. Both ears. I too use pro plugs. I like them ok, but I did go to a ear specialist and he made molds for my ears that fit perfectly. They are expensive, I think around $70 a pair. Buy a couple. I lost mine a couple of years ago by leaving them on the swim platform. Hope this helps. Keep trying.

Get the molded ear plugs from a ear specialist Paul mentioned. They're expensive but really the only option if you've got ear problems.

Have you tried a helmet with the ear flaps? The pro tec wake and shapiro model have them. some surfers also wear a model that covers the ear completely. Not sure of the manufacturer... <BR> <BR>

The wax moldable plugs work great for me.

I found the Gath helmet here- <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wetsand.com/store/product.asp?ProdId=217&amp;CatId=77" target="_blank">http://www.wetsand.com/store/product.asp?ProdId=217&amp;CatId=77</a> <BR> <BR>The vents over the ear can be opened/closed. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

If you get the pro-tec helmet then you'll need to do something to make the ear flap snaps more permanent. I lost one in the first few times out (or actually a buddy did). The Gath is a good one for ear protection. I'd go w/ the ear plugs though first cause I know people blow their ear drums w/ just the helmet as protection.

thanks guys, the investmentfor the molded plugs may be worth it.