It seems like for ages now we have had nothing but gale force winds. I have had a new surfboard sat in my house now for well over 3 weeks; its all waxed and ready to go. However, the wind keeps howling on shore, cross shore at around 24mph to 40mph down here in the South West. Judging by the reports its been pretty much the same around the country. Poor Scotland looks like it had the worst of the wind for sure.

Looking at the forecast for the next few days seems to materialise the same conditions! I want to surf, but even in the sheltered spots the conditions arent great. grrrrrr

If you want a high quality tail pad which isnt going to let you down we have just the thing! We have tried and tested Farking tail pads now for over a year and we found them to be very reliable and extremely easy to fit. When opening the tail grip out of its packaging we couldnt help but notice that these grips are made from top quality, high density foam. When fixed the surfboard they stuck well and after over a years use its still fixed to the board with no peeling!

If you know somebody who likes to bodyboard they may well like a bodyboard bag from Santa this Christmas? We have a good range of boogie board bags from as little as 21.95!

O’Neill 5212 4.5/3mm Limited Edition Wetsuit

Surfing during the winter can be a heavy task due to wearing thicker neoprene, wetsuit boots, gloves and hood. All this added weight can really be a drag, especially when the days are short and we may not surf as much. If you dont like wearing a heavy 5mm wetsuit we have just taken stock of a great wetsuit from O’Neill called the 5212 which is 4.5mm and 3mm and its limited edition! The name 5212 sounds a bit like a war ship, or some kind of bomb rather than a wetsuit, so does it do the job?

We found that this wetsuit was much lighter and warmer than conventional 5mm wetsuits and it also retained the heat of a 5mm wetsuit despite being thinner. The neoprene on this warship is super, super stretchy and feels like a second skin once on. Also the neoprene jersey has water repellent properties which prevent the neoprene socking up excess water. This keeps the wetsuit as lightweight and as dry as possible.

Features:
The 52-12 Features ONeills exclusive Techno butter material. This is the latest evolution of neoprene technology. It boasts a 17% lighter formula with 30% less water absorption therefore quicker drying, with more stretch and less weight.

70% of the core of both comes with the exclusive Air Insulated Techno Butter neoprene giving ultimate warmth.

It also features coloured 1X Super Seam Weld construction, another ONeill first. The Super Seam Weld uses 60% less material than the previous fluid seam, resulting in the most super light, super strong and super durable seam ever offered.

The 52-12 is available in 4.5/3mm with a front-zip F.U.Z.E. entry and a 3.5/3mm Z.E.N. Zip entry.

Is this the new tech for surfing? Beat the crowds with glow in the dark wetsuits and surfboards, surf when the sun weighs heavy in the sky and day turns to night!

Just landed in the Freakfish warehouse is the new colour way of the O’Neill Gooru wetsuits in the blue and black. We cant believe the technical features this wetsuit offers for the price. The O’Neill Gooru 5/3mm wetsuit now has a barrier located in the back to stop water flushing and a double rolled collar to prevent rubbing and rashes. For a full stretch wetsuit at this price you really cant go wrong with the Gooru!

Mike Douglas and Cody Townsend are surfers and water ski fanatics who have combined both sports. They have made ski’s which are suitable for surfing big waves and they are towed into the wave with a jet ski. Its a bit like big wave surfing but with water ski’s instead of a surfboard. Check out this incredible new way to ride waves in Hawaii!

We have just taken stock of a new colour way of the O’Neill Epic Wetsuits; this wetsuit is the black flint colour which looks real neat.O’Niell Epic Wetsuit range has continued to be one of the best selling entry level wetsuits we sell. After a few years of use come back and purchase the Epic again once theirs has retired. These wetsuits are renowned for being ultra flexible, warm and very durable, just want you would expect from a brand like O’Neill.

If you want to purchase a winter wetsuit which doesnt break the bank, but offer unprecedented quality and comfort the only would be the wetsuit to buy! The O’Neill Epic continues to be competitively priced at only 119.00 and comes with free UK next day delivery and EU 3-5 days shipping!

If you are thinking of starting to surf congratulations! However, before you take the plunge in the ocean we would strongly advise getting some surf lessons. Surf Schools are a great way to learn the basic techniques needed to surf. Your surf instructor can give you guidance about the rules of surfing also known as surf etiquette. It is essential to know these rules if you want your time in the water to be safe for yourself and others. Please view the video about surf surf etiquette.

Beginners Surf Safety

• If you arent a strong swimmer we would advise being supervised at all times and if you cant swim at all, dont surf until you can.


• Always surf with other people in sight, never surf alone.


• Always surf in the morning or during the day and never at dusk.


• Never consume alcohol before surfing.


• Always notify somebody you have gone surfing and when you will return.


• Always ask local experienced surfer or life guards about any hazards such as rip currents.


• If you find yourself in a rip dont paddle into it. Work out which way it is going and paddle across it, not against it and always stay calm.


• Never surf out of your comfort zone. If you find the surfs too big, or you getting tired, get out of the water.


• If you do find yourself in trouble in the water, stay calm and with you surfboard always! Sit on you board and wave you arms and calmly shout for help.


• Make sure all your surf equipment is in tip top condition. A leaky wetsuit may mean you get cold and suffer from cramp. A poor condition surfboard leash may mean the leash snaps and you lose the board and it may hit somebody.


• When you mess up a wave and wipeout always cover your head with your arms.


• Never let go of your surfboard when somebody is behind you!

Its that time of year again when all you want to do is escape from the cold weather and dark evenings. Even though the surf may pick up around our shores during the Autumn, the call of hot surf destinations cannot be ignored. So to help you get ready for your next surf holiday away, heres our top tips for what to pack:

What you cant do without:

Surfboard / bodyboard

Theres no point going on a surf trip without your water equipment, so make sure you look after them with a good board-bag, and ding repair kit. Remember to also bring board wax thats designed with the water youll be surfing. Nothing more annoying than your cold water wax melting off your board, and you along with it.

Shorty wetsuit / Rashvest

Depending on how warm or cool the water is, having a rash vest should be high on your priorities list. Rash vests will keep you that extra bit warmer in cooler conditions, even under your shorty wetsuit, and will prevent you from getting burnt in extremely sunny days.

Beach towel/Sunglasses

There are two camps of thought on this one, those who turn up to the beach unprepared with only their board, or those who tend to bring everything… supplies, food, towels, and music. However, one thing that you should find in common would be having a towel and sunglasses for when youve finished your surf session. Protect your eyes with your sunnies… and fall asleep on that towel in the warm sunshine.

Sunscreen

We may all want an instant tan when on holiday, however getting burnt wont do it. Slap on some sunscreen regularly, and invest in zinc block for your face for whilst youre surfing… otherwise you will be doing a good impersonation of burnt leather and having to hide from the sunny waves.

First Aid Kit / Bug Repellant

We dont like to think that we will get hurt, but its better to have a first aid kit with us and not need it, than need it and not have it. Plan for where you are going, think about the break youll be surfing, ie reef= reef cuts. Also take a really good bug repellant because there are few things more annoying than being bitten and itchy.

What makes the trip:

There are some things that even though you dont need them, having them with you during your surf holiday, completely makes the experience. Take music with you for lounging around or in the car as youll associate those songs with your time away. Bring beach games like bat & ball as it will keep you entertained for hours. Document your trip with a good camera… And make sure you have a large bag, so you can bring home random finds from your trip to remind you of all the fun once youre back home.