Intro

Welcome surfing friends to today’s blog post, my ‘Northcore Beach Basha Pro Review’.

This changing robe has been in my kit bag for every surf trip over the last two years and in this review I’ll be taking you through the pro’s and con’s. I’ll then be finishing off with whether or not I would recommend it to you guys.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the article…

1. Northcore Beach Basha Pro Review Video
2. Good Things About The Product
3. Not So Good Things About The Product
4. Would I Recommend?
5. Changing Robe Alternatives

It’s another quick read so let’s get started!

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1. Northcore Beach Basha Pro Review Video

2. Good Things About The Product

So, let’s start off with the good things about Northcore’s Beach Basha Pro…

• Has two detachable layers, so is versatile all-year round
• With a density of 380GSM, it dry’s fast and is lightweight 
• Lots of room across the chest and in the arms for changing
• Great length so no worries when bending over
• The inner layer and outer shell both come with high quality zips
• Comes in a nice storage bag
• Looks like a premium product in blue with nice branding
  
• Keeps you very warm and dry in the worst weather

3. Not So Good Things About The Product

• Needs a couple more pockets for the walk the dog type situations
• Currently only offered as ‘one size only’ – More size options have now been added
• None of the pockets have zips
• If zipped all the way up you can’t change in or out of clothing, needs to be unzipped a bit
• I think the full price is a bit of a stretch

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4. Would I Recommend This Product?

So, the real question – would I recommend Northcore’s Beach Basha Pro? Well, the best way for me to answer that is from the perspective of a beginner, intermediate and advanced surfer.

Is it worth it for a Beginner Surfer?

No.

If you’re fairly new to surfing (taking surf lessons or have just decided that surfing is something you want to get into), I would say Northcore’s Beach Basha Pro offers more features than you need.

A more suitable changing robe for you guys would be one of Brentford’s microfibre poncho’s. These offer much better value for what beginner surfers require in regards to features. Here is a link to my recommendation for beginner surfers…

These are made from 100% soft microfibre, review incredibly well on Amazon and are also machine washable!

Is it worth it for a Intermediate Surfer?

Possibly.

If you’re some way along your surfing journey (standing up frequently and surfing more in the Spring / Autumn months), I would say Northcore’s Beach Basha Pro offers some great features that you could certainly benefit from.

If you currently have a changing robe (possibly a towelling poncho) and you want to surf more in the colder months for the better swells, I would say an upgrade to the Beach Basha Pro would be worth it.

Likewise, if you currently don’t have a changing robe – I would absolutely recommend Northcore’s Beach Basha Pro. The features this changing robe offers will allow you to use it all year round and you’d never have to buy another changing robe again.

Is it worth it for an Advanced Surfer?

Absolutely.

If you’re a seasoned surfer who only venture’s amongst the breakers when the swell is pumping, than I expect you already own a Beach Basha Pro or something similar.

If you don’t currently own a changing robe that protects you from the wind and rain here in the UK, I’d 100% tell you to get a Northcore Beach Basha Pro. With all the best swells coming in the colder months, you’re making your surfing experience less enjoyable by not having one.

This is one of those products that once you have it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get it sooner.

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5. Changing Robe Alternatives

Of course, Northcore are not the only brand out there when it comes to year round changing robes. Here’s a few alternatives that do a very similar thing to Northcore, if you need some more options…

SEASHELL 3.0 Waterproof Changing Robe (£160)

The first alternative is the up and coming SEASHELL 3.0 waterproof changing robe. This year round changing robe is one of the best on the market at the moment and is a very competitive option in a similar price range.

The biggest difference however is that the SEASHELL 3.0 does not allow you to separate the inner warm layer from the outer shell. This therefore brings it closer in comparison to Northcore’s Beach Basha Sport.

Osprey Waterproof Changing Rope (£92.99)

The second alternative is from well known surfing brand Osprey. This option is a fantastic bit of kit that is a great go between in terms of features and price.

Although the Osprey version doesn’t quite have the build quality compared to SEASHELL, its value for money is through the roof. Features include a 100% waterproof outer shell with warm fleece lining, versatile pockets and easy two way zips.

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Summary

And that is that, hopefully this ‘Northcore Beach Basha Pro Review’ has given you a bit more guidance if you’re in the market for a new changing robe.

If I were to decide on which changing robe to go for, I genuinely think Northcore’s beach basha Pro is a stand out product. Although the SEASHELL comes with pocket zips the ability to detach both layers with the beach basha Pro, alongside the money saved trumps it for me.

If you have any further questions on the beach basha Pro or if there was anything I didn’t cover in the review, feel free to comment below. As always, be sure to follow on the usual socials to keep up to date with the latest surfing content!

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Next read: ‘Best Car & Van Surfing Accessories 2026’

The original Northcore Beach Basha Pro Review post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Welcome surfer dude and dudettes, in today’s blog post we’re discussing the ‘Best Car & Van Surfing Accessories 2026’.

This list has been collated to achieve two things; to make your surfing trips better and to overcome any car type issues you may encounter on the way. For this reason, expect some very specific surfing accessories and some very specific car and van accessories.

I kept the best till last so good luck not skipping to the end, let’s get started!

My Recommendations

If you don’t have the time to check out all of the great surfing gift ideas on the list, here are my top three picks…

COR Surfboard Universal Roof Rack Set (£49.99)

The first essential car and van accessory is this universal surfboard roof rack. COR have produced this very well reviewed set that secures surfboards to any car roof.

The durable 600D oxford fabric pads make transporting surfboards, paddleboards or even kayaks a breeze. The set includes two rack pads and premium tie-down straps with silicone-coated cam-buckles to prevent damage. This roof rack set is also compatible with any car and doesn’t require roof bars to be installed making it a top-notch surfing gift.

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Holts Tyre Puncture Repair Kit (£12.99)

This second accessory is one of the essential bits of kit I think everyone should have in their own car or van – a tyre puncture repair kit. This little kit can re-inflate a punctured tyre whilst at the same time sealing the puncture.

This is the easiest and quickest way to get you back on the road if you experience a puncture. The idea is that once used, you’ll be able to get yourself to a garage to properly sort out that puncture. The non-toxic formula doesn’t damage the tyre and can easily be wiped out. It’s also suitable for large tyres so even if you’re in a big van you’re covered with this one.

Northcore ‘Hook Up’ Magnetic Wetsuit Hanger (£16.95)

Another great Northcore product to keep in the car or van is the ‘Hook Up’ wetsuit hanger. Small but still a great little surfing accessory.

The ‘Hook Up’ has the ability to hold up to 20kg, making post surf wetsuit dramas much easier to handle. It’s got a silicone rubber outside so won’t scratch the metal it’s placed on and also comes with a carabiner included.

AstroAI Tyre Inflator Kit (£28.99)

If you wanted some extra puncture precaution or have larger tyres, this tyre inflator kit should do the trick. It plugs straight into your 12V socket so can just live in the boot of your car or van until needed.

This particular tyre inflator kit is really well reviewed on Amazon and can inflate a tyre from 0-35 PSI in under five minutes. The digital display also allows you to choose the correct PSI you require for your tyre. If you’re a stand-up paddleboard user, the additional nozzles in the kit will make inflating that SUP easier than ever.

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First Aid Kit (£24.99)

Another great car and van accessory that I think should be in every vehicle is a decent first aid kit. This particular product comes from Amazon’s leading provider of first aid kits and includes 220 essential items.

As with most first aid kits, it’s super organised and features multiple compartments with additional space to add more supplies. This comprehensive kit includes; antiseptic towels, butterfly closures, safety pins, fingertip strips, first aid tape, eye pads, metal medical scissors, instant cold packs, large foil emergency blankets and a range of plasters. In short, this is a must have.

Osprey Waterproof Changing Rope (£92.99)

This is usually the first thing we go to after a surf, the trusty changing poncho. I’ve decided to include the more affordable Osprey model that reviews just as well as the market leader DryRobe.

Although the Osprey version doesn’t quite have the build quality compared to DryRobe, its value for money is through the roof. Features include a 100% waterproof outer shell with warm fleece lining, versatile pockets and easy two way zips. Did I also mention 20% of this changing robe is made from recycled bottles..?

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Travelisimo Electric Lunch Box (£29.99)

This nifty bit of kit is useful for those hardcore winter surfers who want a warm meal after the freezing cold sesh. Built from high quality temperature resistant materials, this car-friendly electric lunchbox is able to heat meals on the go.

Inside is an easy to clean stainless steel 1.5L container, so plenty of room for some warm or cold food. It’s really well reviewed on Amazon, plus if you’re not using it on the go it can be used at home.

Northcore Seat Covers (£29.95)

Another accessory that’s an essential bit of car and van surfing kit – Northcore’s seat covers. We surfers like to get wet, this means other things get wet and salt water doesn’t mix well with fabrics.

These car seat covers stop the common and unwanted lines left when saltwater dries on fabric. From experience, this is a present I wish I had before I ruined my car seats with saltwater lines!

Odoga 300W Power Inverter (£49.99)

This next accessory is for those in need of a three point plug socket whilst out on the road. If you were unaware, it’s possible to boost your car’s 12V cigarette lighter into a 240V three point socket.

Odoga has us covered with their power inverter which reviews crazy well and is priced very competitively. Alongside the usual three-point socket are two additonal USB ports for super fast charging of phones and tablets. This inverter comes in a durable metal housing so can withstand bumps and drops whilst also being designed to prevent overheating.

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Two Bare Feet Surfskate (£79.99)

This car and van accessory is perfect to keep in the boot for those flat days. Surfskates are skateboards designed to help surfers improve their balance and manoeuvrability. The trucks are built in a way that help the rider carve from left to right, generating their own power.

Two Bare Feet offer a well reviewed product for a great price. It’s not that unusual for the cost of a surfskate to go well past the £150 mark – so I think the above is great value. The design shown is just one from a large selection at the same price, check out the others using the link above.

ADDTOP Solar Power Bank (£44.95)

When all hope is lost in terms of power, this solar power bank is able to provide a secret lifeline.

Using the newest solar power technology, this 2500mAh power bank is capable of charging the latest phones ten times without recharging. This particular power bank also has extended solar panels to speed up the charging of the battery.

Frostfire Mooncode – Portable Lock Box (£24.99)

One of the biggest dilemmas surfers come across when surfing is knowing where to put their valuables. Northcore have of course built a sturdy solution with their surf key protection safe for this exact scenario.

Great for surfers who drive to the coast and need somewhere safe to keep their car keys or debit cards. These things offer maximum security and can be attached to a car door handle or to the bottom of a vehicles chassis.

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WADEO Portable Shower & Bucket (£54.99)

Another great car and van accessory for any surfer is the mighty portable shower. With sand being what it is, this outdoor shower and bucket combo is a great way to alleviate all those sand related stresses. Whether it be cleaning sandy toes or a super sandy doggo, this thing will do the trick.

A water purification filter is attached in the water pump to guarantee clean water supply and the removable and washable filter offer you a refreshing bath option. This portable shower also has a built-in 4500mAh lithium battery(3 x 1500mAh battery packs), which provide up to 80-90 minutes of battery life for working in just 3-4 hours per charge.

World Surfspot Trumps Card Game (£12.99)

If you’re having a bit of downtime, or the forecast lied to you again…these surfing top trump cards are great to have in the car or van. They put a surfing twist on the classic top trumps game and are a great thing to have ready for any surfing trip.

Each pack contains 34 professionally printed cards with ten comparable stats and there are currently three complete volumes available. There’s also more packs in the pipeline with UK specific and Ireland specific volumes coming soon.

TOOENJOY Easy Access Roof Pedal (£32.99)

This is possibly my favourite car and van accessory ever, the TOOENJOY Easy Access Roof Pedal. This device connects to the standard door locking system present on almost every car and provides an extra step-up to easily access the roof.

Perfect for surfers who are stretching to strap down multiple surfboards to the tops of their cars and vans! This thing can support a massive 28.5 stone or 400lbs whilst providing a firm support when accessing the roof of your vehicle. If that wasn’t enough, the soft rubber triangles prevent any denting or paint damage whilst in use.

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Northcore Surfboard Leash (£18.99)

If you’re unsure of what length to buy, get a leash the same length or a bit longer than the surfboard it’s getting attached to.

Having a spare one of these in the car makes a lot of sense…if you snap your leash on the first day of a three day surf weekend, your weekend is basically not gonna be as good.

Unsurprisingly, Northcore have produced a very well reviewed, robust surfboard leash in sizes from 6-9ft. The 6mm thickness reduces the chance of it snapping and the dual swivel points reduce the chance of it getting tangled up.

If you’re unsure of what length to buy, get a leash the same length or a bit longer than the surfboard it’s getting attached to.

Drive Auto Boot Organiser (£19.99)

For those of us who love to be organised, this boot organiser takes things to an almost satisfying level. This is a great bit of kit to have in any car or van as it makes storing all of the above items super easy.

Built from 5mm density board and covered in 600D waterproof Oxford cloth, this is a proper solid boot organiser. It comes with aluminium handles, detachable compartments and can be folded down as small as a normal laptop bag. Finally, it includes some reflective strips to provide some extra visibility when unloading in the dark.

Surfing Log Book (£7.99)

Another really awesome car and van accessory is this surfing log book. It includes 100 pages of structured areas to fill in to remind yourself how each surfing session went.

It’s 15cm x 22cm and includes; Date, Location, Weather, Wave Size, Companions and many more. It’s a great way to keep a track of your progress and help focus on areas to improve in your next session.

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Thetford Portable Toilet (£109.99)

For those who are going super offroad where the nearest toilet is completely unknown, we have the Thetford potable toilet. This car and van accessory is not to be confused with the very similar looking HomEasy electric lunch box mentioned above.

This premium portable toilet comes with a handy flushing function and can hold up to 21L of waste. It’s fairly light to carry at just under 5kg, easy to store and easy to empty. This is perfect for those nomad surfers who love to get away from it all, whilst maintaining a bit of normality in the toilet department.

Osprey Wetsuit Changing Mat & Bag (£21.99)

One of the best value surfing accessories to have is a changing mat. It’s super handy for every surf session and can also be used to transport wet, sandy wetsuits home. This Osprey variant is the best reviewed on Amazon and will make a solid surfing gift.

If you fancied watching a review of a similar product, you might find my Northcore Wetsuit Changing Mat product review useful.

I’ve taken my Northcore version on every single surfing trip since purchasing it and have recommended it to everyone who has asked about it… need I say more?

Pecute Pet Car Seat Cover (£24.99)

For any dog loving surfers out there, this might be the best car and van accessory you ever buy. This easy to install pet car seat cover is perfect for keeping any sand, mud and hair away from the actual inside of the car.

The material itself consists of four layers to make it both comfortable and durable. It’s easy to clean with a damp cloth or vacuum, but is also machine washable if you fancy giving it a proper clean. It’s really well reviewed on Amazon and is designed as universally fitting, so is suitable for the vast majority of cars.

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Northcore Hawaiian Hula Doll (£15.95)

This list would not have been complete without this timeless addition, the Northcore Hawaaian Hula Doll. This classic hula doll dances and hulas away as you make your way to the coastline.

The 7″ figurine was built from a hand sculpted mould and hand painted to achieve that perfect finish. Helping channel that Aloha Spirit, the real question is…are you even a surfer if this isn’t on your dashboard?

Summary

Well team, I hope this list of the ‘Best Car & Van Surfing Accessories 2026’ was useful.

Was great fun finding all of these awesome products and if I was minted I’d probably buy all of them! My favourite product (excluding the hula doll) is the ‘Easy Access Roof Pedal’. It’s just a super intelligent way to easily access the car roof, which we surfers do a lot.

Let me know in the comments if you use any other awesome products on your surfing trips. Be sure to follow on the usual socials below to keep up to date with the latest surfing content!

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Next read: ‘Best Foods To Eat Before & After Surfing’

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The original Best Car & Van Surfing Accessories 2026 post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Welcome surfing friend to today’s blog post, my ‘Aquapac 25L Wet & Dry Backpack Review’.

This backpack has been my surf outing backpack (as well as my daily commuter) for well over a year and in this review I’ll be sharing the pro’s and con’s. I’ll also be answering that all important question of… would I recommend it to you guys?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the article…

1. Good Things About The Product
2. Not So Good Things About The Product
3. Would I Recommend?
4. Wet & Dry Backpack Alternatives

It’s another quick read so let’s get started!

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1. Good Things About The Product

So, let’s start off with the good things about the Aquapac 25L Wet & Dry Backpack…

• Completely 100% waterproof, even in the worse weather
• Comes with a 5-Year warranty for peace of mind
• The material has some flex so more fits inside than expected
  
• A second waterproof bag on the inside can be unzipped and separated
• The roll-top closure makes it easy to pack, open and close
  
• Huge side pockets that can fit the biggest drink bottles
• Looks professional in black so can be used as a work backpack
  
• Comes in two sizes 25L & 35L
• There’s a hardened pad on the inside that can be removed and used as a seat

2. Not So Good Things About The Product

• Although they offer good width, the straps need more padding for heavier loads
• As it’s black it’s hard to see at night and there are no reflective elements on it
• Adjustable straps are really long so can get a bit annoying
• The waist strap offers little support if really needed
• Only one pocket on the inside (excluding the additional bag)

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3. Would I Recommend This Product?

So, first things first – would I recommend the Aquapac 25L Wet & Dry Backpack? Yes I would, but with a bit of advice.

The Good Stuff

Firstly, this bag is insanely good at keeping everything inside dry. If all you’re after is a backpack that keeps water out, than this thing is worth its weight in gold.

I’ve used it a few times in torrential downpour with my work laptop, charger and mouse inside and have never experienced any issues. The Aquapac’s additional waterproof bag on the inside was perfect for all these electronics, giving me peace of mind.

This leads me on nicely to my second favourite thing about the backpack – it’s a great daily commuter.

Although I had plans for this to be my new surfing bag, I ended up using it more for work than for surf trips. It looks professional in black and goes with everything I wear. It’s also a great size and can easily fit the usual work laptop electronics inside, plus a gym kit and lunch. The large netted pockets on the outside will also accommodate pretty much any water bottle.

Oh yeah, and it comes with a 5-year warranty!

Bit of Advice

The one thing I did notice is that this backpack doesn’t offer much comfort when carrying heavy loads for long periods. The straps have great width so spread any weight across your shoulders, but they lack decent padding.

Worth noting this was only noticeable after two hours carrying a heavily loaded bag. It’s also worth noting that compared to alternative waterproof backpacks the Aquapac version probably still has the best padding on the market. But, if you’re planning on using it this way, it’s worth a mention.

So, my bit of advice… if you’re planning on using this backpack to carry heavy loads over long periods – it’s not the best.

But, if you just need a solid backpack that won’t let you down in the rain – this is a top option. If you need even more convincing, check out some of the other reviews of this backpack on Aquapac.net.

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4. Wet & Dry Backpack Alternatives

Of course, Aquapac are not the only brand out there when it comes to dry bag backpacks. Here’s a few alternatives that do a very similar thing to the Aquapac, if you need some more options…

Earth-Pak Summit 35L Dry Bag

The first alternative is the Summit Series 35L Dry Bag from Earth-Pak. This backpack features a roll-top closure and is 100% waterproof, just like the Aquapac. However, this Earth-Pak Summit alternative is on the bigger side at 35L.

The straps are lightweight, and it also comes with a 100% waterproof phone – tidy. There are plenty of extra storage pockets on the inside and a splash proof zipped pocket on the outside fo easy access.

A solid alternative if you need a large, lightweight waterproof backpack.

OverBoard Premium 20L Waterproof Backpack

The second alternative is from OverBoard with their premium 20L waterproof backpack. This is smaller than the Aquapac’s 25L bag at 20L so is perfect if you’re after a more compact backpack.

It’s 100% waterproof and made from tough PVC tarpaulin, so is very durable. The straps offer a good amount of padding so can comfortably carry a heavy load. There’s also a large mesh pocket on one side and bungee cords on the pack to quickly attach items.

Another solid choice if you need a comfortable, compact waterproof backpack.

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Summary

Well team that is that… I hope my ‘Aquapac 25L Wet & Dry Backpack Review’ has helped/informed you of the possible 100% waterproof backpacks out there.

If I were to decide on which backpack to get again, it would still be the Aquapac’s 25L Wet & Dry version. After a years use and more, I can honestly say it’s been the most reliable backpack I’ve ever had. It’s a top product from a formidable brand who’ve been in the waterproof bag business for 35+ years. The extra features that the alternatives don’t have, as well as the 5-year guarantee make it a no brainer.

Would be great to hear your waterproof backpack thoughts and/or questions in the comments below. As always, be sure to follow on the usual socials below to keep up to date with the latest surfing content!

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Next read: ‘The Wave, Bristol – Session & Lesson Review’

The original Aquapac 25L Wet & Dry Backpack Review post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

So guys and girls, this is my well overdue ‘The Wave, Bristol – Session & Lesson Review’. 

I was lucky enough to make a recent trip to test the place out for myself. The following review should be a big help if you’re just about to book that first surf.

If you fancied reading more about The Wave itself, check out my ‘The Wave, Bristol – Everything You Need To Know’ post.

Here are the areas we’ll be covering…

1. Arrival & Parking
2. Surf Desk & Rentals
3. Beginner Lesson Review
4. Advanced Session Review
5. Food & Cafe
6. 10 Tips Before Booking
7. Does It Live Up To The Hype?

It’s a mega useful read if you’re planning a trip to The Wave, so let’s crack on!

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1. Arrival & Parking

Although it may seem fairly easy to search “The Wave, Bristol” on Google maps, I found it a bit more difficult in real life.

If you’ve not been to The Wave before, it’s worth knowing there’s only one main entrance to the site. This entrance is the turn off of the B4055 road towards ‘City Auctioneering’ (as seen on the map below).

Arrival & Parking

Once you’ve turned off the B4055, the carpark is ahead and parking is free.

The check-in cabin is located at the end of the carpark, so is really easy to find. Remember to take all your surfing gear with you as you probably won’t be returning to the car. All that’s left is a 15-minute walk to The Wave.

2. Surf Desk & Rentals

After the ‘warm up’ walk you’ll arrive at the main building, The Clubhouse.

If you’ve got a surfing lesson or session booked the first place you’ll want to go is the Surf Desk to sign in. It’s located on the the same side as the changing rooms and lockers (far left windows on the picture below). 

Surf Desk (Far Left Windows)

The Surf Desk is also the place to go if you want to rent a performance hardboard for an extra £10.

They’re two windows and a queuing system so doesn’t take long to get seen by a wavemaker. After signing in mosey on around to the changing rooms and start getting ready. 

Lockers & Changing Rooms

If you’ve got some time after getting ready – I’d advise watching some waves or getting a last minute stretch in.

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3. Beginner Lesson Review

I’ll start with a review of the beginner lesson, then go onto the advanced session review.

I need to start off by saying my girlfriend took part in the beginner lesson, not me – so this section is reporting back her experience. I also watched the whole thing from the sidelines, so have a good idea of what went down.

The Lesson Plan

First things first is to get the equipment out and sit in a cosy little circle. Once everyone is sat down the instructor will start off with a standard ‘What’s your name and what’s your goal for this lesson?‘ ice breaker.

Beginner Lesson

Once the awkwardness is over, the instructor explains a bit more about the lesson itself. This includes the types of waves to expect, as well as where to enter and exit the water during the lesson.

Each instructor then gives a brief anatomy of the surfboard, a demonstration on ‘Popping-up’ and how to paddle correctly. Everybody has a few goes and it’s finished off with a quick warm up and stretch.

Then, it’s time to get into the water.

Beginner Lesson #2

The group is led into the water in an orderly line by the instructor. Once the waves start up, the instructors help one surfer at a time catch a wave, with an aided push. As mentioned above, the group is told where to exit the water and where to enter – so it remains a safe environment.

After each rotation, the instructors will be giving specific tips to each surfer on what they need to improve. After a few rotations the instructors will be encouraging surfers to paddle into the waves themselves. After almost an hour of practice, the group returns to the circle to breakdown how the lesson went.

Beginner Wave Shape and Size

The beginner lessons takes place in ‘The Bay’ which is the area closest to the shoreline.

Any waves reaching ‘The Bay’ will have already broken (also known as white water waves). This basically means the waves are perfect to learn on. They’re small and foamy but have enough power to push a surfboard along long enough for a beginner to stand up.

Beginner Wave Size

Here are the typical measurements for the waves that happen during a beginner lesson.

• Wave Type: Small white water waves
• Wave Size: 0.8m
• Time Between Waves: 6-8 seconds
• Wave Length: 10-12 seconds

Good things about The Beginner Lesson

• Well organised
• Good balance between surfing theory and actually surfing
• Instructors provide really helpful tips and support
• Small group size resulted in more personalised teaching
• All the equipment provided looked new
• Plenty of time to stand up and improve
• The safe environment helped builds water confidence
• Great value if booked in the off season (Winter months)
• The water is very clean
• Made me want to surf again

Not So Good Things About The Beginner Lesson

• Two groups on one side can make it feel a bit crowded
• Had to wait for my allocated wave before I could try and surf
• You only get one wave per set so there’s pressure to get it right every time
• Queuing system meant I was a bit rushed to set myself for each wave
• Expensive if booked in the peak season (Summer months)

Would I Recommend The Beginner Lesson?

If you’re new to surfing, I would always recommend getting a proper surfing lesson to start your journey. The beginner lessons given at The Wave, Bristol are a fantastic example of this. They offer a really great first experience for complete novices of any age in a safe environment.

I asked my girlfriend if she would recommend the experience, this is what she said…

“The lesson itself was well organised, a lot of fun and I even stood up before the end. The environment felt very safe, which really helped me build my confidence in the water. By the end of the lesson I was totally knackered, but I loved every minute of it – would definitely recommend!“

So, very positive from someone who’d never had a surfing lesson before. If you’re planning on booking that first lesson – don’t forget to read the 10 tips section below before booking.

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4. Advanced Session Review

Now, onto my review of the advanced session… and yes, it was quite chilly when I went (mid October).

“F*** it’s cold”

The Session Plan

Just like the beginner lesson, the wavemakers hold a quick safety briefing 15 minutes before go time. At this stage you’ll need to be changed and ready to get in the water. The briefing includes useful information for first timers and is mandatory for every surf.

Things that are covered in each briefing;

• What to expect from the wave you’re booked on
• Where to paddle out and where to pop-up
• What to do after falling off
• How to signal the lifeguards

Once the briefing has finished, the wavemakers ask you to head over to your respective side. This is when the paddle out to the take off area happens, which also forms the line. Once at the take off area, each surfer takes it in turn to catch their wave.

Advanced Session Paddle Out

Each set contains around twenty waves and once the set has finished the water settles for a few minutes. The session lasts around an hour including 40-45 minutes in the water, so plenty of time to get the legs pumping.

If you want a better idea of the level of surfer on an advanced session, here’s a brief description… Good. Fudging. Surfers. These surfers have more or less nailed their bottom turns so most are working on cutbacks. As I’m still trying to cement my bottom turn, I did feel a bit out of my depth and in hindsight should have probably booked an intermediate session.

Advanced Wave Shape and Size

The advanced sessions take place at ‘The Reef’ – the area furthest from the shore.

‘The Reef’ pumps out green waves that build quickly and are steeper the closer you’re positioned to the wall. This makes your positioning before you catch the wave a big deal, something I wish I knew beforehand.

One important thing to remember is that this is a legit reef break. The way the wave builds up, breaks, moves and barrels is completely different to anything most UK surfers have come across. So, if it’s your first session at The Wave, book yourself onto a level you know you can surf.

Advanced Session Wave Size

Here are the typical measurements for the waves that happen during an advanced session.

• Wave Type: A mixture from slow peeling, rapidly breaking and steeply barrelling waves
• Wave Size: 1.5m
• Time Between Waves: 6-8 seconds
• Wave Length: 12-15 seconds

Good Things About The Advanced Session

• Well organised, every surfer knows what they’re doing
• Equipment still provided at this level
• Perfect amount of time in the water
• Amazing for improving paddle fitness
• Allows practice on a legit reef break, not common in the UK
• Good value if booked in the off season (Winter months)
• The water is very clean
• Made me want to try out more wave settings

Not So Good Things About The Advanced Session

• There’s a fair amount of pressure on you to not mess up
• Not a bad thing but it’s still not as good as surfing in the sea
• Expensive if booked in the peak season (Summer months)

Would I Recommend The Advanced Session?

This is quite an easy one to answer – yes!

If you’re regularly out the back and in the process of improving your cutbacks, an advanced session is a great way to hone those skills. Each wave is exactly the same so once you’ve figured out how to navigate the reef break – it’s just a case of practice, practice, practice.

The queuing system helps keeps the lineup organised, so the group rotates each set pretty smoothly. The short break between sets is also a nice time to catch a breather. Although an hour doesn’t seem like long enough to get amongst it, your legs will be pumping by the end.

There are some great value deals in the colder months. So, to save the frequent surfer some cash – I’d recommend getting at least one session a year during the off peak season. Winter is also the time of year that only hardcore surfers venture into the cold, so you’ll be in similar company.

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5. Food & Cafe

After a knackering surf there’s nothing better than a sit down with some decent grub.

The Clubhouse Cafe

The Wave have (of course) thought about this and provided a top notch cafe. The Clubhouse Cafe chucks out proper meals that cater to all tastes and diets.

The Clubhouse Cafe

The menu itself has a wide variety of options and caters to all dietary needs.

My choice was the blackbean burger with skinny fries and a hot chocolate to warm the toes. The price was wasn’t too bad at £14.95 for both and the portion size was massive.

Blackbean Burger

The ordering system is fairly techy. It involves getting a small disk thingy that makes a lot of noise when your meal is ready to collect. I’m no food critic but the blackbean burger was proper tasty and the hot chocolate was also very nice.

Techy Order Device & Hot Chocolate

Menu & Sides Options

Here’s a list of meals from the indoor cafe menu;

• House Burgers – Beef / Chicken / Blackbean / Fish Finger all served with skinny fries
• Catch of the Day – Cider battered south coast fish served with thick cut chips
• Tart of the day – Tart served with a selection of super foods, grains and salad
• Vegetable lasagne – Butternut squash, smoked pepper served with rocket pesto, dried tomato and garlic bread

Here’s a list of sides that can be added to the above meals;

• Mac and cheese (+£4.50)
• Mac and greens (+£4.50)
• Thick cut chips (+£3.50)
• Skinny fries (+£3.50)
• Wookey hole cheddar sauce (+£2.00)
• Gravy (+£1.50)

Not sure how often the menu changes, but the above gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Food Trucks

The Clubhouse Cafe is not the only place you can get food onsite.

There are some great food trucks outside that do high quality street food. The one that was setup outside on my visit was the Quay St. Cantina that specialises in Mexican food!

Food Truck Options

6. 10 Tips Before Booking

These 10 tips before booking are mega important so take note…

• If you’ve never surfed before, book a lesson
• If you can surf but haven’t surfed at The Wave before – book a session you know you can surf
• Check the map above – it’ll make the last 3 minutes of your drive A LOT easier
• Arrive one hour before your planned lesson or session
• If you want to do two sessions in one day, don’t book them back-to-back – you’ll be knackered
• Make a day of it, in the Summer it’s a genuinely lovely place to just relax with an ice cream in-hand
• If you’re only spectating, there is a spectators fee
• Book during the colder months if you’re surfing on a budget
• For surfs between November and February, take/hire all the wetsuit accessories; boots, gloves and hoods
• The Wave gift vouchers are the perfect surfing present

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7. Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Before The Wave, Bristol opened – there was a lot of hype surrounding this particular wave pool. But has it lived up to all this hype?

Nature & Wellbeing Centre

Firstly, The Wave isn’t just about surfing… it’s also about reconnecting people with nature and wellbeing.

A lot of thought and care has gone into how the place looks and feels. For example, the beautifully timbered Clubhouse was built with sustainability at its core. This approach has helped the whole site melt into a very green backdrop. The wild gardens were shaped by the very soil that came out of the ground to create the wave pool. The use of natural materials throughout helps keep that feeling of nature constant.

All of these things add up to a really uplifting experience that help people reconnect with nature in a very easy way.

Technological Marvel

But, the main reason for all the hype (other than it being an awesome thing to have in the UK) was due to the technology it used.

It was the first wave pool in the Northern hemisphere to use Wavegarden’s Cove technology. The UK’s other wave pool (Surf Snowdonia) is based in Wales and uses Wavegarden’s Lagoon technology.

So I would say yes it has also lived up to the hype from a technological standpoint. In my opinion The Wave, Bristol is not only the best surfing wave pool in the UK – it’s arguably the best in the Northern hemisphere right now. The Cove technology alone means that 1,000’s of wave types can be created with the flick on a switch. From a surfing stand point it’s a fantastic resource for the UK’s surfing community as a whole.

But don’t just take my word for it. If you fancied some more reading – here are a couple of equally positive reviews about The Wave, Bristol from Wavelength Mag and Surfer Dad.

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Summary

And so folks, that’s my full review of The Wave, Bristol.

I’m hoping some of you found it useful and maybe even a bit interesting. All in all, I think The Wave, Bristol is a fantastic place. It not only promotes great values but also pumps out the best artificial waves in the UK for surfers at all levels. 

I plan on venturing there a couple of times a year max to keep my technique in check. If you’re an avid surfer who has a spare £45 – I’d definitely recommend trying it out. Click here to book a surf at The Wave.

As always, be sure to follow on the usual socials below to keep up to date with the latest surfing content!

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Next read: ‘Best Places To Surf in Devon’

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The original The Wave, Bristol – Session & Lesson Review post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Hello surfer amigo and welcome to my ‘Dakine Surfboard Sock Review’.

In this review, I’ll be taking you through all the major points you’d want to know before purchasing this surfboard sock. We’ll be discussing the pro’s and con’s, some pre-purchasing tips and whether it’s worth the money.

1. Dakine Surfboard Sock Review Video
2. Good Things About The Product
3. Not So Good Things About The Product
4. Tips Before Purchasing
5. Would I Recommend?
6. Surfboard Sock Alternatives

It’s a super quick read, so let’s get started!

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1. Dakine Surfboard Sock Review Video

2. Good Things About The Product

So, let’s start the review with the good things I found whilst using this Dakine Knit Surfboard Sock…

• The cotton has a good thickness to it that protects the surfboard well
• It’s a great value alternative to a big expensive surfboard bag
• Easy to clean in the washing machine on a cool wash
  
• Comes in a smartly packaged travel bag, great for packing away when your sock is not in use
• Feels like a premium product made from high quality materials
• Comes with a protective foam triangle for the fragile nose part of your surfboard

3. Not So Good Things About The Product

• Difficult to get on and off when wax is on the surfboard
• You can still get more protection from surfboard bags but it is more expensive
• Not many designs available

4. Tips Before Purchasing

• Get more length than you need, it’ll then be easier to put on and can be used on more boards
• Check the width of your surfboard to make sure the surfboard sock will stretch over the middle section of your surfboard

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5. Would I Recommend This Product?

So, having used the Dakine surfboard sock for a good few months, the main question is – would I recommend it to you guys? In short, yes I would.

If you’re looking for a reliable surfboard sock that will last, Dakine has you and your surfboard covered. Their surfboard sock is made from a thick, premium cotton that provides a great amount of protection. I had a few bumps and knocks getting the board in and out of the car but it was safe and sound inside the sock.

It’s easy to clean in a standard wash, allowing for any wax stuck to the inside to come unstuck. Sticking it in the wash doesn’t affect any of the stitching or the foam triangle that protects the nose. As I’ve mentioned, it’s built to last and made from high quality materials.

The travel bag makes it easy to pack away when not in use, and it’s always good to have spare surfboard sock incase of any inpromptu purchases.

Before I forked out for a more bulky surfboard bag, this surfboard sock transported my surfboard on all my surfing trips. It’s a great little surfboard sock and I’ll be using it to protect my next board.

There are plenty of surfboard socks on the market but Dakines Knit Surfboard Sock feels like a premium product with great build quality. The price might be higher than expected for some at £34.99, but it does feel like the type of product that will last.

6. Surfboard Sock Alternatives

Of course, Dakine are not the only brand that makes surfboard socks. Here are a few other alternatives I’ve found on Amazon that are great options if the Dakine version is unavailable.

Tenlacum Surfboard Sock

There’s one thing every surfer should have and that’s some level of protection for their surfboard. The cheapest protection you can get for any surfboard is a surfboard sock. Tenlacum have built a high quality surfboard sock for a great price.

These surfboard socks not only review well but also come in a good range of sizes from 5ft all the way up to 10ft 6″ – so should cover most. The high quality woven fabric protects the surfboard from any scrapes, dings and also UV sunlight. It also comes with a useful velcro pocket – great for storing spare wax and post surfing snacks.

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Summary

So guys, I hope my ‘Dakine Surfboard Sock Review’ helped any possible questions you might have had whilst looking for a good surfboard sock.

It would be great to hear your thoughts or any other questions I’ve not answered in the comments below. As always, be sure to follow on the usual socials below to keep up to date with the latest surfing content!

Follow on:            

Next read: ‘Brand New vs Second Hand Wetsuit’

The original Dakine Surfboard Sock Review post was created on The Wave Shack