Intro

Welcome, surfing friends, to my “Ultimate List of Surfing Documentaries to Watch in 2026”!

If you’re here, you’re likely looking to satisfy some surf content craving and this list will do just that. Below we’ve compiled a list of the best surfing documentaries that will offer insights, thrills, and inspiration to surfers of all levels.

It’s a fantastic list of content made even easier to navigate as we’ve split it up into vibes, helping you decide which ones are worth delving into based on what you’re looking for.

Here’s a rundown of the surfing documentary vibes to choose from…

1. Epic Adventure
2. Cultural Insights
3. History and Evolution
4. Personal Stories
5. Recent Bangers

Each surfing documentary has a quick summary as well as a score out of 10 to give you a feel of each film. So grab your popcorn and let’s paddle into the world of surfing cinema!

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Epic Adventure

1. The Endless Summer (1966) – 9/10

Starting with probably the most referenced surfing documentary on the planet, “The Endless Summer”. This groundbreaking surf film follows two surfers travel the world in search of the perfect wave. It captures the essence of adventure in the pursuit of the ultimate surfing experience.

Gets 9/10 from me for its timeless allure and capacity to ignite a universal sense of wanderlust and adventure. The impact this had on future surfing documentaries also cannot be understated. This surfing documentary has solidified its status as an iconic and enduring masterpiece in surf filmmaking.

Memorable quote – “Some of the best things in life are total accidents.”

Length – 1h 35m

2. The Endless Summer II (1994) – 8/10

“The Endless Summer II” follows surfers on another global quest for the perfect wave. Similar to it’s original this film goes out of its way to explore diverse cultures, while embodying the enduring spirit of adventure that comes with surf discovery.

Still great at 8/10… this surfing doc makes for a captivating sequel, continuing the global surfing journey with breathtaking scenes and cultural exploration. Only thing hurting the score was that it lacked the groundbreaking impact of the original, an impossible feat to achieve anyway.

Memorable quote – “The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.”

Length – 1h 49m

3. View From a Blue Moon (2015) – 9/10

“View From a Blue Moon” is a visually stunning surfing documentary that follows professional surfer John John Florence as he embarks on a global journey. It showcases top tier wave-riding action, stunning cinematography of beautiful landscapes accompanied by a great soundtrack. What’s not to like?

9/10 from me, certified banger.

Memorable quote – “Every wave is different, every approach is different, every ride is different, and that’s what’s so fascinating about it.”

Length – 58m

4. Under an Arctic Sky (2017) – 9/10

“Under an Arctic Sky” follows a group of surfers as they embark on an expedition to Iceland in search of waves under the Northern Lights. Battling harsh conditions and unpredictable weather, they encounter stunning landscapes and epic surf, capturing the raw beauty and adventure of surfing in the Arctic wilderness.

Another big 9/10 and it’s thoroughly deserved here. “Under an Arctic Sky” offers off the charts cinematography, immersive storytelling alongside a unique surfing adventure. If those are on your checklist for a surfing doc, look no further.

Memorable quote – “Nature doesn’t give you any guarantees, and sometimes you just have to embrace the unknown.”

Length – 40m

5. Billabong Odyssey (2003) – 7/10

“Billabong Odyssey” is a huge surfing doc that follows the worlds best big wave surfers chase giant waves around the globe. It’s an edge of your seat surfing doc showcasing the insane world of extreme surfing.

Gave this one a score of 7/10, does a great job of outlining the sport’s risks and rewards with some top end shots but it left me wanting more compared to a few other big wave surfing documentaries.

Memorable quote – “You don’t want to be under it, you want to be on top of it.”

Length – 1h 28m

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Cultural Insights

1. Step Into Liquid (2003) – 8/10

“Step Into Liquid” is a slightly different style surfing doc that highlights surfing’s diversity and it’s cultural significance across various locations and surf styles.

I’ve given it a score of 8/10 as there’s some really interesting stories paired with some unbelievable cinematography. It also captivates the essence of surfing’s universal appeal and its value for entertainment make it a worthy watch.

Memorable quote – “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Length – 1h 22m

2. Bra Boys (2007) – 8/10

“Bra Boys” is a culture and lifestyle documentary that delves into the life of the Bra Boys, a notorious surfing gang from Maroubra, Australia.

This was a super interesting watch and I think 8/10 is about right. I thought it was a pretty raw portrayal of the challenges faced by this community, which was refreshing. This doc explored themes such as brotherhood and identity, and shed light on the complexities of social issues within the context of surfing culture. Turned out to be a pretty powerful and thought-provoking watch, would recommend.

Memorable quote – “Blood is thicker than water, but loyalty is thicker than both.”

Length – 1h 30m

3. Surfwise (2007) – 8/10

“Surfwise” is one of those surfing documentaries that really stands out. It focuses on the unconventional life of the Paskowitz family, and tells the story of their nomadic and alternative lifestyle centered around surfing.

I’ve given this one an 8/10. It’s more than a surfing doc about a family, it’s an examination into the pursuit of happiness outside of societal norms, which make it one of the most memorable docs on this list.

Memorable quote – “Health, more than the mere absence of disease is the presence of a superior state of wellbeing – a pazazz, a vitality”.

Length – 1h 33m

4. Out in the Lineup (2014) – 8/10

“Out in the Lineup” is a super important doc on this list as it delves into the LGBTQ+ community’s struggles in the surfing world. It includes some profound insights into identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of equality amongst the waves.

It’s a great eye opener and gets a score of 8/10 from me. The powerful storytelling and enlightening interviews highlight the importance of fostering inclusivity and diversity within surf culture.

Memorable quote – “Surfing transcends labels; it’s about connecting with something greater than ourselves.”

Length – 1h 23m

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History and Evolution

1. Riding Giants (2004) – 10/10

“Riding Giants” is the ONLY 10/10 on this list. It’s an incredibly interesting story that chronicles the evolution of big wave surfing, offering an exhilarating journey through the sport’s most iconic moments and legendary surf spots.

This is my favourite surfing documentary, so it gets the 10/10. I can’t fault it and more importantly whenever I watch it I can’t take my eyes off of it. If you only give one documentary a watch on this list, make it this one.

Memorable quote – “I remember paddling into the lineup and your balls were just in your stomach… thinking the bottom was gonna fall out or something was going to eat you alive”.

Length – 1h 41m

2. Momentum Generation (2018) – 8/10

“Momentum Generation” is a hugely important surfing documentary that tells the story a group of friends that pushed surfing into the mainstream. For 104 minutes the lives and stories of Kelly Slater and his gang of misfits are unpacked in their truest form.

Given it an 8/10 for the honest interviews, archival footage and the level of passion oozing out of the screen.

Memorable quote – “If you heard “You won’t go” in our crew… you’re going, and if you don’t go then that’s like a month of getting heckled…I’d rather split my head open”

Length – 1h 44m

3. Fish: The Surfboard Documentary (2016) – 7/10

“Fish: The Surfboard Documentary” is a surfing doc all about (you guessed it), the fish surfboard. It’s one that sheds light on the board shapes unique characteristics and impact on surfing culture. With interviews from shapers, surfers and historians it will satisfy any cravings for a future fish surfboard purchase.

Gave this one a score of 7/10, super interesting documentary that focuses on a totally different aspect of surfing to the rest of the list. If that sounds like your cup of tea, this one will go down a treat.

Memorable quote – “Riding a fish is like dancing with the ocean”

Length – 1h 20m

Personal Stories

1. Given (2016) – 8/10

“Given” is one of the most visually stunning surfing documentaries out there. It follows a family of surfers as they explore different global surf spots and immerse themselves in the culture of each region.

Another solid 8/10. This surfing documentary can be a tad samey at times but the breathtaking cinematography was enough to make it a completely immersive watch.

Memorable quote – “The ocean connects us all, regardless of language or culture.”

Length – 1h 15m

2. Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019) – 8/10

“Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable” is an incredible documentary about champion surfer and inspirational figure Bethany Hamilton. Known for overcoming adversity, which includes a serious shark attack amongst other things.

My score of 8/10 reflects the intimate portrayal of Hamilton’s resilience and determination, alongside some breathtaking surfing footage. While it lacks depth at points, its motivational message make it an uplifting surfing documentary.

Memorable quote – “I don’t need easy, I just need possible.”

Length – 1h 39m

3. White Rhino (2019) – 8/10

“White Rhino” follows professional surfer Jake Burghart as he explores the world’s biggest waves and most dangerous surf spots. It showcases the fearless approach to big wave surfing and lifestyle of extreme athletes.

Burghart’s charismatic presence along with some crazy good cinematography make this a hearty 8/10. While it offers limited insights into Burghart’s own life, it’s a memorable film and a great big wave watch.

Memorable quote – “Every wave has its own personality; you have to respect its power.”

Length – 1h 4m

4. Storm Surfers 3D (2012) – 7/10

“Storm Surfers 3D” is on the same lines as “White Rhino”. It follows a couple of Aussies (Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones) on their quest to ride the world’s most challenging waves. More fantastic cinematography and an immersive experience await those who tune into this top notch surfing doc.

Given this one a score of 7/10 as I enjoyed White Rhino slightly more. However, it still offers a tonne of must see shots for surf enthusiasts and it’s especially good for fans of extreme big wave surfing.

Memorable quote – “Big wave surfing is about pushing your limits and finding out what you’re truly capable of.”

Length – 1h 35m

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Recent bangers

1. Resurface (2021) – 9/10

“Resurface” may be one of the shortest surfing documentaries in recent years but it’s certainly one of the most profound. It explores surfing as a form of therapy for military veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues.

Easy 9/10 given the powerful storytelling of the veterans’ journeys, and surfings impact on their physical and emotional well-being. The film does a great job of highlighting the healing potential of nature and community. This makes it a must-watch documentary alongside whatever else you pick, it’s ok it’s not too long.

Memorable quote – “Every wave I catch is a small victory, a reminder that I’m stronger than my struggles.”

Length – 27m

2. Girls Can’t Surf (2021) – 8/10

“Girls Can’t Surf” is an untold story of female surfers who fought against sexism to pave the way for gender equality in surfing. It’s another eye opening surfing documentary that shows how surfing can have positive impacts on things bigger than itself.

Another 8/10 is a reflection of this docs engaging storytelling, archival footage, and interviews with pioneering women surfers.

Memorable quote – “We didn’t wait for permission to surf; we paddled out and claimed our rightful place in the lineup.”

Length – 1h 48m

3. Minds in the Water (2022) – 9/10

“Minds in the Water” follows professional surfer Dave Rastovich as he becomes an advocate for marine conservation.

With the breathtaking footage of marine life alongside Dave’s surfing adventures, I had to give this one a 9/10. Its call to action make this a must-watch for anyone passionate about protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems.

Memorable quote – “The beauty of the ocean lies not only in its waves but in the life it sustains beneath the surface.”

Length – 1h 30m

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Summary

And that is that, hopefully this ‘Ultimate List of Surfing Documentaries To Watch in 2026’ has got the juices flowing.

If I were to pick one from this long list of illustrious surfing documentaries, I’d pick Riding Giants. With the range and breadth of surfing content these days however, there really is something for everyone.

If you have any further questions on the list itself or even better, any recommendations for surfing documentaries not included here, let me know in the comments below!

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Next read: ‘Northcore Beach Basha Pro Review’

The original Ultimate List of Surfing Documentaries To Watch in 2026 post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Welcome dude and dudettes, in today’s blog post we’re going to be taking at look at the ‘Best Foods To Eat Before & After Surfing’.

Believe it or not, your pre-surf and post-surf meals can have a big impact on both your session and how well you recover. If you’ve never thought much about your pre and post surf food, this blog post might be of value.

Here’s a rundown of the areas we’ll be covering…

1. When Should You Eat Before Surfing?
2. Best Pre-Surf Meals & Snacks
3. When Should You Eat After Surfing?
4. Best Post-Surf Meals & Snacks
5. Additional Tips
6. Foods To Avoid

Let’s get started!

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1. When Should You Eat Before Surfing?

So, you might have heard an age old myth about going into the sea after eating.

This ‘rule’ was originally published in the ‘Scouts Handbook’ in 1908. Although it’s basically been debunked over the years, timing can still have an impact on comfort levels.

So, how long should you leave it between your sarnie and your surf? My personal timings are...

• For a meal, 2-hours before
• For snacks, 15-20 mins before

Like I mentioned above, it’s more about comfort than the ‘potential drowning’ warning given out over 100-years ago. The times outlined above are what I’ve found work best for me, you might be different. If you don’t know how long to leave it, try the timings above.

In my experience, these gaps give my body time to digest. This extra time helps limit indigestion, bloating and stitches whilst surfing.

2. Best Pre-Surf Meals & Snacks

So what are the best things to eat before a surf session and why?

Well to explain this in the best way, I’m also going to be using a nutritional index known as the Glycemic Index (GI). This helps us identify what food makes a great ‘Meal’ before a surf and what food makes a great ‘Snack’ before a surf.

I promise it’s interesting, so just stick with me for now.

2.1 The Glycemic Index

What is the Glycemic Index (GI) and what does it tell us?

In short, the GI is a measure of how quickly different types of food cause our blood sugar levels to rise. The index ranks food on a scale of 0-100. The higher the score on the index, the quicker that food is digested, which in turn, raises our blood sugar levels faster.

Here are some examples of food with their scores…

The Glycemic Index (GI)

So a trusty banana with a score of (54) is digested much quicker than tomatoes which have a score of (15). In this scenario, the banana makes a much better pre-surf snack (as it raises blood sugar levels quickly) and the tomatoes make a great addition to a pre-surf meal (as it raises blood sugar levels more gradually).

Now that we understand the GI, the next bit is all about those perfect pre-surf meal and snack combo’s to get you fuelled!

2.2 Healthy Pre-Surf Meals (Breakfast & Lunch)

• Whole-grain cereal with Greek yogurt and fruit
• Avocado on whole-grain toast topped with a poached egg
• Bowl of oatmeal and a fruit and yogurt smoothie

• Egg and vegetable omelet on whole-grain toast
• Chicken or turkey, brown rice and roasted vegetables
• Creamy tuna pasta with sweetcorn

2.3 Quick Pre-Surf Snacks

• Water to fully hydrate
• Banana and a handful of trail mix
• Apple and peanut butter bites
• Handful of jelly sweets

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3. When Should You Eat After Surfing?

When is comes to your post surfing food, it’s all about refuelling your body.

For me, after a two hour surf sesh I’m pretty ravenous so I make sure to have a snack pretty much straight after getting out. How quickly should you eat after your surf? These are less strict than the pre-surf timings but my personal timings are...

• For snacks, 5-20 mins after
• For a meal, 1-hour after

It makes sense to give your body something to feed on in that first 20 minutes after exercise. A perfect post-surf snack should also have a decent amount of protein to help repair any damage done during the session.

After your snack you’ll want to start thinking about a meal to fully refill. Most of the time for me if that meal isn’t lunch it’ll be dinner (depending on when I’m surfing of course).

4. Best Post-Surf Meals & Snacks

So what are the best things to eat after a surf session and why?

For this bit we don’t have to focus so much on the Glycemic Index (GI) as we’re not as worried about discomfort during exercise. The best post-surf meals and snacks are more about refuelling the tank whilst helping with the muscle fibre repair process.

Here are some of the best post-surf snacks and meals that do just that…

4.1 Quick Post-Surf Snacks

• Water to fully re-hydrate
• Rice crackers with a topping of peanut butter and banana slices
• Protein shake and an extra banana
• Pita dipped in hummus with a boiled egg

4.2 Well Earned Post-Surf Meals (Lunch & Dinner)

• Scrambled egg on whole-grain toast
• Turkey, lettuce and avocado whole-grain wrap
• Fruit yogurt smoothie

• Salmon with sweet potato and greens
• Chicken, whole-grain rice and steamed veggies
• Turkey burger with a side salad

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5. Additional Tips

One of the most important elements of this ‘Best Foods To Eat Before & After Surfing’ question is hydration.

Staying properly hydrated whilst surfing can have huge positive impacts on how well your energy levels are maintained during a sesh. Being surrounded by water makes it harder to notice, but in a two hour session as much as 1-3 litres of water can be lost.

With such a large amount of water escaping when we breathe and sweat, it’s not surprising that energy levels decline as times goes on.

Hydration is key

The best way to try and combat this is to make sure you’re properly hydrated before you head into the water. So, if you’ve had a few drinks the night before and are a bit hungover, don’t expect anything in terms of energy levels.

The second thing you can do is re-hydrate yourself half way through your session. If you’re planning on surfing for two hours then grab a quick drink of water (or even better a sports electrolyte drink) after the first hour. Honestly try it, you’ll be surprised how big of an impact it has.

6. Foods To Avoid

Along with all of the ‘Best Foods To Eat Before & After Surfing’ info above, there are also foods that you should definitely avoid before surfing. It’s a fairly short list but hopefully an obvious one.

• Alcohol
• Excess caffeine
• Mega spicy food
• High-fat foods

Once you’ve finished your surf however, the list above opens up completely (Yes, they may not be the healthiest options, but in all honesty I will always struggle to say no to a Maccy D’s on the way home from the coast).

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Summary

And that my watery friends is pretty much that. Everything you’ll ever need to know about diet and exercise along with the ‘Best Foods To Eat Before & After Surfing’.

I’m hoping you all found this useful and may start to introduce some of the advice into your surfing routine. If you have any cheat meals or secret snacks for before or after a surf, I’d love to hear about them 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: ‘Quick & Easy, Pre-Surf Warm-Up’

The original Best Foods To Eat Before & After Surfing post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Welcome surfing friend, in today’s blog post I’ll be taking you through my ‘Quick & Easy, Pre-Surf Warm-Up’.

This post is all about loosening up those body parts before heading into the waves. The majority of stretches are core stretches, but there are some ‘extra‘ stretches available if you want to do a bit more.

Here’s a breakdown of the content…

1. Neck Stretch
2. Shoulder Rotations & Stretch
3. Tricep Stretch (Extra)
4. Chest Stretch
5. Hip Rotations & Stretch
6. Quadricep Stretch
7. Calf Stretch (Extra)
8. Hamstring Stretch
9. Ankle Rolls (Extra)
10. Back Stretch
11. Baby Cobra & Child Pose (Extra)

Let’s get started!

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Upper Body Warm-Up

Let’s start this Quick & Easy, Pre-Surf Warm-Up with our upper body stretching.

All of these can be done standing up.

1. Neck Stretch

We use our necks a lot whilst surfing, so we want to make sure the muscles are lengthened before heading out.

• Here we just want to gently tilt the head left to right, back to front and side to side.
• Hold each head tilt for 5-8 seconds.

Neck Stretch

2. Shoulder Rotations & Stretch

Next, let’s warm-up our shoulders and arms.

These are obviously super important in surfing as they provide the propulsion whilst paddling.

• Best way to do this is with some shoulder rotations. I usually do this one arm at a time, doing rotations forward and then backward.
• Rotate each arm three times forward and the same backward.

Shoulder Rotations

Once you’ve done that, the next thing is to give those shoulder muscles a good stretch.

• Most people are familiar with this stretch as it’s great for lengthening the deltoid and latissimus dorsi muscles.
• For extra points, look the opposite way while you’re stretching.
• Hold this stretch on each side for 5-8 seconds.

Shoulder Stretch

3. Tricep Stretch (Extra)

If you fancied an extra arm stretch this one is a good one.

• It helps stretch out your triceps, which are used during your pop-up.
• Hold this stretch on each side for 5-8 seconds.

Tricep Stretch (Extra)

4. Chest Stretch

Our last warm-up exercise for this upper body section is a simple chest stretch.

Our chest muscles are fundamental to a good pop-up (amongst other things) whilst surfing.

• This stretch is a great way to help wake up those pectoral muscles. I usually repeat them laterally (like in the image below) and then diagonally.
• Keep this movement up for 15-20 seconds.

Chest Stretch

Lower Body Warm-Up

Now, let’s move this Quick & Easy, Pre-Surf Warm-Up onto the lower half.

All stretches (except the hip rotations) in this section can be done on your knees or bum.

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1. Hip Rotations & Stretch

Let’s start by warming up the hips.

Our hips are the foundation a lot of surfing movements stem from. So, it’s really important to give them a good stretch before heading into the waves.

• These rotations are super easy to do. The movement also helps loosen up the lower back and is great for that fast pop-up.
• Start with small slow twists and gradually get faster.
• Keep this movement up for 20-30 seconds.

Hip Rotations

Once you’ve finished your hip rotations, it’s time to stretch them out.

This next hip stretch is my personal favourite and in my opinion, the best pre-surf warm-up stretch on this list.

• It’s called a lunging hip flexor stretch and is perfect for a surfing warm-up. It mimics a pop up stance so is another great one for this quick warm-up.
• I tend to pulse backwards and forwards a bit on each leg whilst doing this one.
• Hold this stretch on each side for 10-15 seconds.

Hip Stretch

2. Quadricep Stretch

This lower body stretch focuses on the quadriceps.

This is another popular one as it helps warm up some of the biggest muscle groups in our body.

• The version shown below is ideal for surfing as it also incorporates the previous hip flexor stretch.
• Hold this stretch on each side for 5-8 seconds.

Quadricep Stretch

3. Calf Stretch (Extra)

The second of our leg stretches is an optional extra.

Although we don’t use our calf muscles that much whilst surfing, it’s an easy and familiar stretch for most.

• This stretch not only fits well in the current sequence, but it also helps stretch out the achilles tendons at the back of the ankle.
• Hold this stretch on each side for 5-8 seconds.

Calf Stretch (Extra)

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4. Hamstring Stretch

Our final leg warm-up is all about our hamstrings.

These are super important for a quick and stable pop-up, so it’s essential we warm these up properly.

• This is another familiar stretch to most and it’s particular good as this version helps open up those hips at the same time.
• Hold this stretch on each side for 5-8 seconds.

Hamstring Stretch

5. Ankle Rolls (Extra)

I always like to finish off my leg stretches with some ankle rolls.

These are optional extras but as someone with bad ankles, I always make sure to do these before any exercise.

• The image below is a good example of how to do ankle rolls correctly.
• Do 3-5 full rotations (both directions) on each ankle.

Ankle Rolls (Extra)

6. Back Stretch

This next stretch is really important as it’s all about those back muscles.

This one is a bit more yoga but it’s great before a surf if you’ve ever had back issues.

• Known as Cat Cow in the yoga world, this stretch is a great way to improve posture and balance whilst lengthening the spine.
• Move between the poses slowly and alternate between the two for 30-45 seconds.

Cat Cow Pose

7. Baby Cobra & Child Pose (Extra)

Here are two additional yoga poses for those wanting a bit more.

The first is called the baby cobra, it’s super easy and imitates the moments before popping up whilst surfing.

• This first one is a great way to improve spinal flexibility and mobility, both are important for surfing.
• Try and hold this pose for 10-15 seconds.

Baby Cobra (Extra)

The second pose is called the child pose.

This is another favourite of mine as it’s about relaxing almost all of your muscles, rather then stretching them.

• This pose also gives a great stretch to the hips and shoulders, so is perfect for a pre-surf warm-up.
• Hold this pose for 20-30 seconds.

Child Pose (Extra)

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Summary

Annnnnnd you’re done!

Hopefully this ‘Quick & Easy, Pre-Surf Warm-Up’ post has given you some ideas for your own pre-surf warm-up routine. There were loads of other stretches and movements I could have included, but have tried to keep it short and sweet!

In my experience, a pre-surf warm-up takes a bit of time to perfect but they certainly help reduce the chance of injury. If you’ve got any other stretches that you think should be included, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

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: ’10 Tips To Help Your Wetsuit Live Longer’

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The original Quick & Easy, Pre-Surf Warm-Up post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Welcome to today’s blog post and it’s a good’n… ’10 Tips To Help Your Wetsuit Live Longer’.

In this post I’ll be sharing my top 10 tips that will help extend the life of your wetsuit. Some are fairly well known, you may even be doing a few already… but they’ll all help make your wetsuit last longer!

Here’s a breakdown of the content…

1. Protection From Below
2. Take Time Off, Literally
3. Slow & Steady
4. Wax On…Wax Off
5. Wetsuit Shampoo Is A Thing
6. Vampires & Wetsuits
7. The Ultimate Flex
8. Hips Don’t Lie
9. Hang Time
10. No Machines Allowed

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

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1. Protection From Below

My first top tip that will help your wetsuit last longer is about wetsuit changing mats. These things are not only a great surfing accessory, they also offer decent protection when changing in and out of your wetsuit.

The idea is that you place it on the floor, then step into it when putting your wetsuit on or taking it off. This stops your wetsuit from being obliterated by whatever gravel, asphalt or mud you’d otherwise be changing on.

Of course, Osprey have created a top notch wetsuit changing mat for just the occasion. I’ve used a very similar Northcore product on a shed load of surfaces that I’m sure would have damaged my wetsuit if I didn’t have it.

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

2. Take Time Off, Literally

My second tip to help keep a wetsuit in top shape is really simple… remove any sharp accessories when changing into or out of your wetsuit.

Watches and rings not only make it difficult to get a wetsuit on and off, but also scrape and damage the inside.

If you still need these whilst surfing (like a watch), you can always put them back on after getting into your wetsuit.

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3. Slow & Steady

The third tip is all about wetsuit zips, don’t force ’em.

Obviously this only applies to wetsuits with a zip, but as that’s most of us I thought I’d share it. Without the humble wetsuit zip our wetsuits would literally not keep us warm.

These awesome little things are what stand between our lovely warm bods and that freezing UK water. So, don’t force it and only pull in the direction you want the zip to go – try not to pull it at an angle.

If you look after your wetsuit zip, your wetsuit zip will look after you.

4. Wax On…Wax Off

Tip number four is about that pesky surfboard wax.

When surfing it’s pretty common for surfboard wax to get stuck to your wetsuit, especially the torso area. This normally happens after applying a fresh coat of wax to your surfboard and some bits just get stuck.

The key point here is to avoid scrubbing off any surfboard wax that makes it onto your wetsuit. The scrubbing off process will do more damage than good and you’ll only get more wax on your wetsuit the next time you apply new wax to your surfboard.

5. Wetsuit Shampoo Is A Thing

Now for some tips for when you’ve finished your sesh… tip number five is about the myth, the legend – wetsuit shampoo.

Although it seems like a bit of a gimmick, wetsuit shampoo does work and does lengthen your wetsuits life. I’ve used a number of wetsuit shampoos in my time and each offered a unique feature that has helped my wetsuit last longer.

The surfing gift is another personal favourite of mine and also a brilliant wetsuit cleaner and deodouriser by Dirtbusters. This eco friendly wetsuit cleaner uses eucalyptus to help remove any unwanted smells from your wetsuit.

Here’s a breakdown of the wetsuit shampoos I’ve reviewed and their best feature;

• O’Neill Wetsuit Shampoo & Conditioner Review – Best overall
• Dirtbusters Coco Loco Cleaner & Deodoriser Review – Great at removing smells
• Rip Curl’s ‘Piss Off’ Wetsuit Shampoo – Offers the best wetsuit protection

This is a really easy tip to adopt if you already rinse your wetsuit after a surf… just add some shampoo.

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6. Vampires & Wetsuits

Another tip for when you’re out of the water and it’s probably the most common mistake I see – don’t dry your wetsuit in direct sunlight.

Unfortunately, our humble wetsuits (similar to a humble vampire) don’t like direct sunlight. In the same way sunlight damages and ages our skin, that same effect applies to our wetsuits. Both of the sun’s UVA and more potent UVB rays reduce a wetsuit’s flexibility, durability and generally speeds up the wear and tear of the material.

However, if you still can’t help yourself – turn your wetsuit inside out to reduce some of the effect. 

7. The Ultimate Flex

This next tip is one of my favourites and one I’ve literally just mentioned… dry your wetsuit inside out.

Although it might not seem that important, there are two great reasons to turn your wetsuit inside out to dry.

The first and most obvious is that the inside of your wetsuit will dry much faster than the outside. There’s nothing worse than waking up for a dawny on day two of your surfing weekend and having to put on a damp wetsuit.

The second and most important reason to help keep your wetsuit in its best condition, is that it helps maintain flexibility. By turning your wetsuit inside out to dry, you’ll ensure your wetsuit doesn’t lose any of that all important flex when surfing.

8. Hips Don’t Lie

Tip number eight is super easy… when drying your wetsuit, fold it at the waist. Again, there’s two proper good reasons to do this that will help your wetsuit live longer.

The first is that it will help your wetsuit dry faster compared to hanging it up by the shoulders. The reason for this is that the water inside the material only has to travel half the distance to drip out the end.

The second good reason is that wetsuits can be mega heavy when wet, especially the winter ones. If you hang up a wet winter wetsuit by the shoulders, the material at the shoulder will stretch. This isn’t great for the wetsuit and will eventually speed up the wear and tear of the material in the shoulder area.

To help you with this tip, C-Monsta have recently come out with their V2 wetsuit hanger. This is a purpose built wetsuit hanger with a load of additions to keep your wetsuit in top shape. It’s very well reviewed by the surfing community and is a great addition to the surfing accessory bag.

The perfect gift for anyone who’s tried to hang up their soaking wet 5/6mm Winter wetsuit on a normal hanger, which has then snapped. People, this is THE wetsuit hanger you need to own, you only need to buy it once and it will last a lifetime.

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9. Hang Time

My penultimate tip on this list is all about storing your dry wetsuit… here’s a couple of things to avoid.

The first is to avoid folding it up. The folds will create creasing along the wetsuits material and these creases can be permanent if left long enough.

The second thing is to avoid storing your wetsuit anywhere that gets hot or is in direct sunlight. As mentioned previously, wetsuit’s don’t really like direct sunlight and get damaged by excessive heat. So, if you currently store your wetsuit in the back of a hot car or in a bag in a hot garage for most of the Summer – have a rethink.

The best storage solution that fixes both issues is to hang your wetsuit up by the shoulders using a wide / heavy duty hanger in a wardrobe. This stops any creases evolving whilst keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

The best bit though? Being reminded every time you get dressed in the morning to go surfing.

10. No Machines Allowed

My final tip is probably the most important on this list if you want to keep your wetsuit alive as long as possible.

Do not put your wetsuit in a washing machine or tumble dryer. Likewise, if you decided to fold it for storage… do not use an iron to try and get rid of any creases.

Excessive heat is the only thing that can seriously fudge up a wetsuit. It reduces a wetsuit’s flexibility, lowers a wetsuit’s buoyancy and ruins any stitching that uses glue. In the most extreme cases, excessive heat can actually melt neoprene.

It’s probably also worth mentioning that sand and grit can definitely break a washing machine or tumble dryer overtime.

So to end on a really cheery note, no machines allowed.

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Summary

Well guys and girls, that’s my top ’10 Tips To Help Your Wetsuit Live Longer’. I hope you’ve found it useful, these tips will definitely help your wetsuit last a bit longer.

If I had to pick my top three tips it would be; ‘Wetsuit Shampoo Is A Thing’, ‘Vampires & Wetsuits’ and ‘Ultimate Flex’. But ultimately, the more things you do from this list the longer your wetsuit will stay in its best condition.

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: ‘Aquapac 25L Wet & Dry Backpack Review’

The original 10 Tips To Help Your Wetsuit Live Longer post was created on The Wave Shack

Intro

Hola surfing amigos, in this blog post we’ll be exploring ‘How To Safely Wipeout When Surfing’.

Now, ‘wiping out’ can be a bit sketchy the first few times, especially for beginners. In this post I explain what to do before, during and after a wipeout to stay safe. I’ve also got some useful tips to finish off, here’s a full rundown…

1. Before You Wipeout
2. As You’re Wiping Out
3. After You’ve Wiped Out
4. Tips To Build Water Confidence

It’s a really useful read, let’s get started!

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1. Before You Wipeout

So, there are a few things you can do before getting in the sea. These things should help you feel more prepared and improve your safety whilst ‘wiping out’.

Some of these are fairly obvious, some require a bit of forward thinking and some just make good sense.

• Understanding surfing etiquette – There’s no rulebook when it comes to surfing, but understanding surfing etiquette can help you navigate surfing situations in the proper way. If you’re unaware, go check out my ‘7 Rules of Surfing Etiquette’ – along with some childish drawings.
• Pack a spare first aid kit – Easy thing to do and just makes good sense. Have it in the car, surfboard bag or your beach backpack.
• Know what to do in an emergency – Not everyone knows how to signal the coastguard, so here’s how… If you’re in a spot of trouble whilst surfing, raise your right arm and wave towards the coastguard.
• Be aware of the location – Are there any rocks or areas that should be avoided at certain times in the day? If you’re surfing somewhere new, ask the local coastguard. If nobody’s about, be brave and ask the locals.
• Be mindful of the conditions – The most common beginner mistake is surfing in conditions beyond their ability. Surf in conditions you can handle, it’s safer and much more fun.
• Watch the waves – Before heading in, take a few minutes to watch the waves. I do this whilst stretching and it gives me a good idea of what to expect.
• Tie yourself in – Double check your surfboard leash is properly connected. The last thing we want is a rogue surfboard floating about.
• Watch out for other surfers – Once amongst it, get a feel for the surfers around you (but obvs don’t actually touch them). You want to give yourself and them enough space incase wipeouts happen – they probs will.

2. As You’re Wiping Out

Now onto actually ‘wiping out’ and how to do it properly so you stay safe.

• Fall the right way – As you wipeout, try and fall to the side or back of your surfboard.
• Give your surfboard a nudge – If you can, gently nudge your surfboard away from you as you fall. This will reduce the chance of it being near you when you’re under the water.
• Bum first – The best and safest way to enter the water is bum first, never head first.
• Take a breath – As you fall, take a quick breath in and be prepared to be under the water for a few seconds (this is the sketchy bit).
• Protect yourself – Whilst under the water, cover your head and face using your arms. This will protect you from any unwanted encounters with your surfboard.
• Tuck your legs in – You’ll also want to tuck your legs in to make yourself as small as possible whilst under the water.
• Surface cautiously – If you’re not sure where your surfboard is, be careful when you surface – your surfboard may be directly above you.

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3. After You’ve Wiped Out

Once you’ve survived your wipeout, here are some more useful tips to help you recover.

• Stand up – If you’re within your depth, stand up. It will feel good to be on solid ground so you can get your balance and breath back.
• Locate your surfboard – Find your surfboard and get it under control – once under control it’s no longer a danger to others.
• Take a moment – If you experience a particularly bad wipeout (AKA you’re a bit freaked out), head towards shore and take a moment to chill.
• Reflect  – After you wipeout, try and think about what you could improve to reduce the chances of it happening again.

4. Tips To Build Water Confidence

For some, water confidence comes naturally – but that isn’t the case for all. For those who need a bit more reassurance, there are a handful of useful tricks that can help build confidence, no matter a surfer’s age.

Here is a very quick list of tips and exercises to try out when surfing. Some of these are easier than others, some don’t even require surf gear – but all should help you build confidence whilst amongst the waves.

• Surf with a friend – Not only is this safer, shouting “Party wave” never gets boring.
• Spend more time in water – Like most things, the more you do it the less scary it becomes – take every opportunity to dip your toes in.
• Eyewear can help – As un-cool as goggles are, they can certainly help build confidence in water – it’s more cool to not care what others think.
• No surfboard needed – Go under a few waves without your surfboard and try and stay as calm as possible. This should help you get used to the feeling of waves passing over you.
• Float around – If there’s no waves, float on your back like a starfish for as long as you can whilst staying calm. It will help you control your breathing and reduce the level of panic.
• Bubbles – One final exercise is to dunk your head underwater and blow bubbles (you can even try humming your favourite tune). As childish as this may sound it’s a proven way to improve aquatic breathing.

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Summary

Well, I hope you guys have found this ‘How To Safely Wipeout When Surfing’ post helpful.

As with all things, being more comfortable when ‘wiping out’ takes time but the above should help keep you safe. The little list of tips and exercises are also a great way to build water confidence – so if that’s a concern try some of them out on your next trip.

Be great to here what you all think in the comments, and if there are any other topics you’d like covered – let me know. This blog post idea actually came from a conversation with a follower on Instagram, which I think is pretty cool.

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: ‘How To Remove GoPro Surfboard Mount’

The original How To Safely Wipeout When Surfing post was created on The Wave Shack