It has been well documented, that open water swimming and cold water swimming have health benefits, both physical and mental, but I believe the social benefits go well beyond just this.
What are the main health benefits to open water swimming?
1. Mental health - helping with anxiety & depression
In a world where we are constantly facing pressures from every angle and society expecting more and more, it’s not surprising that in 2022/23 the mental health foundation reported that 37.1% of Women and 29.9% of men suffer from high levels of anxiety.
Open water swimming allows you to take time for you!. Away from technology and the distractions of life, to give us a chance to try and process some of it and help relieve some of those feelings of anxiety and depression. This is why so many people are plunging into the water for their fix of mood-enhancing endorphins.
If the endorphins aren’t enough open water swimming can also increase the amount of prolactin in your body which can enhance the quality of your sleep.
Open water swimming is not something that has to be enjoyed solo, although I do love the tranquillity when I do. Gone are the days of traditional coffee mornings - walk along any beach in Scotland and you will see groups of heads bobbing up and down in the water, and the faint murmur of gossip and group therapy. Gathering with friends to enjoy the moment together – another huge benefit to mental health.
I found the following article of people sharing their life changing moments after discovering open water swimming a resounding endorsement of the practice.
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/fitness/workouts/a40638963/open-water-swimming-benefits/
2. Physical health
I love swimming as an exercise. It provides health benefits at any level. It is a great cardo workout in its own right or to aid muscle recovery from other physical training.
Additionally, as I continue my journey through life and discover the aches, pains and general wear and tear to my body creeping up on me I appreciate how accessible swimming is even when carrying a few ‘old age’ injuries! It is truly a sport that can keep you fit at any age.
But there is more to wild swimming than just this…
As well as the obvious health benefits all exercise has, cold water swimming has added powers up its sleeve. Having been brought up and still living in the north of Scotland I am no stranger to a cold water wild swimming experience. I’ve always loved the exhilarating feeling you get from plunging into cold water – but it is only recently I have discovered just how good it is for me. Having been given “The Wim Holf method” book for Christmas have become a big fan of Wim Holf and the benefits of cold water immersion to our immune system, vascular system, and therefore our heart. If you haven’t read it – read it!
3. Environmental benefits
Exploring the outdoors, appreciating nature, learning about the environment around us, and getting into the sea, rivers, lochs helps us to understand the Environmental impact our day to day lives have on it.
The final benefit, something less discussed, is not just for the individual but for the environment. The more we interact with nature and appreciate and explore the wild places we live the more we are aware of the environmental impact we have and how precious the world is. Without necessarily a conscious thought we become more mindful of our environment the more we play in it.
Advisor for the Environmental agency, Catherine Kelly is not only an advocate for wild swimming but for protecting our blue spaces. Her blog link and the blue planet society make for interesting reading.
https://www.blueplanetsociety.org/ocean-wellbeing-human-wellbeing-blue-space-matters/
So if you weren’t sure what all the fuss was about with open water swimming before, hopefully I’ve convinced you to give it a go whether it be to enjoy the mental & physical health benefits or to appreciate and explore the world you live in, get out there and enjoy life!
Make it easier with c-monsta
]]>
The best gift for a surfer really depend on what stage of surfing they are at, where they surf and how often they surf. Here are a few ideas which we think would go down well with most surfers who surf in the UK and the US.
1/ c-monsta wetsuit hanger! C-monsta wetsuit hangers are great because they not only benefit the surfer but their kit then lands on a hanger rather than stinking out the shower tray for days on end – so benefits everyone they live with! The other benefit is that the surfers wetsuit, boots and gloves will last longer, having a long term benefit – saving them time, money and helping the environment.
We like the c-monsta because it takes boots and gloves, is made from recycled plastic, comes in a nice presentation box, and is a fun gift!
2/ Surfboard. If you ask any surfer what their ultimate gift might be – it is probably going to be a surfboard! They are not cheap though and best to consult the surfer to check that they are getting the board that they want. If you want to surprise them then use a local shaper who knows the surfer well.
https://fourthsurfboards.com/
3/ Changing Robe. Dryrobes have been on the go for ages now and proved their worth for everyone who loves surfing or any other cold water sport.
https://dryrobe.com/
4/ Surfboard leash. A fairly affordable gift and there are some nicely designed ones out there.
https://surffcs.co.uk/collections/leashes
5/ Surf Watch. There are some awesome watches out there which have superb functions like tide times for local spots. Check Garmin and Apple for their efforts to help surfers out. The apple watch has proved popular with the WSL so you can get time updates on surf heats.
https://www.apple.com/uk/watch/
6/ Action camera. Everyone wants the POV shot of themselves in a tube – get going with a GoPro with a mouth mount to be like Nathan Florence! Please do not complain to me if your footage looks nothing like that though!
https://gopro.com/en/gb/
7/ Wax. Get your friend a block of wax if you’re looking for a cheap stocking filler type gift for a surfer. Remember to look out for the wax that is the right temperature for the place where the person surfs.
https://www.sexwax.com/
8/ Wetsuit. Wetsuits come in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. Make sure that the person you are buying for knows what size you are getting them though because different brands have different fits.
https://uk.oneill.com/collections/wetsuits
9/ Wetsuit boots. Perfect gift for the cold water surfer. Check out Solite for their unique take on wetsuit boots. They also last for years which makes them a good eco - choice!
10/ Surfboard bag. Surfboard bags are a really nice gift for anyone who surfs. From very thin bags to the thickest of travel bags you are sure to find one that will suit the recipient!
https://bulldogsurf.com/collections/board-bags
Whether it is a gift for mothers day, fathers day, Christmas, a birthday or simply to say you love the recipient, there is hopefully something in here for you!
]]>c-monsta is a super handy wetsuit hanger to take on holiday, not just for your wetsuit, boots and gloves but you can use it for a towel, beach shoes, socks, pants or anything else you want to hang or dry.
The main plastic part is just a bit less than 60cm wide, a bit less than 30cm tall and just under 2cm thick.
c-monstas pack nicely between towels or clothes. They are flexible enough to bend a bit but strong enough that they will not break.
An essential for any watersports trip!
I made a video to show some bags that the c-monsta will fit into.
https://youtu.be/KR7r7usCcxI
c-monstas were designed for cold water surfers but it turns out that everyone who wants their kit dried and stored neatly finds a c-monsta handy. They are super sturdy and their versatility makes them handy for just about anyone who wants to keep their kit together and drying nicely.
The great thing is that they not only benefit the recipient but they also benefit everyone in the house because the wet kit no longer lingers in the tub or shower for days on end. By making it easy to look after kit it will also expand its lifespan saving money and time - the ultimate slippery customers!
Boots, gloves and any other bits and bobs can be hung from the top of the quirky looking critters and a wetsuit or towel can be hung from the generous sized bottom rail.
As loads of customers have said "you never knew you needed one until you have one, then you will never go without one again." Check the reviews on the c-monsta landing page. Nearly all 5 star reviews from our happy customers.
Keep it together with the c-monsta!
]]>
I needed a leash this winter. I have historically had loads of leashes, most have been at least okay and some have been utter shit. The main problems I have had with leashes are; the cord decides that under my foot is the place to be when I catch a decent wave, the leash is bought with kinks in it and no matter how much stretching pulling, hanging and other forms of torture it is subjected to it remains defiant in its kinkiness, the leg strap is too short because they are not designed to go round a leg with a wetsuit on, the leg strap mysteriously decides that it no longer wants to be round your leg and, sometimes a bit worryingly, they snap.
I decided to go for the top end because I kooked a few nice waves last year because my leash was under my foot. I don’t get that many really good waves which makes them precious moments so I decided to splash out. I went for the FCS Freedom and the FCS Freedom Helix. Both came in at £39.99. Here is a comparison.
After designing and manufacturing the c-monsta wetsuit hanger I have realised how much work must go into designing a product like this. A massive congratulations to everyone involved. They have taken a product and made it, from what I can see, as well as they possibly could. Even the stitching is beautifully done.
Just for ease of terminology I will refer to the Freedom Helix as the Helix and the original Freedom leash as the Freedom leash.
Here are the main points of difference:
Aesthetically the main difference is that the Helix has a more traditional looking cord and the original Freedom has a braided cord. Neither seemed to hold onto the form from their packaging and relaxed quite nicely. I would say that the original Freedom Leash looked straighter when hung from a line but both looked pretty good and that tangling would not be too much of an issue.
The connector at the leash plug end looks a little more beefy on the Helix and that is reflected in the wave size that they recommend it for 0-8 ft for the Helix and 0-6ft for the Freedom. I have read a few reviews on the original Freedom leash and it does sound like there were occasional issues with leashes snapping so, between that and the recommended wave size, already the Freedom leash is destined for my groveller.
The horn, the rubber connector between the cuff and the cord is quite stiff and extended on the Freedom leash but is shorter and more flexible on the Helix. I think this is in alignment with the Freedom being better for smaller waves. I imagine if the board was being pulled hard backwards and the horn was coming out at a right angle to my leg then it might be quite uncomfortable. That sounds like I’m talking about something else.
Really nice looking cuff. They both have a grippy print on the inside with an appropriate amount of neoprene padding, the Velcro looks good and like it will last, the pull tab feels strong and is nicely moulded with a bit of detailing on it.
I was disappointed that they had not made the leash string with a wee plastic tab to push it through the leash plug. When I have cold hands getting the string through the hole is like trying to push an uncooked sausage through a letterbox.
The Test
They both did their jobs well but which is better, the FCS Freedom or the FCS Freedom Helix? Neither had any tangling, no boa constrictor activity, very light and little drag. In fact when I was using them they just felt normal and natural. I think good design is like that. It makes your life a bit better but it just becomes a part of your life without you really noticing it.
Once again the original Freedom leash was allocated for the groveller because the cord was a bit rough on my hand when pulling the board back toward me. It didn’t cut or anything but I was aware of it and I didn’t get the same feeling from the Helix. I wouldn’t fancy getting that cord between my toes either.
Conclusion
I think they are very nicely designed and a lot of thought has gone into them. The original Freedom is ideal for smaller days. The Helix is the revised version of the Freedom leash and they seem to have made some good improvements and seems like a great choice for a standard shortboard. A little steep but both products, from their marketing, to their packaging and attention to detail, are very much premium and if you want nice design, they are worth it.
]]>Warmth - it’s what it’s all about, a fleecy lining to keep you cozy!
Style - As well as keeping you warm it’s also a portable changing room- so it has to provide enough room for you to wriggle around in it and come out fully dressed at the other end, without a stray boob or butt-cheek being exposed to the elements.
Recycled - There are many different recycled options – they’re out there so why wouldn’t you buy a recycled one?
The hood - A well fitting hood, adjustable allowing space for a hat underneath.
The Zips - Robust zip, with reversible tags that are easy to use with cold fingers.
Waterproof - Because we want to be able to adventure in any weather.
Pockets - Somewhere to keep your valuables (undies) and your cold hands.
Storage - They are a bulky bit of kit so having a compact bag or strap to be able to pack it away neatly is always a bonus.
I love being in the open water regardless of whether I am swimming, body surfing, surfing or just pottering about on a SUP. Swimming outside has always been part of my life. Growing up by the sea in the north of Scotland, it was just something we always did. Although, as kids the winter months were never really a consideration and, to be honest, without the gear these days I’m not sure I’d be so quick to get straight in. One of the newest additions to my winter (and lets face it, year round in Scotland) cold water collection is my Gorilla robe.
Why do I love my gorilla robe?
The first thing that caught my eye was that it was made from recycled plastic, then the price - way cheaper compared to similar products.
When I first used it after a dip in the sea at the weekend I was totally hooked. Being cozy and warm in a changing robe are pretty standard but what I really loved was the ½ zip making it easy to put on and zip up with cold hands. There are zips at the bottom on both sides, making changing in the robe really easy. The comforting front pocket pouch to warm your hands up was an added bonus. I haven’t used a hot water bottle in it yet but I hear it can be done and I fully intend to test it out! So in summary I love my gorilla robe and will have it with me winter or summer on all my water adventures and probably camping ones too.
Thanks Gorilla robes - 5 stars!
Not to mention the ideal companion for my C-Monsta.
https://gorillarobes.com/
]]>
Background
In his spare time, Mark Yeadon, founding Director of c-monsta, is an avid surfer. It was during his surfing trips that Mark became frustrated about the lack of way to allow his surf kit to dry, keep it all together and transport in a convenient manner. This led to the development of an early-stage prototype of a wetsuit dryer, a form of hanger, shaped so that boots and gloves could be hung in an inverted position, allowing them to dry; with a further row that could also hold a wetsuit.
It just so happened that the shape Mark had created looked very much like a sea-monster, and so c-monsta was born!
Throughout the development stage, Mark produced several working prototypes, so he knew the concept was viable and that it functioned effectively.
Challenge
Mark was looking to work in collaboration with a university partner to develop the product further by enhancing the design, minimising the use of materials, and identifying the best possible materials that could be used in the manufacturing process. Design expertise was needed to make the product fully market ready.
Solution
After being referred by Business Gateway in Moray, Carol-Ann Adams from Interface successfully partnered Mark with Nick Bell from the Product Design Engineering Department at Glasgow School of Art (GSA).
The project focused on optimising the design by taking advantage of the product design skills, detailed materials knowledge, and extensive network of manufacturers that GSA has, to develop a design that would have great functionality and could be manufactured at a price point that would make the product commercially viable.
The collaboration was an immediate success, using GSA’s skills and the client’s network of surfers to develop a product that was viable for manufacture in Scotland. Glasgow School of Art has excellent facilities - including 3D Computer Aided Design software, 3D printing facilities and a full wood and metal workshop – all of which were utilised for this project.
This first stage project was funded by a Scottish Funding Council Standard Innovation Voucher.
Benefits
Company
The novel aspect of this product is the combination of features that allow the surfer or watersports enthusiast to air dry their wetsuit, boots and gloves effectively and without using electrical power. The geometry of the product allows the optimal positioning of the equipment - enabling water to drain out and to allow airflow to quickly dry the kit ready for the next session. By keeping the equipment dry, this design also extends its lifespan.
The added bonus is that the hanger keeps all the equipment organised and in one place – so the surfer should never forget a key item. There are no products on the market that have this combination of features and functionality.
The product has now been developed and sales have surpassed expectations, as more people have been taking up outdoor pursuits such as wild water swimming.
Scottish Economy
It is hoped that the manufacturing of the final product will be done in Scotland – building on links that both the client and GSA have with Scottish manufacturers and as part of GSA’s commitment to the reshoring of manufacturing jobs. The geometry and manufacturing processes employed will be selected so that recycled plastic material can be used where possible.
Testimonial
Working with Craig Robertson (Business Gateway), Carol-Ann Adams (Interface) and Nick Bell (GSA) has been a pleasure.”
“Throughout the project Nick has been enthusiastic, professional, proactive and knowledgeable. His communication has been clear and effective, and he is obviously passionate about product design.”
“This project has benefitted me in seeing how a product can be developed as well as bringing a product close to the point where it can go to market.” Mark Yeadon, Director, c-monsta
GSA expertise helped turn an idea formed in Moray into a profitable business, selling the product round the world at the height of an international pandemic.
Follow-on Activity
The company and academic then successfully applied for a Scottish Funding Council Student Placement Voucher to build on the solid foundation of the c-monsta product design. Callum Leitch, a student from GSA, worked with the company to refine the existing product architecture and materials to make it suitable for the needs of the snow sports market.
Benefits - Company
This follow-on project provided the company with a great opportunity to engage with the knowledge and expertise of the student and academic supervisor – reinforcing the links formed during the initial Innovation Voucher funded project. By utilising the student’s Project Design Engineering skillset, the company is hoping to penetrate new markets and increase sales.
Benefits – Academic
This provided an excellent opportunity for the student to see first-hand the real-world commercial value and application of the skills they had developed during their degree studies and allow them to produce invaluable content for their portfolio.
The project also provided the basis of an excellent case study for the Product Design Engineering (PDE) department at GSA, showing the current students the real-world application of the PDE skills and processes; taking an initial idea right through the development process, through sketches, prototypes, design reviews and ultimately to a manufactured product.
Students do not often get the opportunity to see projects make it to market, so these types of client projects are invaluable at highlighting the value of the skills they are learning. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to show the value of the teaching/research/enterprise linkages, reinforcing the links between the PDE academic staff and Scottish entrepreneurs.
]]>Well fitting
Good feel for the board
No toe rolling
Good water seal
Good seams
Warm
So, are Solite boots any good?
I had a pair of Solite boots last year and loved them. They were warm and comfortable but towards the end of the year I think I should have remoulded them to my feet. My second toe, which is abnormally large, probably because I come from rural Scottish stock, became a bit uncomfortable. After that experience I was slightly nervous about getting a pair again but because they had lasted so well, been warm and had been comfortable at the start I decided to give them a go again. This year I found out that there are a few tricks to Solite boots which, if you buy them, will hopefully improve your experience of them.
Solite have made a few changes this year, one of which is that the toe cavity for the second toe is larger – my well hammered toe sighed a breath of relief. They have also reduced the thickness of the divider between the big toe and the second to so all in all the front end of the boot has had an upgrade.
If you haven’t had a pair before, the boots are unlike any others in that they are mouldable and they also come with an inner sock for warmth. They have tried to address all the aspects of what makes a good wetsuit boot and execute it well. By making the boot mouldable they have made sure that it is customisable so you get as good a fit as possible. If it fits well you won’t find the front of the boot folded under your toes and you will be able to exert force through the boot without them slipping.
I don’t like products that try to do too much, like reversible jackets, but the inner sock really adds versatility to the boots because you can wear the boot without a sock for shoulder seasons and add the sock when it gets really cold. The sock does make the boot a little tighter so if they are tight when you add the sock then you can just remould them with an extra pair of socks on.
The soles are remarkably thin and last well. Historically I have found that the soles of my boot were the first thing to go, the grippy pattern would wear out and eventually you would get a hole - I have not had this with the Solites. I have also not experienced any water ingress with a really nice sealing system at the top of the boot. The neoprene is warm and the seams trust-worthy.
There is a bit of a nack to Solite boots. You have to realise that they are actually mouldable. It is not a gimmick. If you buy them tight then they will mould to your feet and if you mould them and they aren’t comfortable you can repeat the process until you get it right. I hadn’t really grasped this last year. To prevent them getting too tight this year I wore two pairs of socks while moulding them and also stuck a plaster on the end of my long second toe and the fit is ridiculously comfortable.
I bought a UK size 10 boot and they fitted quite tight with no sock and with the sock on they felt borderline uncomfortable. Again, I was nervous about my poor toe that already looks like it has been smashed with a hammer at the end from ill fitting shoes. The moulding process was going to have a bit of work to do.
The process of moulding the boots is a little daunting. I would recommend that you follow the instructions to the letter as it involves pouring boiling water into a cavity then putting your foot in not long after. Yes, it could go horribly wrong but if you follow the instructions then you’ll be right. I kept the boot as hot as I possibly could so that I would be making the best job possible of moulding it and did get a sensation of heat from the neoprene above the foot area. Less hot water in the boot or a more thorough rinse with cold water would have prevented that.
Anyways, I scrolled for 5 minutes while I waited for my boots to mould. They felt comfortable, perhaps a bit tight but I was still wearing a second sock. I took off the boots and removed the outer pair of socks and slipped my feet into the boots. They are now super comfortable.
The Test
It is all very well mucking about in the kitchen with the boots but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Or the proof of the booties is in the surfing. The water is not really cold yet but I would imagine that the boots will perform thermally more or less the same as last year – which was well. You get a really good feel for the board with the extra thin soles and after surfing in bare feet all summer I didn’t really notice the transition back to boots.
Solite have made a really great boot which functionally and performance wise tick all the boxes.
]]>In my wetsuit wearing lifetime the fragrance coming from my wetsuit boots has ranged from the amazing surf shop neoprene whiff to the reek of a 1980s urinal at the local pub where mysterious yellow stalactites would form from the porcelain furniture.
I now finally have taken measures to prevent the stink so I don’t have a tea or a coffee before I surf and I always try and find a nearby bush to empty the bladder prior to donning the neoprene. However, even without using my boots as a yellow water receptacle they still stink but the guys at Coco-Loco have decided to address the problem and to do something about it!
In order to test it out I did the opposite of what I normally do, I decided to cook up a strong bladder brew and test the mettle of the Coco-Loco wetsuit elixir. I didn’t pee first thing then had a nice strong coffee and a cup of tea. I am now 42 and as some of you may know the elastic nature of the human body decreases with age, so to have got to this point felt like a real achievement. At the car park things were becoming quite a struggle as I wrestled my way frantically into my suit and when I was trying to get my boots on I thought that the whole experiment was going to end before it had started. Nonetheless I held things together, got my boots on, grabbed my board and, forgetting to zip my wetsuit, headed for the sea.
The valve went before my boots had hit the water so I knew that the experiment was going exactly to plan. With the bottom half lovely and warm I jumped in the sea. It was a bit unfortunate that I forgot to zip up the suit because I got a bit of a flush which rinsed out some of the amber nectar that I had risked so much and worked so hard for. Just as well I had been so thorough in my scientific preparations because it turned out that there was plenty more to go around.
I surfed for about an hour and a half and felt confident that this was a fairly perfect recreation of the mornings in my 20s when I would clamber out of my van smelling of beer and smoke and get into my wetsuit and use my boots as a porta potty. I think that was the era when my boots must have smelled the worst.
When I got home the smell was bad, in all honesty I don’t think it was as bad as they have been when they were given a blue cheese like maturation period that historically they have had. Nonetheless the stink was awesome and perfect for this experiment.
Doing reviews I tend to read instructions which is very much against my nature but the instructions were what I would have done anyway. Hot water, Coco Loco. Wetsuit and gloves first, boots last. It was honestly like the nasal equivalent of a Cillit Bang advert. I wanted to give the remedy a fair chance so I gave everything a really thorough rinse in the solution, but it was phenomenal. The stink was gone.
Later I spoke to a friend who runs a surf school and he saw the bottle of cleaner that I had and he said that he used it and he always puts stinking pee ridden suits in and that he had noticed the same thing as me. It would have saved a lot of time and discomfort if I had spoken to him initially but that’s life.
From the website I have read that it is non-toxic, helps remove salt from your suit, contains eucalyptus, made in the UK as well as many other great things but it definitely stops your suit from stinking like a urinal.
Of course, once the rinsing process is complete you must hang your wetsuit, boots and gloves on your super awesome best wetsuit hanger in the world c-monsta to dry it all and keep it together for your next session!
Can not recommend the mighty Coco-Loco highly enough.
]]>Most of the design refinements had been made to the hanger part of the c-monsta but the method of suspending it had not been confirmed. The obvious way was to do what others had done before and use a carabiner.
The good things about using carabiners are that; they lock onto poles or lines really well, they are strong, they are cheap, customers are familiar with them and you can buy them in all sizes and shapes. Carabiners are tried and tested.
The downsides of using carabiners are that; we don’t know where or how they are made and at what human and environmental cost, they can scratch surfaces and the jaw width is restrictive.
It had taken a lot of time, money and expertise to get the c-monsta wetsuit hanger to the point where it was ready for manufacture and the idea of designing another component was not, at the time, anyone's idea of fun, but for the above reasons it was decided that it would be a worthwhile exercise.
This was the first attempt:
The concerns for this hook were its strength, aesthetic and that it might swing off a line in a high wind.
Some very clever people have worked out the strongest shape to make a hook and applied that design for lifting and pulling – the crane hook. It was decided that the redesign would roughly follow the contours of a crane hook.
The benefits of this design are that it has optimal strength, minimal volume, an open jaw that allows it to be hung from as wide a variety of places as possible, a shape that prevents it falling off a line in high winds, the aesthetic matches the rest of the hanger and, because it is made of plastic, it is less likely to scratch surfaces. The other significant factor is that we can be confident that the hook is made from recycled plastic and that everyone in the supply chain is given a fair deal.
It was a significant outlay but by doing this we can remain confident about the whos, wheres, whats, whys and whens of the c-monsta business model and responsibly manufacture the wetsuit hanger.
]]>
As a surfer in Scotland, staying fit through the summer is a battle. The first thing I do in the morning in winter is check the chart, the first thing I do in summer is look at what’s in the fridge. In Scotland, winter sessions are fairly tough on the body and the calories get burned off by the hundred every session meaning that fat levels are generally kept in check. In summer the barbeque is always on standby for the first hint of sunshine, then no barbeque is complete without an ice cold beer or a glass of wine. When I am not careful, summer can be a time of accumulation – and not in a good way.
For me, the key at this time of year is to do something to benefit my health, mentally and/or physically, once a day. Doing one thing a day not only allows me to benefit from the activity but it also slightly changes my behaviour for the rest of the day. I find that doing that one thing will focus my mind to make slightly healthier and more sensible decisions. I know that for many, the morning is not a time when they feel motivated to get up and go but for me it is when I can really get a bit of purchase on the day.
The ultimate activity is something like surfing, which I don’t need any motivation for. Everything else will be cast aside and re-prioritised – not because surfing is good for you, that’s just a fortunate bi-product of doing something fun and hanging out with friends.
I love my mountain bike but going out never seems to be a quick blast and usually ends up taking half a day. I also seem to go over the handle bars a lot and for all the surfing and mountain biking that my friends and I have done over the years, most of the surf preventing injuries have been on the bikes.
When time is short I really benefit from going for a run - fresh air, a bit of music on, head space, heart rate up - I always come back from a run feeling a bit more ready for whatever the world throws at me. The best thing for me is to back up a run with a bit of stretching or a few circuits to focus more on things that will benefit my surfing when I finally get to dust off the boards again.
One of the tools I use for training for getting my aging mass from lying down to a bipedal position is my PopUpSurfPro.
It’s a simple but effective training tool. If I'm out the water for a while and don’t use it I find myself fumbling my way to my feet when I get back on a board. When I do use it, the muscle memory is far more ready to take a drop and be in the right position for making a bottom turn (which I'm not very good at either).
It is beautifully made from three pieces of ply. A deck and two interlocking curved pieces on the bottom which lock in place with a satisfying click via magnets.
It comes with two different lateral rockers, one being less stable than the other to make it suitable for a variety of abilities.
Getting to your feet on the Pop-up Surf Pro is tricky and there is no benefit of the wave dropping out from beneath you. I have used mine a lot now and have become far more aware of where my arms and feet are when when I make a drop.
It does cost quite a bit, £136.99 at the time of writing, but this thing is rock solid and imagine it buys you that time to get into the wave of your life a second earlier. It's all about margins.
Another tool that is handy for a quick blast is my Carver Skateboard.
https://carverskateboards.co.uk/
I surfed for about 15 years without thinking too much about what I was actually doing on waves. I was happy just catching them and maybe making the odd turn or luck into the odd tube. When I started using my Carver deck it made a huge difference, particularly for generating speed, which has opened all sorts of doors for my surfing. I do feel like a tit and that I should know better when my 41 year old mass hits the ground in front of an audience, but to still feel like there might be a glimmer of progression happening at my ripe vintage feels really good.
Either way, as far as I’m concerned, just doing one nice thing a day for yourself is a good thing!
]]>Surfing Through Winter in Scotland
The c-monsta wetsuit hanger brand colours have been inspired by the cold dark winters of Scotland, the flash or orange colour represents the bright light that surfing brings to those months.
For many, the months of January, February and March are a dismal prospect, short days, cold winds and often persistent rain. Dreich is a Scottish word meaning bleak or dreary, even the sound of it has a resonance or tangibility that elicits a sense of woe. Scotland in January, February and March can often be described as dreich.
The autumn months will bring some nice swells, the days grow a bit shorter but you still get some warmth from the sun, the water is still a relatively balmy 12 degrees and the wind doesn’t bite and tear at you. This time of year does come with a price tag though. Normally through summer there are not so many swells and when they do arrive they lack any real substance. By the time autumn arrives, appetites are high, surfers who have been planning trips through the summer months are ready to head off to the headline spots to get the perfect wave that they have been imagining all summer.
Waves are a finite resource, there are only so many storms that come through a year and they all take a different trajectory, there are only so many days when the swell is the right size, the wind is blowing in just the right direction and the tides are at their best. With each of these variables the probability of an energy pulse travelling through the ocean and landing at a beach or reef in exactly the right way becomes less likely. Surfers in the line up are all trying to make the most of a finite resource.
Different line-ups have different policing strategies and different vibes but during the autumn months things can get quite heated. Windows waxed, cars scratched, fights in the water, even kids getting chased out of car parks by grown men. I don’t know if you have ever seen people fight in the water, but I am yet to see a good one. It usually involves one person trying to throw their fist at another person but because they can’t get any purchase with their feet it tends to look at best a bit pathetic. I imagine a good slap might be more effective. Perhaps it is no coincidence that deer rut at this time of the year.
By the time January has come about usually people have had a few nice sessions under their belt, they’ve had a few nice waves to remember and they’re less fussed about getting up in the cold and dark. That is the time of year that inspired the c-monsta wetsuit hanger.
The wetsuit hanger was designed to help you to get through those months and snag as many waves as possible. It is designed to avoid lying in your van waiting to see someone catch a wave to see what size it is. It helps you to be the person who is out there showing all the stragglers how good it is. The wetsuit will be waiting for you, it might have had a night to dry, you will know where your boots and gloves are. They will not be lying in a frosty heap in a tub outside the van, or dripping wet in your shower tray.
The c-monsta wont make your porridge but it will make your life a lot easier and hopefully you’ll be the one scoring the empty line-up.
It has been a fun weekend magic some promotional videos for the c-monsta wetsuit hanger project!
]]>www.boardshop.co.uk
]]>All thoughts and ideas have a series of forces working on them in our heads. Thoughts of things to do get metaphorically whipped by sticks or incentivised by carrots. Whether to go for a surf, or not, is a good example.
We all have a tipping point from when we think about something to when, or whether we do it. Some people, perhaps in Hawaii, just ask themselves, “Will I go for a surf?”. Maybe they make a quick check on a surf forecast or if they are lucky, they look out the window. It is probably pumping as per usual. They sling on a pair of boardshorts. Grab a board. Off they go. Simple. 2 hours later they get out of the sea after heaps of barrels and burying the rail from tip to tail on every turn. They go home, have a cold one, have a feed, kick the feet up and watch what happened during the session which was filmed by their partner and relax till their next session... There is a lot of carrot and not too much stick in this scenario.
That’s the dream and for 99.9% of us that’s all it is.
In the North of Scotland, where the surf is fickle, charts are difficult to read, massive tides make spots work for limited periods, the water is cold, the days are short, cold winds whistle from all sorts of directions, thick layers of expensive rubber restrict movement and boots and gloves make for clumsy extremities. That is a fair old pile of sticks just waiting to whip the idea of going for a surf.
When I was a bit younger, I would sometimes lie in bed in my van listening to crashing waves without even opening the door, usually a result of the previous night’s antics. The sticks annihilating any glimmer of hope of going for a surf. Often there would be some other smelly person lying nearby in a similar near comatose state. If we were lucky, we would have made it into sleeping bags and not be hypothermic. We would rise for a surf later in the day making no connection between surfing terribly, being at the wrong spot and what had happened the night before. I don’t regret those nights spent with friends, running riot, making stories, launching metaphorical and actual fireworks, doing stupid and fun things. In fact, I still have my moments, but most of the time, age has forced me to choose one or the other and I have realised that I like surfing more than carnage.
The biggest juiciest carrot in surfing for me is when I study all the charts, make the call and am in the right place at the right time using the right equipment. Avoiding the crowds is, as far as I am concerned, a priority, so early mornings are a must.
Once you have navigated all the sticks trying to stop you from going surfing you need to make sure you have all the right equipment. Last week I went up to the north coast and surfed a spot with the wrong board which still grates. I put a lot of effort to be in the right spot at the right time but to then use the wrong equipment was daft. I even had the perfect board but left it in the van.
The same thing applies to your wetsuit, boots, and gloves. They are often overlooked as pieces of equipment that need to be looked after but they are essential. After overcoming all the sticks to be at the right place at the right time then having forgotten a boot or a glove makes forgiving yourself a bit tricky.
The c-monsta wetsuit hanger has been designed to reduce the number of things stopping you from surfing. You will be less likely to forget any kit, you will have peace of mind when you know the c-monsta is in the car or van, your shower will no longer have a smelly wetsuit, boots and gloves sitting in the tray and you will be less likely to have to get into a wet wetsuit. You may even enjoy using it and have turned a stick into a carrot!
Do yourself a favour this winter, get a c-monsta.
Keep it together.
]]>Saltwater and pee are bad for the neoprene in wetsuits so it is best to rinse out a wetsuit after using it. When you pull a wetsuit off it will come off inside out, if you rinse the outside then spray water inside the suit (making sure you get the hose down the arms and legs) you should be able to get most of the salt water off the suit. You can also dunk the suit in a large bucket of water.
Keep the wetsuit inside out when drying so that the first bit of the wetsuit to dry is the inside.
If you are wearing boots and gloves these should both be given a good rinse then hung in an inverted position to dry. The c-monsta wetsuit hanger and dryer is perfect for this. When you want to surf next, the hanger will have all your kit dry, together and ready to go.
What is the best way to wash wetsuit boots?
If you pee in your wetsuit it will inevitably go down into your boots where it will accumulate and make your boots stink. There are dedicated products you can buy for cleaning wetsuits but if you soak the boots for an hour in a diluted white vinegar solution it will kill any living organisms, which cause the stink.
Make sure that you hang boots in an inverted position to allow them to dry.
What is the best way to wash a wetsuit?
If you pee in your wetsuit and/or don't let it dry properly then it will end up stinking. There are products you can buy but if you soak the wetsuit in a large bucket of diluted white vinegar solution for an hour it will kill any living organisms - which cause the stink.
After washing the wetsuit make sure and hang it up - not from the shoulders as it will stretch the neoprene - the c-monsta wetsuit hanger is a great way to hang the wetsuit to dry as well as your boots and gloves!
]]>