IN THE SEA 

THINNER RUBBER

SURFING ACCESSORIES 

BEACH ESSENTIALS 

ON LAND

New lines from Roark, Hoy, Outerknown and more have landed at Wavelength and with them. Here's a few of our favourite pieces 

EARLY SUMMER STYLE

MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES 

STAY SAFE 

The water is still chilly but there is change afoot and it'll soon be time to ditch the hood, gloves and boots - in that order and slip into something a little more comfortable.

Below is a curation of essentials for surfing in the UK in April from our buyer James. 

The Boots (while we still need them)

Usually the first wetsuit accessory to be adopted for winter and the last to come off in spring, wetsuit boots are still relevant throughout April. From slit toe to round, mens and women's specific fits and various thicknesses we have a whole host of booties available...

 Blog-Collection-Apboots

Browse all wetsuit accessories here 

Influenced by the late, great Duke Kahanamoku, swimming champion, Tom moved from his home in Wisconsin, to Hawaii where he became known for his innovative surfboard design but also, his advocacy of surfing as 'a way of life'.



A competitive waterman, Tom would often compete in paddle board races and in 1927, the same year that he pioneered surfing at Malibu, California, he built a replica Olo surfboard in Hawaii.  The board was fifteen foot long, and was enormously heavy, so he drilled hundreds of holes through the deck to remove excess weight and sealed the ends of the holes with a wooden veneer.

This helped Tom to win many races and his passion for surfboard design was born  with him striving to create lighter surfboards. 

In a similar way to how aircraft wings were constructed, Tom began building boards with a frame and skin technique, thus, removing a vast amount of unnecessary weight. These boards were held together by brass screws and sealed with black pitch.

This design was then patented in 1931 and although technology, shape, construction and design has lept forward in the decades since, Tom's original design was used for many years on beaches around the world as a lifeguard rescue board, and produced commercially by several manufacturers (Thomas Rogers Company of Venice, CA, the Los Angeles Ladder Company and Catalina Equipment Company).





Having made such influential changes in surfboard design, it wasn't until 1935 that Tom conceived his most significant idea when searching for stability in directional changes while riding waves. The skeg, now commonly referred to as a fin was born into the world of surfing. 

Tom attached an aluminium skeg salvaged from a speedboat onto the bottom of his cedar surfboard and encased it in a thin layer of wood for protection.  At a foot long and 4 inches high, many surfers would struggle to recognise it as a fin, however it was this that allowed surfers to ride at a tighter angle across peeling waves and to begin to effectively turn surfboards. 



88 years later, Kelly Slater's sustainable brand and Wavelength favourite, Outerknown celebrates and remembers Tom Blake's influence on surfing with their 'Tom Blake Waterman' T-shirt. 

It commonly known that with all Outerknown products, quality, sustainability and credibility are key and this stunning T-shirt is no exception. Made from 100% organic cotton in the best factory in the world where people and planet come first. 




Browse all Outerknown here

“Along the shore I wander, free,

A beach comber at Waikiki,

Where time worn souls who seek in vain,

Hearts ease, in vagrant, wondering train.

A beach comber from choice, am I,

Content to let the world drift by,

Its strife and envy, pomp and pride,

I’ve tasted, and am satisfied.”

Thomas Edward Blake

1902-1994 

The long, frigid winter is coming to an end, the days are becoming longer and there is a warmth to the sunshine that we've almost all forgotten.  

With the mythical after-work surf returning, it's easy to forget that the water is at its coldest point of the year and layers of neoprene are still very much needed.Our buyer has selected some surf essentials for March to keep you warm, comfortable, and riding out the daylight hours.

March has got off to a good start, beautifully illustrated here by a Jayce Robinson bottom turn, captured by WL Photo Editor Toby Butler.

To make these early spring surfs even sweeter, we have late season deals on most cold water gear...

THE SUIT

The thicker your suit, the warmer you'll be but there'll inevitably be a trade off in flexibility and movement. Some would rather wear a thinner suit for a shorter surf, others will seal themselves in a much rubber as possible for as long as possible. The choice is yours. 

For surfing in the UK in March if you're down South then 4mm-5mm should do the trick, for the hardy up North 5mm and even 6mm may be required.

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View all Vissla wetsuits here
View all Sisstr wetsuits here

THE ACCESSORIES

APRES SURF

SURFING MUST HAVES

I first stumbled across Hours is Yours in late 2021 when the aesthetic, vibe and narrative of the brand immediately struck a cord with me. Changing the 'skate shoe' perception while maintaining durability and performance and adding fresh, classically inspired silhouettes, Hours brings a collection of footwear that spans styles and age groups effortlessly. 

The heart and soul of hours belongs to skateboarding but their classic, inoffensive styles fit any lifestyle and both casual or smart events. Surf check, skate, party or date - they've got you covered. 

Recently created by Dennis Martin and Bryan Herman as an authentic skate and lifestyle footwear company Hours is Yours is a destination for quality product, made by skateboarders with everyone in mind. 

Offering both skate and casual footwear, Herman and Martin bring over 15 years of experience in footwear, spanning design, merchandising and marketing.

"We're going inside out with everything we do and it starts with skateboarders and skateboarding first" 

The Callio S77

The Hour C71 - John Di Lorenzo signature colour-way

Celebrating the year of the tiger in 2022,  John Di Lorenzo was introduced to the Hours family and introducing this limited edition signature colour-way of the Hour C71

Triumph's lineage of motorcycle production dates back to 1902 and few would dispute their reputation as the most iconic British motorcycle brand. Their classic aesthetic and superior engineering flows through everything they do, from lifestyle clothing and accessories to incredible engines and everything in between. 



Why am I wring this buyer's note you may ask?

For decades, surfing and motorcycles have been unlikely best friends that for some are inseparable. It may be the practicality of two wheels for reaching far flung reef breaks, exploring to find new undiscovered spots or accessing the beach via narrow dirt tracks. 

Perhaps it's the thrill of the ride, the wind in your hair, the freedom?

Is it the individuality, the self expression and the escape from the norm? 

I think it's combination of all of the above that intertwines the two lifestyles. 




At Wavelength, our own heritage with 41 years at sea, sits us proudly at the top as Europe's longest running surf media with expansion in events, our store and more. 

As with surf and 

here



K

Of course if Triumph is good enough for Bond it good enough for us

To feel wear and experience Triumph's lifestyle range is to understand the quality and fit that have kept their customers looking great for generations. Heavy weight tees, are ideal for layering at this time of year, the Jackman long-sleeve brings the Moto style into everyday wear and the Hapton shirt will be the only denim shirt you'll ever need. 

View our full collection of Triumph clothing here

With this in mind, it's the perfect time to usher in our newest brand Xtratuf. A brand, that for me screams stylish practicality while oozing credibility and a rich history spanning over 50 years. 

"Alaska Proven - Built For All' 

Over 50 years ago,  A boot arrived in Alaska, as rugged and real as the people who live and work there. Like Alaska's people, those boots did their job no matter what the conditions.

 

Tried and tested in the harshest of conditions, all over the world, Xtratuf Boots have become a symbol of ultimate preparedness and are many people's go-to footwear for any outdoor adventures when the the weather is moody. 

If it's good enough for Alaskan fishermen in the frigid Artic Ocean, it's good enough for us. 

Filtering into everyday life, Xtratuf's 6" Deck Boot has become a range leader due to it unwavering quality, durability, technical construction and it's stylish, dare I say, fashionable silhouette. 

Pre Sunrise surf check to post dinner, twilight walk, Sunday morning dog walk to long treks and everything in-between you can rest assured that your boots don't only talk the talk, they walk the walk. 

Rainy BBQ or Sunday wander to the pub. You're covered. 

Key features of the 6" Ankle Deck Boot are:

100% Waterproof
XpressCool™ lining keeps your feet cool
Easy to clean rubber overlay
High traction, non-marking chevron outsole
Pull-tab for easy on and off
Estimated boot height 15cm/ 6"
Estimated max circumference 32cm/ 12.6"
Estimated weight 1.4kg

Key features of the 6" Ankle Deck Boot Sport are:

100% Waterproof
Lightweight ProLite™ high-performance foam
Breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool
High traction, non-marking chevron outsole
Pull-tab for easy on and off
Easy to clean
Estimated boot height 15cm/ 6"
Estimated max circumference 32cm/ 12.6"
Estimated weight 1.3kg

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Xtratuf have teamed up with North Devon local, adventurer, big wave surfer and Wavelength friend, Andrew Cotton to put their boots through their paces on British soil. Check out the video below to see Cotty on his recent adventures as part of Xtratuf's 'I am Xtratuf' series.

All-New to Wavelength - The Outerknown Blanket Shirt Dress 

Heather Grey 

Sandy Hunter Plaid 

Outerknown reimagined their best-selling Blanket Shirt as the easiest-wearing dress. Designed for ultimate comfort and effortless versatility that keeps up with whatever your day has in store. The Outerknown Women's Blanket Shirt Dress is perfect for everyday wear. 

Organic cotton cuts out all the harmful synthetic chemicals used to grow conventional cotton, making for safer working conditions for farmers and a healthier planet.

The Blanket Shirt Dress is cut from the same lofty organic cotton twill that's even softer than it sounds and can be worn as a dress or unbuttoned as an oversized shirt. Chest pockets keep her classic and all buttons are made from nuts keeping this dress as sustainable as possible.

More styles from Outerknown Women's 

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Shop All Outerknown Here

INTRODUCING VANS X JUJU SURF CLUB

"Vans, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, has teamed up with JUJU Surf Club on a nature-inspired surf capsule that uplifts the nonprofit’s mission to give back to and broaden the African surf community"

Bright hues and clean lines inspired by Michael February’s surfing, roots, and work supporting African surf programs 

Weaving together lighthearted surf vibes and the signature colors of JUJU Surf Club, the easy-to-wear capsule takes its cues from global influences. Founded by Vans team rider Michael February and his wife Zelti February, JUJU Surf Club is bringing greater awareness to existing and emerging African surf programs, by sharing resources, connecting individuals from across the world, and supporting fundraising efforts for essential surf equipment.



The Vans x JUJU Surf Club Collection is anchored in gold and burnt orange hues, seen across a head-to-toe offering that leads with the JUJU boardshort. Technical features include 2-way mechanical stretch fabrication and a fixed waistband with drawcord, maximizing movement and comfort in the water. On land, a cargo pocket and key loop detail on the right waistband mix function and form. The African-inspired jacquard webbing down the left side seam evokes the spirit of JUJU Surf Club and its roots, and the Vans and JUJU woven labels on the left side seam at the hem display both brands with pride.

The collection also includes a short sleeve tee, graphic crew fleece, and bucket hat. A Vans Checkerboard silhouette of the African continent pays homage to JUJU Surf’s origins, and the African-inspired jacquard print makes another appearance on the bucket hat. Pops of gold and burnt orange on the cuffs of the graphic crew nod to JUJU Surf’s signature palette.

The footwear range includes various designs across women’s & mens categories, with a focus on Vans all-new UltraRange VR3, which follows Vans strict materials guidelines with one or a combination of regenerative, responsibly sourced renewable, and recycled materials that make up at least 30% of the product.

The Sk8 Hi 38 Decon VR3 SF infuses an upper crafted from 50% recycled cotton and 50% hemp, with the clean yet bright colorways that define JUJU Surf’s heritage. Design details carried over from the apparel collection include a Checkerboard silhouette of the African continent, and gold and burnt orange raised stitching alongside the shoe’s upper.




As one of the most iconic professional surfers in the modern world, and co-founder of JUJU Surf Club, Michael February uses his platform to develop and grow the surf scene in Africa. As a proud South African, he and his wife Zelti have made it their mission to give back to the community. This hard-working and humble spirit has without any doubts played a role in his successful surfing career, with Mikey rising to the world stage after qualifying for the 2018 World Championship Tour. With his quirky signature style and desire to give back to his community, Mikey is truly making an impact on the world of surfing.

Shop the Vans X Juju Surf Club Collection HERE
















SHOP ALL VANS 

VANS X JUJU IMAGE GALLERY

It's widely known that Kelly's brand Outerknown is 'for people and planet' and their main focus is sustainability and high quality eco-conscious products. Lead by the phrase 'Sustainability is Everything' anyone can wear Outerknown with confidence. 

Subtle styles flows through the brand with seasonal changes coming more in the form of relevant colour ways than new styles time after time. 

Kelly himself turned his attention to the design process of the Apex Trunk. Arguably the best individual on the planet to conceive the perfect surf trunk, this is fast becoming the short of choice for travelling surfers and those surfing in warmer water year round. 

"There’s no trunk like the Apex, literally. Developed and tested by the 11x World Champion Kelly Slater and sustainably engineered for maximum performance"

Not to mention, they're  made from plastic water bottles.

Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater - Black / Blurred Block

Features of the Apex Trunk include

• Ultralight 4-way stretch recycled polyester for maximum mobility.
• Stitch-free welded seams and smooth inside fly to eliminate chafe.
• Double-bonded rear seam for added strength.
• Quick Dry for minimal water absorption.
• Laser cut details at the side seam and back pocket for weightless drainage and ventilation.
• Bonded back pocket features an Aquaguard™ zipper and internal bungee key loop.
• Packs easily into its back pocket.

Joining the Wavelength's Summer Outerknown line up are the Apex Trunks in both 'Black / Blurred Block' and Heather / Deep Turquoise. Two colours that are easy to wear yet summery and fun 

Outerknown Apex Trunks By Kelly Slater - Heather Deep Turquoise

View all Outerknown here 

Yogi Bare helps you find your flow when you feel a little lost at sea and life’s current is pulling you under. Brand founder Kat Pither helps you find inspiration, community support and creative comfort. She reminds you of your infinite depth and wonder, that even when the surface gets a little rough, changeable and choppy you remember that under the sea there is a whole beautiful world that still exists and still lives on, just as with ourselves.

In an upcoming series of our Buyers Notes, we will be exploring the inspirations behind the Yogi Bare Flow Paws Yoga Mat and sharing some exclusive interviews between Kat and and some inspiring people that feel drawn to the water. 

Surf Yogi tips

Well you can’t expect to go and face a big life wave without some preparation work and tools can you? Life waves are inevitable but to ensure you aren’t swept out by the current there are things you can do to support yourself and ensure a life buoy is always near by if you feel lost at sea.

We call this artillery your surf wax:

1. Make your social media a non toxic place. Unfollow any account who makes you feel on edge, triggers you or makes you feel not enough. Your life is too majestic to be coerced into being made to feel small for not doing squats every time you make a cup of tea.

2. Reframe into a positive. Instead of focusing on the concept of letting go and radically chopping things and habits out of your life. Why don’t you reframe it as a super positive? What do you absolutely love about your life? What are you surprised you miss and really matters to you? And what did you used to not be able to live without that you’ve barely given a second thought. Beyond this we will be living much simpler lives full of meaningful moments and things that bring us true joy.

3. Make a list of things that you always wish you had time to do but never seem to: all the unread books, all the un watched movies that you pretended you’d seen all the way through (The Godfather anyone?), painting, making, DIY, baking.

4. Create some playlists for different moods.Play it loud. Play it proud.

5. Buy some plants. Bring the outside in. Plants to nurture, plants to love on.

6. Train your thoughts. When you train a dog to walk by your side you stop & heel regularly. Do the same with your thoughts. Catch & notice when they are spinning off. Take a step back & remind yourself it’s not helpful or real. Heel as many times as you need. Treat your anxiety like the naughty puppy it is & love on it instead of letting it pounce & lick you to death.

Our favourite Yogi Bare yoga mat

For when you feel lost at sea … Yogi Bare bring you FLOW. A first of its kind, Yogi Bare innovation. After nearly two years of testing, they have managed to create a photographic print on eco-conscious high-performance rubber.

• Yogi Bare Infamous Grip, Naturally. It wouldn't be Yogi Bare without it
• Smooth but anti slip PU top + 100% natural and sustainable rubber base
• Dimensions: 180cm x 66cm - slightly longer and wider than your average yoga mat giving you more room to play

It wasn't until the 1970s that Trucker caps or Mechanics caps became promotional giveaways by brands such as Mountain Dew, Budweiser and John Deere, given to passing travellers to help the brands market themselves far and wide. 

Today, the humble trucker cap is still a force to be reckoned with. Subtly adjusted for modern comfort, warmth and durability, they still carry that classic Americana style and are adopted as key accessory styles for many brands across the globe. 

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From surfing petrol heads Deus ex Machina to Hoy and their passion for classic, functional design with an American flavour or Roark exploring the wilderness to Lightning Bolt keeping the Hawaiian sun out of their eyes, trucker caps span cultures, age groups and styles. 

Relevant for any season, any day and any activity everyone needs a collection of Trucker Caps at the ready. Keep it classic, mesh back, foam front, solid branding front and centre.

Browse all caps here

Gifts for surfers

Can only be found when the water temp hits a balmy + 20C on the mercury and won’t even fathom cladding herself in anything denser than a 3/2 (at a push. Prefers a Brazilian cut Bali-made bikini for sure. Pretty much allergic to neoprene.  Don’t even mention booties or a hood).  Likely to be found perennially chasing warmer climes, coconuts and ‘coladas south of the equator come winter, yoga matt (and new yoga teacher certification) strapped to her back, surf camp job dialled in for the foreseeable. Happiest in cruisy tropical peelers, face-full of zinc, fun board/foamie under foot, frothy beers awaiting back on land. Has SriLankan Airlines on speed dial. Zero plans to ever return to her city job in recruitment. Fantasises about owning her own boho-drenched surf camp. Shares her adventures daily on her wanderlust-saturated Instagram.  

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Browse all Women's here

Browse 3 for 2 stocking fillers here

Cover photo: @soulsnapss

gifts for surfers

Doesn’t give two figs for being cool, looking cool, or caring for what’s cool. Didn’t start surfing for the aspirational element, is a die-hard water lover, come rain or shine (better the rain or freezing: less wannabes and kooks in the water). Always the first to be found at dawn paddling out, and the last to leave. Studies surf reports with the well-trained, keen eye of a meteorologist cum ocean scientist. Practical to the core, shirks what looks cute for what is likely to withstand her focussed daily jaunts into the wilderness expertly hunting un-populated peaks (which she WON’T share on social media. Fat chance). Most likely to head towards the Arctic on her annual surf trip VS towards the equator.  Stoked to her very core on surfing, and will always choose a dawnie over a party. 

 Blog-Collection-Anti

 Gifts for surfers

The best board in the Goose Chaser's quiver is of course, their car. If a wave breaks in a forest when nobody is  - wait - if a tree falls on a beach, no that's not it... The underlying ideology of the Goose Chaser, the mantra controlling all aspects of their surfing life is that is must be good, somewhere, and unless you actually get in the car and drive there, well... (trails off).

Blog-Collection-Wman

Browse all Mens here

gifts for surfers

This Bosworth-bonkers millennial honed her surf life based on her adoration of seminal surf classic Blue Crush – a genuine catalyst for swathes of frothing females getting into the surf (as chronicled by us in an interview with star Keala Kennely) one hibiscus-ed rash vest and puka shell necklace at a time back in the early noughties. Likely to be heard uttering “this is SO Blue Crush” whilst running down the beach in boardshorts with her equally as Blue Crush-rabid posse. Owns a battered BC DVD that’s seen more action than the downtown massage parlour. Hawaii-obsessed, daydreams regularly about upping sticks to The North Shore to finally fulfil her BC fantasy and redeem her Kama’aina discount.

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Browse the entire Women's collection here

Browse Women's wetsuits here 

gifts for surfers

The ever-swelling population of cross-stepping ladies in high-waisted old school ‘kinis is reaching its zenith, with lineups counting a profusion of single-fin fiends thanks to the explosion of the vintage-styled IG community of lady loggers casting their mushrooming web of inspiration and aspirational living across the planet. Idolises @facingblankpages. Never out in more than 2ft. Likely to have a smattering of hand-poke tattoos adorning her body. Loves hats. Manifests owning her own Sayulita surfside crib on the daily. Drools over Dead Kooks whilst nursing an oat-milk flat white and slice of vegan banana bread hot-desking at a surf town coffee shop. Owns the lineup with her fellow loggin’ ladies, patrolling the peak one bent knee and shaking trotter at a time, leaving a profusion of open-mouthed agog beginner males worshipping in her elegant waist-high wake.

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Browse our entire women's range here.

Cover photo: Frame by Morgan Maassen from his excellent short feat. queen cross stepper Victoria Vergara. Watch here.

What is Merino Wool?

Ultra-soft, breathable and temperature regulating, merino wool is often referred to as the most intelligent natural fibre available out there. Designed to protect sheep from the ever-changing climate they live in, merino is ideal for layering.
 
Our merino wool originates from Peru. We work with long-standing spinners who are passionate about the traceability and sustainability of their fibres, which means that we are able to craft elite, luxury knitwear that stays true to the Wavelength ethos. All our merino pieces are made in England.
 
Our chunky merino is the perfect heritage inspired knit that will remain wardrobe staples for years to come.

There are eight characteristics that make merino wool nature’s performance fabric.
 
 
Breathable
 
Air travels freely throughout a merino wool garment thanks to the structure of the fibre. This speeds up the evaporation process and will ensure that you’re cool and dry for the entire day. Unlike synthetic fibres which retain moisture and cling to the body, merino will provide the wearer with another layer of support and comfort.
 
 
Quick Drying

Alongside being breathable and lightweight, merino is also an incredibly quick drying yarn which makes it perfect for exercise as you’ll perspire less, and any moisture is promptly evaporated.
 
 
Low Maintenance
 
Thanks to its moisture wicking and odour resistant qualities, merino wool is an incredibly low effort fibre. Your knitwear will require less washing than synthetic fibres and blends and a simple ‘freshen up’ between washes will ensure that your garment stands the tests of time.

 
Odour Resistant
 
Merino wool has incredible wicking qualities which mean that moisture is removed from the skin. Thanks to the core structure of the fibre, you’re less likely to perspire and smells are neutralised at the source. In the long run, this will mean that your merino garment requires less washing which will increase the lifespan of your knit.
 
 
Temperature Regulating
 
The active nature of merino means that the knit will respond to temperature changes in the wearers skin. In cooler weather, the ultra-fine fibres will trap air, keeping you insulated and in warmer climates, perspiration can be easily evaporated, keeping you cool and dry.
 
 
Lightweight
 
Alongside trapping heat and regulating temperature, extra fine merino is a lightweight, versatile knit that is suitable for a variety of different occasions. It has all the warmth of a chunkier knit but none of the weight, this makes it ideal for outside activities such as walking, climbing, and running. The everyday nature of the yarn also makes it perfect for layering underneath your day-to-day wardrobe for another layer of protection and comfort.
 
 
Ultra-Soft and Skin-Friendly
 
Merino wool is 1/5 of the diameter of human hair which makes it the perfect knit for wearing straight to skin. The fibres will move with the wearer and unlike coarser yarns, they will bend out of the way and so won’t irritate or aggravate. With naturally hypoallergenic qualities, merino is even suitable for those with sensitive skin.
 
 
Sustainable
 
Unlike synthetic fibres, merino is a 100% natural, sustainable fibre that when cared for correctly, will last a lifetime. Sheep are shorn at various points throughout the year and their seasonal coat is replenished and rejuvenated. Alongside providing the wearer with a beautifully soft garment, not mixing our merino with man-made fibres mean that in the correct conditions, your knitwear will eventually biodegrade, releasing carbon rich nutrients back into the soil.