Let's face it, Christmas is a hectic time of year and it's common to feel pressured and overwhelmed with what to buy for family and friends.
That's why we thought we'd help by picking our favourite Top 10 Gift Ideas and sharing them with you.
Read on for some Festive inspo
Following our annual Beach Cleans in 2021, we wanted to solidify our commitment to giving back to our planet. So, in 2022, we decided to become members of the Ocean Network in collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage. We strongly felt this was a great step forward in the right direction to help our planet.
Here at Escape, we each enjoy the outdoors and being in the environment so it means a lot to us to put in the effort to look after it and as a brand, we are also passionate about encouraging people into the water and want to be able to continue to do so by helping people feel safe and comfortable in that environment.
Where did Summer go? Some are even saying "Did it ever arrive?"
We had the final week in August and the kids went back to School this month, this usually means we'll get mild fine weather.
But that doesn't mean it's not time to start preparing for the coming change in weather conditions and invest in a good quality wetsuit or drysuit to keep you warm when you're in and around the water.
Are you planning a weekend or a short trip away surfing? A day on the river paddling?
We've created a handy pack list of essentials to ensure you don't forget anything for your adventure trip.
(Please let us know if we've forgotten anything ;)
It's a question we often get asked and if you are wondering yourself, read on for a detailed explanation.....
Looking for some inspo for cool gift ideas to go with the Toblerone for Father's Day? From the fisherman to the wave shredder, we've come up with some of our favourite picks from top-quality brands.
Here in Wales, there are many places to canoe and kayak, whether you're just starting or looking for the thrill of fast rapids. Read on to discover some great locations to paddle from rivers to lakes.
The 4/3 Wetsuit, a luxury purchase or the one suit quiver for many surfers?
Surf Manager Mike, gives us the lowdown on all you need to know.
If you're looking for a new place to paddleboard, you will be spoilt for choice with so many spots in Wales to visit. We've listed some stunning areas you can go to, including rivers, beaches and reservoirs.
This blog will guide you to a few of the most popular surf beaches along our local coastline here in Wales.
It's always super exciting when you've got a little surf trip planned but can be intimidating if you've never been to the spot before, not knowing about the dangers for example rips, rocks, tide times and even if some of the locals are happy sharing waves. So read on for a little info on some of our top surf beaches
Now the seasons have changed and the days are longer, more people are thinking about heading out to do their water activities.
It's important to stay safe on or near the water so in this blog we will cover everything you need to know about the Palm Glide Waistbelt PFD.
Professional Coach, guide and Author, Doug Cooper from Scottish Sea Kayaking recently gave his personal review to Peak PS on the popular sea kayaking PFD, the Explorer Zip.
He quotes, that whenever he reflects on going out on the sea, the weather, conditions and aspirations for the day widely differ but "that's what makes it so special" he says.
With these inevitable changes, what he chooses to wear is always changing. Shorts or salopettes, sandals or shoes, one-piece or two-piece, short or long cag?
Let's talk about C-Skins new product - NuWave Natural Rubber Wetsuits.
They shared the following information with us on everything you need to know.
In this blog, we will discuss an in-depth review by our staff member, Charlotte, on the women's C Skins Re-Wired 6:5mm hooded suit.
I started surfing back in 2004 down in the Surfer’s Paradise of UK, Newquay, Cornwall whilst doing Summer seasons and my first ever wetsuit was by a well-known brand, 5:4mm back zip steamer. I must’ve worn it for around 6 seasons (winter and summer), not knowing about different types, thicknesses, brands, etc., or how long a wetsuit should last.
Spring is fast approaching and that also means Mother's Day is around the corner 🌺
We've brainstormed here in the office and come up with some of our favourite brands & gift ideas for all your adventurous, adrenaline-chasing Mums
Nothing lasts forever but we can help prolong the life of our kit by maintaining it and we'll explain how to check over and ensure all your kit is up to the performance it's designed to do.
With the colder weather and wetter conditions, it's important to check over your kit regularly and also, especially if it's been stored away for a while. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also affect materials.
February is the month of love, whether it is diverted outward to your loved ones or inward to self-love.
Whichever you are choosing this year, we’ve brainstormed and picked out some top gift ideas from some of our favourite brands to cater for your Valentine or to add to your own kit.
During the winter months from January to March, the sea temperature in the UK can drop down to a chilly 7-10° (average) so you want to make sure you have some good kit to keep warm. But even then, some factors can make one day to the next differ massively.
Are you one to make New Year's resolutions?
So, you learned to paddleboard over the Summer, and loved it so much that you’re thinking about continuing through winter?
Problem is, it's cold!
Well we’ve listed some helpful tips to keep you safe, dry, and warm during your sessions on the water.
Black Friday is fast approaching (or should we say "Black Friday Season") and there are sales everywhere!
We’ve already got a tonne of amazing deals and discounts on offer, but this November we’re trying to do something good for the environment and offset some of the carbon footprint associated with Black Friday, by taking part in “Green Friday”.
This week two of our team, Mike and Tom, were involved in a mass rescue at Rest Bay beach, Porthcawl.
Both members of the public and Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboats assisted the swimmers in distress, who all left the incident unharmed.
Created by cold water surfers Jamie Meiselman and Tyler Callaway.
Solite wetsuit boots are the result of over 5 years of research, development and testing in harsh cold waters and tropical lineups around the world, allowing you to be in the water all year round.
When kayaking, your paddle is your primary connection to the water. Knowing which paddle you should be using is crucial to improving your efficiency out on the water. There's a lot of options when it comes to choosing a paddle, and there are a lot of different characteristics that they have to offer; we're going to begin by talking about high angle vs low angle.
It's officially summer which means you're probably going to be getting out on the water a lot more often. It is super important to know how to stay safe out there, so here's some things you should remember...
Buoyancy aids come in all shapes and sizes. There's so many out there to choose from, does it really matter which shape you go for?
Some of you may have noticed a different style of packaging has been arriving at your door from us.
For any serious paddler, having the ability to step in and out of a drysuit is essential. Maybe you are just jumping on the water for a power hour making the most of the levels, tide or light, maybe you are hopping into the car to race down the road for multiple rivers or laps.
There’s one certainty as a paddler, the last thing we want or need are damp soggy thermals making us cold, killing any motivation to get fired up and straight back on the water.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, touring paddleboarding can offer you a great way to explore lakes, rivers and coastlines, allowing you to glide over waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Summer is fast approaching, but just before we launch ourselves into the sunny adventure days, let's get ready for Father's Day.
To help you get prepared, we've picked our top 5 brands for gifting this season.
Spring is here and the sun is showing itself more and more, giving us the perfect opportunity to get our paddles wet and some sunshine on our skin, and you can do it all on your doorstep.
Wales is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, with a stunning coastline stretching around 870 miles, and if you're a fan of stand up paddleboarding then you'll be happy to know it has some incredible spots for you to explore.
So, you want to surf?
Choosing the right surfboard can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market, but when you're a beginner, the right surfboard can make all the difference.
In this blog, we'll talk about the different types of beginner surfboards and what you need to know before making a purchase.
Choosing the correct wetsuit accessories can mean the difference between toasty hands and feet or freezing toes and claw fingers.
If you have ever experienced claw hands and cold toes you will understand the importance of good quality accessories.
Exiting the water and not being able to push your wetsuit down or open your car door is no fun, luckily with advancements in technology and innovation, these should be problems of the past.
Everything you need to know when buying your wetsuit.
Where do I start?
You may have noticed a few changes have been happening over at Escape HQ.
Well, something big is coming...
It's International Women's Day, and we want to shout about the amazingly talented women working behind the scenes at Escape Watersports.
We are proud to say that the Escape team is predominantly made up of women. Whether it's building trusting relationships with our customers or our suppliers, and even building our website, these incredible women have helped make Escape Watersports what it is today!
Mother's day is fast approaching.
Here's our top 5 brands that we feel will provide the perfect gift for the mums who love an adventure but seem to cover all the bases.
We always bang on about how great neoprene boots are for a winter surf, but which ones should you actually go for? It's time we cover the bases and help you understand why on earth someone may want shoes that actually separate their toes.
The sun is starting to show itself a bit more now that we're edging our way into Spring, but the waters are staying chilly.
It's good to know all the tricks to warm yourself up after a dip, but we've got some tips to help you stay in the water that bit longer first.
We're using this Valentines day as an opportunity to show our brands some appreciation.
With our Celebrity Crush being revealed and our Secret Admirer no longer under wraps, it's time to spread the love.
Buying a quality wetsuit can be a bit of an expensive purchase, but if you look after it well and wash it properly, you can prolong the life of your new investment to last you winters and summers on end.
Here's our top 5 tips to help your wetsuit last.
In 2022, Escape Watersports became proud members of the Ocean Network with Surfers Against Sewage.
We wanted to solidify our commitment to giving back to our planet and decided this was a great step forward in the right direction.
You asked, we listened!
Here at Escape we are continuously looking for ways that we can improve your shopping experience.
We know that shopping online can be difficult, especially when you can't try on items before buying, and although we have size guides for all our wearable products it's not always enough.
So that's why we are now offering free returns on most of our items.
Here's all you need to know.
Fear of the cold water keeping you from diving in? Looks like you need a thicker wetsuit.
Christmas may be over but we've got a new list that you should be checking twice...
We're just as eager as you are to get out on the water, especially with any new snazzy kit you were lucky enough to recieve recently, but safety still needs to be in the forefront of your mind.
We've put together a basic checklist of what you need to consider before heading out. This checklist is generalised for most watersports but over on the RNLI website, you can select your activity and find a checklist of precautions tailored to that sport for more details: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity
Trying to find the perfect secret Santa gift for the adventurers out there? Or just trying to fill the stockings? We're certain you'll find something to suit your occasion.
Here's a few of our favourite things for this gifting season...
It's official. We've turned our backs on the traditional Black Friday deals and have welcomed in Green Friday.
You might remember last year when the team at Escape took part in a couple of small beach cleans as our way to give back to our planet for Green Friday, rather than encouraging people to panic buy at flash sale deals.
This year we wanted to step it up and solidify our commitment to our planet by joining the Ocean Network with Surfer's Against Sewage. To compliment this new addition, we have planned another team beach clean for Green Friday!
It's that time of year again where Halloween is done and we're ready to say the C word...
We're helping you get prepared early this year to avoid the inevitable rush that comes with the Christmas time. With so much choice out there, it's hard to find that perfect gift that gives you the feeling of 'YES, I've nailed it this year!' So here's what we think:
Ever stop and ask yourself 'What should I wear to go paddle boarding this winter?'
Or even canoeing, kayaking, or rafting for that matter?
Now that the temperatures have dropped as we enter the Autumn/Winter, this question is even more important and sometimes a wetsuit just isn't the answer.
The new Palm Rogen Drysuit has just landed at Escape Watersports just in time to save us during the colder months, and you'll be happy to hear this means you no longer have to pack away your sup until the next sign of spring.
A family close to all our hearts has recently discovered their 3 year old boy has a condition called Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects around 100 children a year in the UK. This heartbreaking news has turned their world upside down and without charities like LATCH, it would feel a lot harder.
In aid to give back and support LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer Charity, our team are taking on a combination of 3 consecutive extreme challenges in less than 24 hours.
Having a reliable drysuit can be the ultimate game changer when it comes to taking part in various water sports. They aim to keep you dry and warm so that you can have a comfortable ride and stay out on the water for longer.
So how do they work?
Paddleboarding is everywhere at the moment - it's a water sport that everyone can get involved in and is a great way to get yourself outside for some low impact exercise.
With so many different types of SUP's (stand up paddleboards), out there, it can be a little overhwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Here's a few things to look out for and consider when buying your very own board.
So you've chosen your new bodyboard and you're stoked to get out on the water, but as with everything, safety comes first.
Does your new board have a leash already attached to it? No? Then follow these steps on how to add one before you get going.
You have probably seen snaps of your friends all over Facebook finding waterfalls and lakes to jump in to, and you may well have been thinking "Why on Earth would you want to do that?"
Well, we're here to tell you just 5 of the reasons why cold water swimming has become the chosen therapy for so many.
Feel like you’re forgetting something?
You’re rushing out the door after clumsily piling some bits and pieces into a bag, telling yourself you’re ready, only to get halfway there before realising you’ve left your phone on the kitchen table. It happens to the best of us.
This is why we’ve put together a checklist of a few essentials that we take with us on our kayaking adventures, so you know you aren’t leaving anything behind.
When choosing your surfboard, there are a few things that you need to consider. Your skill level, how much time you spend in the water, the build of your body, and how the water behaves in the area you want to surf.
What’s stopping you?
Now is a good a time as any to start to learn that new skill you’ve been dying to do for so long, and if that new skill involves picking up a board and getting in the water then maybe this can help you get started.
Werner Paddles offer a variety of lightweight and strong paddles, perfect for a paddler in any condition. We put together a brief list of places that you can really put your paddle to the test.
Want to start your Wild Swimming adventure but don't know where to start? Have a look at our top 5 spots in the Brecon Beacons that give you the perfect opportunity to take a dip.
You've finally found the right board for you and you're excited to get out on the water. But how exactly does this thing work?
February is the month of love, giving you the perfect opportunity to share some quality time with your loved ones.
Take a moment today to let those around you know how much you appreciate them.
We are taking this chance to focus on some of the brands we love.
Wild swimming is becoming a bit of a craze in the outdoor industry and despite the cold weather, more and more people are getting involved. So, what is it all about?
As some of you may know, one of our very own team members carried out an impressive 10 day SUP trip in the summer of 2021.
Beckii got together with paddlers Harriet and Anneeka, and of course their dogs Ruby and Teifi, to take on the quest of a 160mile SUP trip starting from Bristol and travelling via rivers and canals, all the way to London.
With so many different types of buoyancy aids on the market, it can be confusing to choose the right one for you.
To help you out we’ve put together a few top picks that are available right now.
Watershed drybags are very popular in the world of water sports, and for good reason.
So what makes them so great?
New Years is the perfect time to take on a new adventure.
The top 5 most common New Year’s resolutions are to exercise more (be more active), lose weight, spend more time with friends and family, spend more time in the outdoors, and to take up a new hobby.
Want to meet all these resolutions in one go? Watersports!
So much happens in a year, especially this last one!
To combat some of the COVID negativity, we've put together our favourite highlights that happened in 2021 here at Escape Watersports.
Left your Christmas shopping too late?
We've got you covered.
First you need to find the right buoyancy aid for you. Then you need to fit it properly.
This is a general guide on fitting your buoyancy aid (BA). – please take guidance from this and adapt it accordingly depending on the BA you are using.
Check out what goes on behind the scenes when you shop with Escape Watersports.
We show you what happens from the moment you click the buy button, to picking and packing your order in our warehouse.
We're constantly updating and bringing in new systems, meaning we can keep on delivering unbeatable customer service every time you shop with us ?
Change robes are considered an essential in all kinds of occasions, from changing out of your wetsuit after paddling through a cold river, to even just changing on the beach after a swim in the sea.
A wetsuit is a one-piece suit that’s made of neoprene and can vary in thickness and design.
We've seen a lot of new people discovering SUP over the past 12 months. It's fantastic to see!
With longer days approaching, restrictions potentially easing across the UK, and most importantly better weather, we're going to see loads of first time adventures happening on our waterways and coastlines very soon.
The item you want is out of stock?
You can now ask us to automatically notify you the moment it comes back into stock at our warehouse.
Wearing a buoyancy aid is a no brainer, whether you're a natural born swimmer or you sink like a stone.
But in situations like these, you'll definitely be glad you had one on!
Over 15 years ago the best buoyancy aid on the market hands down was the HF Serpent.
The HF Serpent with its incredible fit, ample organized storage space and a great selection of technical features meant the Serpent revolutionised the paddlesports world and many whitewater specialists would argue it has still remained unbeaten. HF ticked all the required boxes for what was needed and achievable which made it a winner.
Autumn has officially arrived!
The leaves are changing colour, evenings are getting darker, and days getting a little cooler.
Origins of the life jacket can be traced back to simple blocks of wood or cork used by Norwegian seamen. The modern life jacket is generally credited to one Captain Ward, a Royal National Lifeboat Institution inspector in the United Kingdom, who in 1854 created a cork vest to be worn by lifeboat crews for both weather protection and extra buoyancy.
- What is a buoyancy aid and how does it work?
- Different types of buoyancy aid.
- What does the N number mean?
- How long does a buoyancy aid last?
Who doesn't love a new toy to play with? When the Ari'i Nui Mahana package arrived in record fast time from Escape, I was super excited to get out right away.
The package arrived complete with the board, paddle, pump, bag and fin, which all packs away easily with room to spare.
NRS Europe team paddler Beth Morgan (UK) is no rookie when It comes to extreme white water racing. Having coached at World Class Kayak Academy the current European champion has paddled and competed all over the world, winning multiple titles at events. Her continued success and ability to make a living whilst kayaking the world makes her an inspiration to not only females, but all paddlers globally. We caught up with Beth recently to find out the secret to what sparks her drive.
Speaking with friends and highly competitive athletes paddling under the banners of Palm, Peak UK, NRS, and Level Six to name a few, I have been able to get into the mind set of what drives and inspires individuals to keep pushing themselves to become better, faster, and stronger.
We all have different reasons why we train, but knowing what motivates me and likewise for others has helped put my own training back on track. So here are some tips I have learned to help you stay motivated on your competitive journey, whatever it may be.
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