Eight things to bring to your next session on the water

You know that feeling when you get in the water and realise you forgot something you need?

There are so many options for ‘wearables’ to make your session better, whether it’s simply a special surf swimsuit that doesn’t shift when you catch a wave, or a basic waterproof watch that allows you to check how long you’ve been in the water.

Here are some of my top things to make sure you have (or actually even leave behind!) to make your session the best it can be:

1. A good quality wetsuit

Even though they are expensive, it will be worth it. A sport is always more fun, when you are comfortable instead of cold.

Don't forget - people do pee in rented wetsuits. We have all been at the point where we have considered it and this is exactly why I would neeeeeever hire a wetsuit!

2. Bright or neon colours

Bright colours will make it easier to spot you if you get lost. Anything other than the colours of the ocean will do. You can always wear just a gym shirt over a wetsuit, or buy a bracelet that has a mini neon flag to catch people’s attention inside. 

3. A waterproof watch

Wear a watch so you can be back on land for work, or let someone know when you are planning to be back on land.

Remember the safety rule: Let someone know when you are going out, where you are going out, when you are planning to come back and touch base with them when you have actually made it back on land. Take this seriously as no one will send for you if you always call late.

There are lots of basic and cheap watches out there that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on, for instance Casio, or of course you can spend some more money and get a fancier one that lets you track your progress and vitals.

4. Sun protection: Sunscreen and hat

Protection from the sun is a must when you are out in the open a lot. Don’t skip it, and remember to get an extra water resistant brand so that it doesn’t wash off. Most sunscreen needs to soak in for 20 minutes to work properly, so you can put it on on the way to the beach. You also probably saw this one coming, but Zinc is the answer!

If you’re looking for some ideas (these are not sponsored, just personal opinion!), Surfmud is a good easy-to-find brand. After many years of trying many sunscreens, I’d say that my favourite brand is We Are Feel Good Inc, which is made in Australia. It comes in three different skin tones and that it can also be used as every day make up because it matches that well. I love using it on my face as I do not have to re-apply (although I probably should) and it never melts or runs into my eyes. It also feels smooth on the skin, so you don’t ever get that oily feeling.

Here are some tips for sunscreen:

• Make sure you apply sunscreen to not only your face, but also your neck, the back of your hands and ears.

• Read the sunscreen’s ingredients and find an eco-friendly one which has full sun protection.

• Wash the sunscreen off the inside of your hands for wakeboarding or windsurfing as it will get really slippery to hold onto.

You can also wear a hat, if you find one that doesn’t fly away, and a long sleeve rash vest/lycra top instead of putting sunscreen on your arms.

5. A car key lock

This is a lesson someone had to teach me, as I always loved having old cars without electronic keys. It turns out that every key has a little micro ship customised to your car, which will start the ignition. Oops!

There are some pretty cheap surf locks out there, which you can lock onto the bottom of you car and are secured with a number combination that you get to choose.

6. A sport bikini or swimsuit

Where to start! As much as I have an enormous respect for ladies with the body confidence to wear small bikinis in the water, it’s possible that they are most likely not staying in place for sport. The same issue comes with most bikinis, even with surf brands like Roxy, Hurley and Ripcurl, which sometimes don’t last really long in the sun and saltwater.

These days I only wear good fitting undies and a sports bra style top, as they are so much cheaper to replace than the big surf brand bikinis. Some people prefer to wear nothing under a wetsuit, but keep in mind if the ambulance needs to assist you and you can’t get out of your wetsuit by yourself, they will cut the wetsuit straight off. That said, this would probably be the least of your least worries if that happens, but worth considering.

7. Life vest or impact vest

If you wear a life vest, always wear it on top of your clothes, to avoid getting stuck under a sail or a boat. Unfortunately I have witnessed someone getting stuck under a moving catamaran, so it’s worth thinking about. Make it easily accessible and know how to open your vest or harness with closed eyes and under water.

If want to look stylish on the water, have a look at the wakeboarders. They got this all figured out with their impact vests.

That said, always have fun - why not wear that awesome Christmas suit or Halloween costume?! As long as it’s safe, enjoy it! You do you and I am looking forward to seeing some fashion on the water in any type of form.

8. A small bag or pouch for valuables

Whatever you take in the water, consider that you might lose it and never find it again, or the salt water could ruin it (RIP to all my earrings!). Think twice if you want to take your fancy watch or Grandma’s earrings out in the ocean.

Taking a water resistant zip bag, pouch or makeup-style bag to throw your valuables and jewellery in is a great idea. You will know they're safe from water and sand, and where to find them when you're out the water.

I hope you found this article useful, and pass it on to any friends who you think would want to give it a read!