Matthew Hayes

Brand Manager

Articles by this author

Sailing·

The Fireball World Championship 2026

We proudly supported the 2026 Fireball World Championship at Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

Sailing·

Hurricane 5.9 SX Nationals 2026

We proudly sponsored the 2026 Hurricane 5.9 SX National Championships at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club.

The Ultimate Guide to Life Jackets & Buoyancy Aids

Sailing·

The Ultimate Guide to Life Jackets & Buoyancy Aids

Everything you need to know about Life Jackets & Buoyancy Aids.

Rider flying above the water on the new Jobe Epix inflatable e-foil

Paddle Boarding·

The NEW Jobe Epix E-Foil Has Landed

The Jobe Epix is a complete e-foil package with a 4000W motor, swappable 115L and 85L inflatable boards and up to 90 minutes of ride time.

International Moth foiling at speed during the 2026 UK Nationals at WPNSA

Sailing·

International Moth UK Nationals at WPNSA

How the 2026 International Moth UK Nationals unfolded at WPNSA, from 21 knot foiling to a title decided by a single point.

Musto BR sailing jacket and trousers worn on the foredeck of a yacht

Sailing·

Musto's BR1 vs BR2 vs BR3

Which Musto Sailing Gear Is Right for You?

Surfer riding a wave at the Alaïa Bay wave pool beneath the snow-capped Swiss Alps

Surfing·

Not Your Standard Surf Trip | WSO x Hurley

Hurley and Wetsuit Outlet head to Alaïa Bay in the Swiss Alps to surf perfect waves beneath snow-capped peaks.

Surfer wearing a Rip Curl Trad wetsuit carrying a board into the surf

Surfing·

Rip Curl Trad Wetsuits

Reliable Performance, Everyday Value

Hurricane 5.9 SX catamarans racing at Eurocat in Carnac, France

Sailing·

Hurricane 5.9 SX European Championship

All the action from the Hurricane 5.9 SX European Championship at Carnac

Open water swimmer Hero Douglas wearing an Orca Vitalis Thermal wetsuit

Swimming·

Orca's Hero Douglas and the Vitalis Thermal

Meet Orca's Open Water Ambassador, Hero Douglas, and her passion for swimming all year round.

Orca triathlon wetsuits

Triathlon·

What is my ideal Orca wetsuit?

Discover the wetsuits in our Orca Apex and Athlex ranges and find the wetsuit that best suits your needs.

Red Equipment changing robe, adventure towel and insulated drinkware from the spring collection

Surfing·

Red Equipment Spring Collection | Life's Better by the Water

Discover the Red Equipment Spring Collection - changing robes, drinkware, and essentials designed to keep you outdoors for longer this season.

DEKKED surf, skate and streetwear clothing

News·

Introducing DEKKED

A new home for surf, skate and streetwear fashion.

Yellow Optimum Time OS Series 3 sailing race timer watch

Sailing·

The Pick Of Champions - The Optimum Time OS Series 3

A deep dive into the Optimum Time OS Series 3 sailing watch

Optimum Time OS Series sailing watches shown side by side

Guides·

Compare Optimum Time sailing watch models - get help choosing

A guide to help you choose your next Optimum Time sailing watch.

Surfing·

Nyord Hits Lost Shore: Pushing the Solu Wetsuit to the Limit
Surfer in a Quiksilver wetsuit with PrimaLoft Bio lining riding a wave

Surfing·

PrimaLoft Enters Surf - Find Out Why

How PrimaLoft Bio insulation in Quiksilver and Roxy wetsuits adds warmth, stretch and faster drying without the extra bulk.

Nyord Solu Hooded Wetsuit

Surfing·

Introducing the Nyord Solu Hooded Wetsuit

The Nyord Solu Hooded 6/5/4mm is a Yulex natural rubber winter wetsuit built for cold-water surfing, with mapped panel thicknesses and an integrated hood.

Surfer wearing a Mystic Legacy watersports helmet

Wakeboarding·

Building a Legacy - Mystic Helmets for All Watersports

A deep dive into the Mystic helmet range, from the Vandal Series to the award-winning Legacy

Mystic wetsuits

Surfing·

Mystic Wetsuits - Top Tier Performance, Minimal Impact

Dive into Mystic's latest performance innovations

Guides·

The Wetsuit Outlet X Wavelength Winter Wetsuit Guide

The 2025 Wetsuit Outlet X Wavelength Winter Wetsuit Guide

Black Friday At Wetsuit Outlet

Guides·

Black Friday At Wetsuit Outlet

Black Friday At Wetsuit Outlet - What To Expect In 2025

Cold-water swimmer wrapped in a waterproof fleece-lined change robe on a winter beach

Guides·

Change Robes Gift Guide

Looking for the best change robes this winter? Discover new styles, key features, and top picks this Black Friday sale.

Nava Performance Club front-zip drysuit worn with the Nava Club fleece undersuit

Sailing·

The Latest From Nava Performance

A first look at the new Nava Performance sailing range - 3-layer jackets, trousers, drysuits, undersuits and gloves, tested by sailors and priced for everyone.

Surfing·

Mystic AW25, New and Improved

Mystics AW25 - Their greatest range yet

Swimming·

Swimming in Cold Water: Benefits for Body and Mind

Discover how cold-water swimming boosts metabolism, supports recovery, improves skin, and enhances sleep.

Swimming·

The Benefits of Cold-Water Swimming

Discover the physical and mental benefits of cold water swimming.

Swimming·

Step Into the Cold: Why September is the Time to Dive In

Discover the physical and mental benefits of cold water swimming this autumn.

Surfing·

What's New from Rip Curl Wetsuits

Discover Rip Curl?s latest wetsuit innovations, blending performance, warmth, and eco-friendly design across the new Flashbomb, E-Bomb, Dawn Patrol, and more.

Surfing·

Nyord's New Yulex® Wetsuit - The Story Of Solu

Introducing the Nyord Solu: A Natural Solution for Every Surfer

Sailing·

Fitting a PFD with Zhik

Find the perfect Zhik PFD for safety and performance. Learn how to choose, fit, and care for your life jacket on the water

Sailing·

Fitting a Helmet with Zhik

Learn how to choose, fit, and care for your Zhik water sports helmet. Stay safe, comfortable, and confident on the water.

Sailing·

Zhik Puts Women First

Zhik womens wetsuits: designed by women, tested by champions, built for performance.

Sailing·

What to Wear Dinghy Sailing in Summer, with Zhik.

Stay cool, protected & race-ready with Zhik summer sailing gear; UV tops, skiff suits, boots & more.

Surfing·

Into the Future: Meet GULs NatuR Wetsuits

Eco Innovation Without the Compromise

Swimming·

Josh's 23km Charity Swim for Mental Health

Josh Surridge's 23km charity swim, raising funds for The Forward Trust and mental health awareness.

Triathlon·

Wetsuit Outlet Proudly Supports Southend Triathlon
Surfers heading into the water in summer wetsuits

Surfing·

The Wetsuit Outlet X Wavelength Summer Wetsuit Guide

Our summer wetsuit round-up with Wavelength: the best full suits, shorties and natural-rubber options from the brands we rate most.

Surfing·

Our Top Wetsuits For Summer - A Guide.

Explore our expert guide to the best wetsuits for summer, from eco-friendly designs to high-performance favourites.

Surfer wearing a Nyord Solu Long Jane sleeveless wetsuit on a summer beach

Surfing·

The Nyord Long Jane / Long John Wetsuit

The perfect wetsuit for warm surf days - too hot for a full suit, too cool for a shorty.

Swimming·

Wetsuit Outlet x Open Minds Active

Supporting Mental Wellbeing in the Water, Learn more about our partnership.

Mystic 2025 boardbag range for surfboards, twintips, kites and foil gear

Wakeboarding·

2025 Mystic Boardbags: Ultimate Travel Protection

A deep dive into the durable, water-repellent boardbags designed for windsurfers, kiters, surfers, and foilers.

Surfing·

The GUL Viper Wetsuit; Redefining Winter Surfing

Braving the Lost Shore: How the GUL Viper Wetsuit Redefines Winter Surfing

Wetsuit picks for every season and activity

Surfing·

Top 5 Wetsuit Picks for Every Season and Activity

Our top 5 wetsuit picks for summer, winter, swimming and general watersports.

Surfing When Pregnant

Surfing·

Surfing When Pregnant - The Reality, Challenges And Excitement.

A story of the challenges of surfing when pregnant.

Surfing·

Surf and Foil Impact Protection from Mystic

A guide about Surf and Foil Impact Protection from Mystic

Winter wetsuits on test for the Wetsuit Outlet X Wavelength winter wetsuit guide

Surfing·

The Wetsuit Outlet X Wavelength Winter Wetsuit Guide

Tried and tested reviews of this season's best winter wetsuits, from top-of-the-range models to the best budget buys, by the Wetsuit Outlet team and Wavelength.

Northcore surf gift guide - change robes, board bags and the KeyPod key safe

Surfing·

Northcore's Gift Guide For Surfers 2025

Our Guide to Gift Giving with Northcore

Helly Hansen

Sailing·

Navigating the High Seas with Pip Hare: Vendee Globe Q&A

A Q&A with Pip Hare in collaboration with Helly Hansen

Surfing·

The Ultimate Guide To Xcel Wetsuits

A deep dive into the XCEL wetsuit range, get informed before making your next purchase.

Nyord Christmas gift guide featuring wetsuits, change robes and cold-water accessories

Guides·

Our Guide to Christmas Gifting with Nyord 2025

Our pick of the best Nyord Christmas gifts, from Solu Yulex and Furno wetsuits to change robes, beanies, gloves and stocking fillers.

Changing robes on the beach

Guides·

The Top 10 Dryrobe Alternatives

Our rundown of the top 10 Dryrobe alternatives, complete with a scoring system

Choosing the right wetsuit fit

Wetsuit Guides·

Our Guide to Wetsuit Fitting: The Right Fit for Every Sport

Here's a quick guide to help you figure out which wetsuit to give the watersports lover in your life.

Surfer in a winter wetsuit and hood carrying a surfboard across the dunes

Surfing·

Stocking Fillers for Surfers 2025

Budget-friendly stocking fillers for surfers - small, practical gifts they will actually use.

Wetsuit accessories laid out as gift ideas for surfers

Wetsuit Guides·

Best Wetsuit Accessory Gifts for Surfers 2025

Discover essential wetsuit accessories like dry bags, change robes, gloves, and more. Perfect gifts to enhance every water adventure!

Triathlete in a swim wetsuit swimming in open water

Swimming·

What to Gift the Triathlete in Your Life 2025

Top Christmas gifts for triathletes - gear, safety essentials and accessories to elevate their training.

Sailing·

A Conversation with Olympian Micky Beckett

Olympian Micky Beckett shares insights on sailing, timing, and staying motivated in this Optimum Time interview.

Open-water swimmers in swim wetsuits and bright swim caps entering cold water

Swimming·

Our Gift Guide For Swimmers 2025

Top gift ideas for open-water swimmers, from thermal wetsuits to neoprene gloves, for warmth and comfort this Christmas.

Palm Gradient 3.0 boot in Sherbet and Turquoise, showing the Vibram Idrogrip sole and neoprene ankle collar

Guides·

Product Spotlight - Palm Gradient 3.0 Boot

The new Palm Gradient 3.0 boot and its stand-out features.

Surfing·

Surf Ears 4.0 - Premium Ear Protection for Water Sports

Surf Ears 4.0 offer upgraded ear protection with a better fit and eco-friendly materials, read our review.

Kitesurfing·

Mystic Impact Cap | Lightweight Head Protection

Discover the Mystic Impact Cap, offering lightweight protection for wind and water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Surfer wearing a Nyord wetsuit on the beach

Wetsuit Guides·

Ultimate Guide to the Nyord Wetsuit Range

Understanding the Nyord Wetsuit Range: The Perfect Suit for Every Water Adventure

Wetsuit Guides·

Understanding Wetsuit Thickness

Learn the differences between 4mm and 5mm wetsuits, including warmth and flexibility.

O'Neill wetsuits

Wetsuit Guides·

The Ultimate Guide To O'Neill Wetsuits

A deep dive into the O'Neill wetsuit range, get informed before making your next purchase.

Swimming·

How to Put on a Swim Wetsuit

Our quick guide on how to put on a open water swim wetsuit.

Windsurfing·

Interview with Lena Erdil - A Insight into Windsurfing

Q&A Ambassador Series, An Interview with Lena Erdil

Drysuits for watersports

Drysuit Guides·

Drysuits Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Drysuits Buying Guide for Sailing: Everything You Need to Know

Mystic 2025 wetsuit range, neoprene technology and features explained

Surfing·

An insider look at the 2025 Mystic Wetsuit Range

Mystic explain the 2025 wetsuit range: MX4 Yamamoto 39 neoprene, Flaremesh+ and Fox Fleece linings, seam and entry systems, every series and how to size a suit.

Paddle boarder on flat water wearing a buoyancy aid

Paddle Boarding·

Paddle Board Safety: Tips For Staying Safe On The Water

How to stay safe when enjoying your SUP

C-Skins NuWave natural rubber wetsuit worn by a surfer in cold water

Surfing·

C-Skins - NuWave Is Expanding

Explore C-Skins' expanded NuWave natural rubber wetsuit range, combining sustainability with warmth and performance for cold-water surfers.

Surfer walking down the beach in a Quiksilver wetsuit with a surfboard

Surfing·

The Complete Guide to Quiksilver Wetsuits

Which Suit Is Right for You?

Sailor wearing the Crewsaver Atacama Sport+ drysuit on the water

Sailing·

The Crewsaver Atacama Sport+ Drysuit

Full wet-weather protection for RIB drivers and dinghy sailors - a closer look at the Crewsaver Atacama Sport+ drysuit

Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0

Sailing·

Helly Hansen, Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0: A New Era of Performance

Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0: upgraded warmth, mobility, and durability for sailors. Trusted performance, on and off the water.

Sailing·

A Deep Dive into the Helly Hansen Sailing Collection

Discover the Helly Hansen Collection: Innovation Meets Performance

Surfing·

Our Time At Boardmasters With GUL

Get the scoop on Boardmasters with GUL, featuring top surfers and the high-performance GUL Flexor wetsuit, known for its comfort, flexibility, and eco-friendly design.

Mystic wetsuit range

Wetsuit Guides·

Wetsuit Outlet's Mystic Wetsuits Guide

A Wetsuit Outlet insight into the Mystic Wetsuit Range

Roxy wetsuit range

Surfing·

Explore the Roxy Wetsuit Range

The perfect Roxy wetsuit guide, get detailed info, comparisons, and clear explanations to make an informed choice.

Man on beach wearing a Billabong wetsuit

Surfing·

The Ultimate Guide To Billabong Wetsuits

With technical detail, comparisons, explanations and more, this Billabong wetsuit range guide will have you covered.

Sailing·

International Moth UK Championship 2024

A day-by-day run down of the action at the 2024 Wetsuit Outlet International Moth UK Championship at Restronguet Sailing Club.

Man wakeboarding wearing a Mystic impact vest

Wakeboarding·

Impact Protection from Mystic

A deep dive into impact protection from Mystic. Mystic's range of impact protection gear is designed to enhance your water sports adventures with advanced technology, exceptional durability, and innovative designs.

GUL women's wetsuit on the beach

Wetsuit Guides·

GUL Wetsuit Guide

A guide to GUL wetsuits, breaking down the full range: men's, women's and kids' wetsuits. Find the technology, design and features of every wetsuit in the GUL range.

Sailing·

Interview with Hannah Diamond: A Journey in Professional Sailing

Learn more about Hannah Diamond, a renowned professional sailor and the role Musto gear plays in her success.

Rip Curl wetsuits

Surfing·

The Ultimate Guide To Rip Curl Wetsuits

Rip Curl's range of wetsuits are known for their innovative technology, superior construction, and exceptional performance. Get an insight into the ins-and-outs of the suit here.

Hurley wetsuits

Surfing·

Hurley Wetsuits - Everything you need to know.

Dive into Innovation: Hurley Wetsuits

Surfing·

Surfing at the Olympics Explained

Guide to help you understand Olympic surfing competition and scoring.

Dinghies racing around a course mark during a competitive sailing regatta

Sailing·

Beginner's Guide to Understanding Competitive Sailing

An easy guide to competitive sailing: the boat classes, how a regatta is scored, the key skills and the terms you need to follow a race.

Yachts racing around the Isle of Wight in the Round The Island Race

Sailing·

The Round The Island Race Explained

Answering your questions to help you understand The Round The Island Race

Inflatable kayak being paddled on flat water

Kayaking·

A Quick Guide to Choosing Your Kayak

A quick and easy guide to help you work out which type of kayak is right for you.

World Ocean Day 2024

Sustainability·

People Making a Difference in World Ocean Day 2024

Our list of the top people making a difference in World Ocean Day 2024

60 Years of Musto

Sailing·

60 Years of Musto: The Journey of an Iconic Sailing Brand

Explore 60 years of Musto's innovation in sailing apparel, from Keith Musto's Olympic legacy to world-leading gear.

Man wearing an O'Neill wetsuit in the sea

Wetsuit Guides·

Dive Deeper: Explore the O'Neill Wetsuit Range

Dive into the world of O'Neill wetsuits with Wetsuit Outlet's guide. From the Reactor to the RG8, find your perfect fit!

Billabong Youth Wetsuit

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Youth Wetsuits Range

Introduce young surfers to premium warmth and style with Billabong's Grom line. Built tough for the next generation of wave riders.

Billabong Foil Wetsuit

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Foil Wetsuit Range

Top-tier performance without breaking the bank with Billabong's Foil series. Sustainable, warm, and wallet-friendly.

Billabong Natural Rubber Wetsuit

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Natural Rubber Wetsuit Range

Join the movement towards sustainable surfing with Billabong's natural rubber wetsuits. Ethical, flexible, and performance-driven.

Billabong Graphene Wetsuits

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Graphene Wetsuits

The future of wetsuit technology with Billabong's Graphene-lined suits. Unmatched warmth and flexibility for endless waves.

Helly Hansen x RNLI

Sailing·

This May, help us save lives at sea.

Stay safe by water. Support RNLI for training & gear. Learn tips.

Billabong Furnace Wetsuit

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Furnace Wetsuit Range

Billabong's Furnace Wetsuit Range will have you warmer faster, for longer

Earth Day 2024

Sustainability·

Earth Day 2024: Actions for Change

The focus of Earth Day this April 22nd is crystal clear: Plastic Pollution and Our Planet.

Billabong Synergy wetsuit range for women

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Synergy Wetsuit Range

The Synergy range by Billabong is not only stylish and functional but also great value

Billabong Absolute wetsuit range, from shorty to full-length suits

Wetsuit Guides·

Billabong Absolute Wetsuit Range

The Absolute collection from Billabong combines value and performance, with a thickness for every season.

Maryam El Gardoum in Morocco

Surfing·

C-Skins NuWave | Maryam El Gardoum

Introducing the brands NEW natural rubber wetsuit range.

Surfing·

C-Skins | The NuWave is here

Introducing the brands NEW natural rubber wetsuit range.

We Are Watersports

A 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Surfing·

WSO Presents: A Wallien wetsuit size guide

Make a more informed purchase with tips, tricks, and a wetsuit test.

Orca open water swim wetsuits

Swimming·

WSO Guide: Choosing an Orca wetsuit

Born in the ocean. Confidence in the water.

Swimming·

9 Training Tips for your First Triathlon

Preparing for prime optimal performance.

Swimming·

Should I Buy a Specialist Open Water Swimming Wetsuit?

A few things to consider before making a purchase.

Swimming·

A Beginner Guide to Competitive Open Water Swimming

9 Guidelines to help you navigate its challenges and hold your own during a race.

Swimming·

What's the Difference Between a Swim and Surf Wetsuit?

A breakdown of what makes a swim-specific wetsuit stand out.

Swimming·

How to Care for your Swim Wetsuit

A step-by-step guide to looking after your swim gear.

ZONE3 open water swim wetsuits

Wetsuit Guides·

WSO Guide: Choosing a ZONE3 wetsuit

Open water specialists - enhancing performance, comfort and self confidence.

Swimming·

What Do You Wear Under a Swim Wetsuit?

Answered by Katie Maggs - Snorkel instructor and marine conservationist.

Swimming·

7 Steps to be a More Eco-Conscious Wild Swimmer

To help you out, we have partnered with our friends over at ZONE3.

Swimming·

11 Safety Tips for Open Water Swimming

From Mark Fleming - Open Water Coach and Aqua Fitness Instructor.

Swimming·

9 Essentials for Open Water Swimming

A mix of beginner gear and pro-level equipment to suit your needs.

Swimming·

Wetsuit size guide: How should a swim wetsuit fit?

How effective a wetsuit is at performing this task is largely a function of how well it fits the wearer.

Swimming·

Wetsuit Guide: Choosing a Wetsuit for Open Water Swimming

In a specialised swimming wetsuit, you will swim faster, more freely, and in greater comfort.

A man carrying a paddle board with his dog

Paddle Boarding·

Red Paddle Co Lineup

Tips and tricks to help you make an informed purchase.

Paddle Boarding·

Red | Paddles with Anya & Co

Brought to you by WSO in collaboration with Red Paddle Co.

Sailing·

Amy Stringfellow | Boatbuilder, maker, teacher

Brought to you by WSO in collaboration with Gill