Surfing Waves

Hi guys

Sorry if I've posted (posting?!) in the wrong section, but I weren't sure which one to choose for this topic.

Cut a long story short, I last surfed (very mildly, could stand up for 2 seconds then fall) when I was 14 about 8 years back, and have decided to try to learn again, seriously this time. I've gone about 5/6 times in the last 2 weeks, and the majority of them was simply just paddling out, learning how to balance etc and just getting used to the water again.

But back to my actual topic, my friend has worked in a cafe on the beach where I've left my car keys, but he's moving on and won't be working there anymore. So I'm kind of stuck as to where to put my car keys? The beach I go to is a relatively nice area (Llangennith, Wales) but you can never be too careful, so I wouldn't want to just "hide" my keys somewhere. Can someone with experience with this give me some ideas as to what you do?

anything would be appreciated!

thanks!

J

I made a copy (non electronic) and use the elastic loop in the pocket of my boardies. There is a key pocket in the anklet of many brands of leashes and you could keep it in there; I use that when I'm wearing a wetsuit.

Hey Jack,

I always wanted to go surf at Llangennith, I heard it is really good for longboards and the webcam looks amazing. The paddle out might be a bit tough though. How is surfing over there like? Are there many surfers?

I would suggest you to get a lockjaw box. https://www.surfdome.com/lockjaw_lock_- ... ypod-13140

This is the one I buy and I just clamp it somewhere underneath the car.

Big H wrote:I made a copy (non electronic) and use the elastic loop in the pocket of my boardies. There is a key pocket in the anklet of many brands of leashes and you could keep it in there; I use that when I'm wearing a wetsuit.

Sounds like a good idea! I have 2 copies of my car keys atm, 1 electric and 1 non electric.. so I'm off to a good start already on that front! lol

Thanks for the response mate!

BaNZ wrote:Hey Jack,

I always wanted to go surf at Llangennith, I heard it is really good for longboards and the webcam looks amazing. The paddle out might be a bit tough though. How is surfing over there like? Are there many surfers?

I would suggest you to get a lockjaw box. https://www.surfdome.com/lockjaw_lock_- ... ypod-13140

This is the one I buy and I just clamp it somewhere underneath the car.

I've really enjoyed it so far! I live about a 10 minute drive away so I know a lot of the people I've come across so far. But the ones I've not met before have been nothing but friendly and helpful. A few time I've just laid there on my board and watched the others surf, and a few have come over to me and asked am I new etc, and that started a conversation about advice and tips etc about surfing in general, and how to stay out of peoples way who are on a wave etc (Must have done it a few times).. good times! Even been invited for a surf on Friday evening with a couple beers afterwards which was nice. I've heard good and bad things about the surfer community.. not met any of the latter yet!

It depends what time you go really, the busiest time so far was 9AM last Saturday morning.. many surfers and body boarders! But I kind of expected that.. but the beach is very long so you will 100% find a spot. I've been going late afternoon/early evening a couple of times and not sure whether because the surf wasn't great or what, but there wasn't many people at all during these sessions.

That looks like a good device! have you ever had any problems with it? if you don't mind me asking of course Sorry for the long response...

thanks for the reply!

Don't worry about the bad things about surfing community. Sometimes I see my good friends who lose their temper and snap. I see the other side of them. It's just that catching a good wave is so important to surfer and when others get in their way, they loses it. Just like road rage.

The box is very good. My only problem is that I'm lazy. I try and fit the remote control, key chain and the key all into that box. It works fine but I just need to put it in order so it all fits. The other problem I have is that I don't dry and clean it when I get home. Sometimes I get the box wet and the lubricant comes off. A bit of wd40 and grease always fixes it. I've had it for about 2 years now and it is fantastic. Just lock that box under the car so if it rains, it won't get wet.

I wouldn't advise to put it in your board shorts, I know some wetsuits and shorts have those key place holder. But the way I see it, I'm a beginner to surfing and there's a good chance that I'll wipe out badly and loses the key.

These electronic keys are a bit of a PITA. My car has a physical key but it only opens one door (it's a backup in case the central locking fails) but you can't lock the car with it. So I need to have the electronic part with me.

I just use 2 waterproof divers bags (2 to be safe) so that it's double layered. Roll the first up in the second and roll it up, cram it down the back of my wetsuit. Being wetsuit weather in the UK makes it easier than with boardies and a rashie. It doesn't dig into me, hardly notice that it's there and even when bailing it's not moving around so not uch chance of tears etc. in the bag.

I also leave my second electronic key in the car so that if the worse does happen, I can unlock it with the "hard key" and still drive it with the spare key.

So far though, not had a problem

The lockjaw is probably your best bet, but if you have a key(non electrical), there shouldn't be any issues putting it on the key loop of your boardies or wetsuit, you definitely want to loop it on though or like Banz says a heavy wipeout can knock it out.

You can take an electronic key into the water.

Several companies make a waterproof pouch which hangs around your neck inside your wetsuit. Obviously if you're wearing only boardies this is less secure. I think they cost around £15/$20.

I personally just take a normal plastic bag, put the key in the bottom corner and then carefully keep folding it over and over until I'm left with a small plastic rectangle shape around the key. The bag is folded so many times that water is never getting in. Then just put it in your wetsuit, either in the key pocket if it's big enough, or in your upper arm, or next to your ribs or somewhere else tight-ish where it's not going to move or get excessively flushed. Basically somewhere where it won't fall out. I've never had any problem doing this.

Alternately, cling film applied in the same way and wrapped over and over does the same job.

I don't have experience with the Lockjaw you linked to, but for the Masterlock key box they sell in the US and similar ones they sell here in Japan,they can be easily opened. Not cut by a bolt cutters, but by figuring out the combination. It only takes a few minutes with something you find laying around the beach. Of course, the thief can be seen trying to break the code. But just realize they are easy to open.

The shop I used to work at stopped selling those combination key boxes because of how easy they can be defeated. I opened one myself in a few minutes.

I take needle and thread and reinforce the sewing at the base of the elastic loop that I use for the key in my shorts pocket. Had one rip out in the parking lot unlocking the door and stretching the elastic from my pocket to the door lock. I do this with all my new boardies. I then loop it around the key and knot it one time; no way that key is coming off the loop. If you are really paranoid then have a key on the loop and another copy in your leash anklet pocket. I wouldn't use a box either mainly because here in Indo you are NEVER alone....there is always someone sitting somewhere watching what you do and any hidden lockbox would only be hidden that first time; as soon as you try to access it then the secret is out. Looking at that I bet one shot on the head with a hammer would open her right up. I also would not want anything hanging around my neck...for the obvious garrotting to the less obvious key print in the middle of my chest and board....

Jack92,
Please run search on this forum for "keys". You will recieve >5 pages listing the threads addressing this topic. The results & discussion are exhaustive and you will be glad you did it.
Billie

Hi Jack this is what I use to keep my key: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NPJGN8. I got the refurbished one for $17. The new one is pretty pricy

I use a lock box like the ones that have been mentioned here in the UK.
Basically I will use it in a busy/public area as people are less likely to tamper with it while being watched.
If I am in a place that is very quiet, I am more likely just to hide the key (generally around the area and not on the car)

If you have a non-electric key...good quality shoe lace and around the neck tucked under the wetsuit...I used this surfing/windsurfing/sailing/kayaking never even came close to loosing it. Cheap and simple.

Happy Riding!

BaNZ wrote:Hey Jack,

I always wanted to go surf at Llangennith, I heard it is really good for longboards and the webcam looks amazing. The paddle out might be a bit tough though. How is surfing over there like? Are there many surfers?

I would suggest you to get a lockjaw box. https://www.surfdome.com/lockjaw_lock_- ... ypod-13140

This is the one I buy and I just clamp it somewhere underneath the car.

hey,

yes, nice invitation for every theft. These locks are totally unsafe, easy to break open. Using them invalidates your car insurance. There are videos on youtube. Two minutes and a small hammer. That is all it needs to break them.
Also they do not match with sand and saltwater/salty air. One day you can only open them with a hammer.

I always try to keep the key with me. Unfortunately I cannot suggest a good solution...