Rockfall crashes onto Devon beach, nearly hitting sunbathers
The terrifying crash cut off some beachgoers who were there at the time, and a lifeboat was launched to rescue them. Eyewitness James Walters describes seeing 'thousands of tons' of rock come down. He said: 'Police, lifeboat and coastguards were there. I don't think anybody was injured, but they had to close the coast path.'
A spokesperson from Sidmouth Lifeboat said: 'Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat was tasked by Solent Coastguard after a significant cliff collapse at Budleigh Beach. The crew's primary objective was to search for anyone caught in the fall zone and to support Beer and Exmouth Coastguard teams already on scene.'
This comes almost a year after dramatic cliff fall just a few miles at Jacob's Ladder beach, in Sidmouth, also threw up a billowing cloud of dust, forcing terrified beachgoers to run into the sea to escape the landslip in August last year. Families with young children had been sunbathing on the shoreline close by when the cliff collapsed, but thankfully no one was injured by the fall.
Warning signs had already been put up at prior to the terrifying incident. Images of the collapse showed the moment people close to the impact were forced to scramble in a bid to get to safety. Two people were seen running into the sea to avoid the catastrophe.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Gabby Logan looks elegant in a floral dress as she excitedly cheers on jockey daughter Lois alongside husband Kenny at Goodwood
Gabby Logan cut an elegant figure in a floral dress as she excitedly cheered on her jockey daughter Lois at the Qatar Goodwood Festival in Chichester on Thursday. The presenter, 52, and rugby ace husband Kenny Logan, 53, had joined other family members to cheer on showjumper Lois, 20, during her race-riding debut in the Markel Magnolia Cup. The family, including Gabby's mother Christine Yorath and son Reuben Logan looked in great spirits as they showed their support to Lois on the sidelines amid the invitational charity race, in which Lois came in fifth. Dressing to impress despite the dreary weather, Gabby turned heads in a white patterned chiffon long-sleeved dress, which she teamed with pale pink pom pom headband. Meanwhile, retired Scottish rugby star Kenny looked dapper in a blue suit and navy patterned tie as he enjoyed the festivities at the racing event. The proud parents later posed with their daughter ahead of her race for the Magnolia Cup during Ladies' Day. It comes as glamorous racegoers refused to the miserable weather dampen their spirits as they arrived at Goodwood for Ladies' Day. Despite the rain and grey skies sweeping much of the UK, revellers refused to let it stop them from showing off their fashion prowess in Chichester. A bearable drizzle this morning soon turned into a fully-blown torrential downpour and blustery gales, leaving racegoers scrambling for shelter on the racecourse. The rain hammered down hard onto some unsuspecting revellers, as they desperately attempted to protect their ensembles by hiding under jackets. Although it is currently 20 degrees, Chichester has been hit with a moderate thunderstorm warning by the Met Office, with 'thunderstorms and heavy showers expected to develop'. One woman was particularly unlucky as her wedge strap broke while walking, leaving the shoe dangling off her foot. She was seen clutching onto her brolly while attempting to navigate her way around the grounds with only one shoe. However, many revellers did not allow the weather to rain on their parade as they continued to step out in all their finery, donning vibrant dresses, striking fascinators, and umbrellas to bat away the rainclouds. Many racegoers in West Sussex opted for classic pointed kitten heels that matched their eye-catching dresses. However, while some opted for orange, emerald green and aqua blue, others went for more classic and timeless looks to impress on Ladies' Day. Content creator Leonora Smee looked effortlessly chic in a monochrome polka-dot Holland Cooper maxi dress along with white heels, as she attempted to fit her matching headpiece underneath her umbrella. Gates opened at 11am, giving people plenty of time to grab their glasses of champagne and prepare for a day of nail-biting racing, with the first race, The Markel Magnolia Cup, starting at 12.45. Photos showed some adorned in entirely floral themed outfits and other women in bright pink ensembles, and some truly gravity-defying hats. One group of racegoers proudly sported an array of fruit and vegetable themed fascinators, as each of them had one of their five-a-day embossed on their headpieces. Other revellers wanted to ensure that their outfits were still seen, instead choosing to use transparent brollys. However, some came ill-prepared for the weather and were left hiding under blazers to ensure their impressive ensembles did not become drenched. Some racegoers was so desperate for cover that they even took out a large parasol out from one of the tables The five-day Qatar Goodwood Fesitval, known as 'Glorious Goodwood,' is seen as one of the highlights of the British flat racing season. Ladies' Day is dubbed the 'most stylish day' of Goodwood and is quoted as 'the place where the worlds of fashion and horseracing become one'. However, each enclosure has different dress codes and rules on what you can and cannot wear to the event. In the Richmond Enclosure, gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie and women are required to wear a garden party look which includes a 'a floaty or floral dress, an elegant top and trouser/skirt combination that is suitable for England in summer'. This enclosure is relatively exclusive and only available to available to members and their guest, meaning that people from other areas cannot enter. Goodwood also recommends they 'leave their stiletto heels' at home as the uneven ground can be 'tricky to walk on'. Despite the rain and grey skies sweeping much of the UK, revellers refused to let it stop them from showing off their fashion prowess in Chichester One woman is pictured donning a colourful hot pink wide-brimmed hat alongside the dark grey clouds Revellers are seen braving the nearly-black rain clouds and wet weather at Goodwood on Thursday There is no formal dress code in the Gordon Enclosure, but guests are encouraged to dress in a smart and elegant way. The Lennox Enclosure also has no formal dress code and instead racegoers are just told to 'dress suited to an afternoon's racing'. Each year, a handful of celebrities and A-listers attend Goodwood are snapped donning unique ensembles. On Wednesday, Gemma Owen, former Love Islander and daughter of Michael Owen, turned heads in an all-white ensemble as she enjoyed a rare family outing with her parents.
Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Telegraph
The best men's and women's wetsuits tried and tested for surfing, paddleboarding and swimming
A wetsuit is essential for anything more than a quick dip in the sea if you want to stay warm and comfortable for prolonged periods, especially in the UK. For swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, kite surfers, wakeboarders and anyone who loves being in cold water, they're a must. The best surfing and water sports wetsuits come in a range of designs and material density to suit different water temperatures (and different ways to squeeze into them with chest or back zip options). High-performance, zip-free designs have been developed in recent years, too. Triathlon and swimming wetsuits are generally thinner and more flexible, while surf wetsuits should be robust, buoyant and tailored for unrestricted movement. For every water sport, there's a wetsuit. But whatever the style, a good wetsuit can cost you anywhere from £150 to over £500. Some of the best models from C-Skins, Olaian, Zone3, Rip Curl and others are reviewed below. The best wetsuits: At a glance How to choose the best wetsuit Above all, a wetsuit needs to be thick enough to keep you warm in the water with the right fit to ensure there is no chafing, restriction or excess 'flushing' where cold water enters the suit. Current Boardmasters Champ, Lukas Skinner, says most surfers in the UK will require a 5/4mm suit (5mm thickness in the chest and body, 4mm in the arms and legs) when entering the water in winter and early spring. 'I wear a Rip Curl Fusion wetsuit in the winter in the UK, when the water temperature drops to 10C or lower, but I actually find the 5/4mm suit a little too warm, so I drop down to a 4/3mm suit instead,' he says. Water sports beginners should look for 5/4mm or even 6/5mm suits in winter, complete with hood, boots and matching gloves. In summer, the water temperature rises to the point where a 3/2mm (or even thinner) suit will suffice. 'Fit is also really important, because a wetsuit needs to be snug but not so tight that it is restrictive – it pays to try a few, because they all fit differently,' says Skinner. Ease of changing matters too; you'll want a suit that you can slip in and out of under your best changing robe. How we test wetsuits Siân and I have owned and used a large number of wetsuits from numerous brands over the years. For this round-up, we judged each wetsuit on a number of strict criteria, starting with how easy the suit was to get on and off. After squeezing into the suits, we tested for overall fit and comfort in the water, noting any restrictions around certain areas. This was assessed both on land and in the sea while surfing or paddleboarding around the south coast of the UK and Portugal. Most wetsuit brands highlight materials innovations or unique features that set their suits apart. We considered any of these during use and analysed whether they made a tangible difference. After bobbing around in the water over a number of sessions, the wetsuits were judged on how well they kept us warm, particularly when stationary with a low heart rate. Finally, we considered the overall build quality, durability and environmental impact of each wetsuit. Although tricky after a limited testing period, it was possible to locate weak spots that could lead to long-term issues. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best men's wetsuits of 2025 1. Best Buy Men's Wetsuit: C-Skins NuWave ReWired 3/2 Score: 8/10 We like: Zero compromise on fit and performance We don't like: The hefty price Cornwall-based C-Skins produces a range of cold water wetsuits at a variety of price points. Its line of NuWave natural rubber wetsuits deserves special attention – they are among the first on the market that compete with neoprene, the environmentally harmful material used in most wetsuits. This ReWired model sits at the top of the range and combines an incredibly flexible natural rubber exterior with super comfortable Halo X2 recycled inner linings. The result is a wetsuit that is simple to get in and out of, fits like a glove and truly protects you against the elements. The 'Iris 3' neck closure is a particular highlight, as it beefs up the front entry system to stop cold water flushing through this common leak point. It's a snug fit, but that's preferable to having freezing cold water slide down your back. A more durable panel on the front, dubbed 'Dark Matter Liquid Skin', helps reduce damage from friction between chest and board, while helping to cut out wind chill. This panel is much smaller than many rivals, which helps reduce bulk without compromising durability. It is a pricey suit, mainly due to the innovative natural rubber compounds, but it is well worth the price. It is the first naturally-derived wetsuit I have tested that doesn't feel boxy or heavy, proves easy to get in and out of and performs like a pro across a range of sea temperatures. Key specifications 2. Best Value Men's Wetsuit: Olaian Surf 900 3/2 You never quite know what you are going to get with Decathlon. Some of its cheaper water sports products miss the mark, while others completely exceed expectations. Its line-up of wetsuits follows a similar pattern, with those at the lower end of the budget spectrum proving ill-fitting, not easy to get into and not particularly flexible, while its top-end 900 range packs all of the features of pro suits at a fraction of the cost. This model's glued and blind-stitched seams ensure water doesn't leak into the suit and reduce chafing, with top-quality neoprene rubber helping fend off the cold. It even comes in a fetching green, which makes a change from black, black, or... erm, black. The cut isn't quite as athletic as Rip Curl, O'Neill and Manera's options, but there is enough flexibility to make getting in and out of the suit much easier. The chest-zip closure is also, in my opinion, one of the easiest designs to live with. Decathlon provides an extra chunky zip at the front, which scores bonus points for longevity, but caused me some discomfort when laying prone on the board. The toughened fabric around the wrists and ankles didn't feel great against my skin and it is noticeably thinner than the neoprene, meaning those bits of the body feel the cold. Regardless, this 3/2mm suit has excellent thermal insulation and could easily be worn in much colder conditions. It's a serious accomplishment given the price. Key specifications 3. Best Men's Wetsuit for Cold Water: Manera Meteor X10D Our thickest suit on test, the Manera Meteor X10D was always going to fall behind in terms of flexibility and comfort when compared to much slimmer 3/2mm summer suits. But considered in isolation, it offers a lot of value for money, particularly for those regularly braving frigid conditions. Designed with tight budgets in mind, it packs a ton of features without breaking the bank, including a lightweight fleece insulation that's made from recycled materials and reinforced sealing points at your ankles and wrists to ensure cold water doesn't enter the suit. The innovative perforated patches at the bottoms of the ankles are designed to allow water to strain out of the suit so it doesn't balloon up, particularly when worn with neoprene boots. Manera provides additional 'Phantom Straps' that Velcro around the ankles, should you want to seal out the cold further. It's a great-looking wetsuit, with clear attention paid to the athletic, figure-hugging cut that feels like it is skewed towards a sportier physique. That said, it is a heavy number, not just due to its outright thickness, but also the sheer weight of the neoprene used. On test, this was naturally one of the trickiest suits to get in and out of, which is forgivable given its overall warmth and suitability for cold waters. But those stiffened wrist and ankle openings don't make life any easier. Key specifications 4. Best Men's Wetsuit for Comfort: O'Neill Hyperfreak 4/3mm+ Chest Zip Wetsuits are rarely easy to get into when new, as they tend to take a few sessions to loosen up and become fully comfortable, but O'Neill's Hyperfreak fits like a second skin from the moment you put it on. This is down to the brand's TechnoButter3X neoprene that feels more like a normal item of clothing than a wetsuit. It is ludicrously flexible and felt natural against my skin, with no bulky or chafing areas to worry about. Even in this more winter-orientated 4/3mm version, the Hyperfreak feels lighter and more flexible than some 3/2mm counterparts and proved more than warm enough in both UK waters and colder Portuguese waters for lengthy surf sessions. Like many of its rivals, O'Neill offers a great range of sizes, with both tall and short versions across the range. We found that this brand's free-floating chest closure system was among the most comfortable on test. Almost too warm for summer surfing here in the UK, this would be a great suit to bridge seasons, capable of providing warmth in those spring, autumn and even early winter months when the swells hit. Perhaps the only downsides are that O'Neill doesn't lean on more environmentally-friendly materials and glue technologies and that there are still question marks over how long that ultra-flexible TechnoButter material can hold its shape and perform. Key specifications Material: Technobutter limestone neoprene Wetsuit thickness: 4/3mm Entry: Zipped front Seams: Double-blind stitching and taped Lining: Jersey lined Sizes: XS, SS, S, ST, MS, M, LS, L, LT, XL, XXL 5. Best Men's Wetsuit for High-performance Surfing: Rip Curl Flashbomb Fusion 3/2 Zip Free Wetsuit This is by far the most expensive suit on test here and many will find the £520 asking price a difficult pill to swallow, especially as you can get similar, high-performance summer suits for around £200 less. That said, it has a full fleece lining, dubbed 'E7 Flash Lining', which feels great against your skin and helps keep you warm. This suit was also one of the fastest to dry in warm sunny conditions. The main talking point is the 'Fusion Dry Seam' technology, which largely does away with 96 per cent of traditional stitched seams in favour of Rip Curl's 'unique' bonding technique. This should leave little chance of cold water ingress. What's more, the seams are also bound on the outside of the suit, so there is far less chance of high-friction areas rubbing away at the seams and causing splits. Instead of a zip closure, this suit has a distinctive neck design and bungee cord fastening. It fits like a glove and feels like a second skin, although I found it a little tight around the shoulders and neck at first. Overall, it is a fantastic suit that goes well beyond the usual 3/2mm summer season brief and can be worn in far colder waters. There's little flushing or water ingress, while the neat branding and laser-applied logos on the leg look and feel premium. That said, it could be difficult to justify the extra spend when there are plenty of other high-performance suits that cost much less. Key specifications 6. Best Men's Wetsuit for Features on a Budget: NeedEssentials Natural Rubber Liquid Sealed Wetsuit This 4/3mm suit is perfectly warm enough to wear even in the depths of a UK winter, but less bulky and more flexible than the Manera model I also tested. It's also much easier to get in and out of. The 100 per cent glued, blind stitched and internally taped seams are liquid sealed on the outside, meaning durability is up there with the best. Personally, I have owned a NeedEssentials 5/3mm hooded neoprene winter suit for years that is still going strong to this day and doesn't show any signs of detrimental wear and tear. They are made to last. This version is made from a relatively eco-conscious Ocena natural rubber and features an interior fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. The overall fit is excellent, while the suit's slightly boxy shape will make it much easier to get in and out of if you have broad shoulders. Key specifications Material: Ocena natural rubber Wetsuit thickness: 4/3mm Entry: Chest bib entry Seams: Glued, blind stitched and liquid sealed external seams Lining: Recycled polyester thermal lining Sizes: XS, S, ST, MS, M, MT, LS, L, LT, XLS, XL, XLT, XXL 7. Best Men's Wetsuit for the Environment: Snow Peak + Finisterre Men's 3mm Yulex Chest Zip Wetsuit Two goliaths of the active outdoor lifestyle industry collide on this project, which is essentially one of Finisterre's now famous Yulex wetsuits with a little sprinkle of Snow Peak's minimalist design influence. Yulex natural rubber, which is a plant-based alternative to the petrochemical neoprene, is used for much of the middle panel, while recycled polyester and elastane are used elsewhere to give it a little more stretch. Even before putting it on, the suit looks great, with smooth lines and minimalist collaborative branding on the shoulders. The reinforced chest and back pads give it some extra durability, reducing the potential for friction rips that can result from laying prone for hours on a waxed-up surfboard. They also cut the wind chill factor, keeping vital organs warmer. The suit I tested is only 3mm thick and therefore best suited to summer conditions, but it could be worn in colder weather as its heat retention properties are absolutely fantastic. It's almost too warm for balmy summer days in the UK, but it earns its keep by performing when the mercury drops. Yulex has improved greatly over the years, but it just isn't as supple or comfortable to wear as similarly-priced neoprene suits and it takes a lot longer to truly break in. This means getting in and out of the suit can be a pain and the fit is definitely on the slim side. Key specifications Material: Yulex natural rubber Wetsuit thickness: 3mm Entry: Zipped front Seams: Double-blind stitching and taped Lining: Jersey lined Sizes: S, MS, M, MT, ML, LS, L, LT, XL The best women's wetsuits of 2025 1. Best Buy Women's Wetsuit: Zone3 Aspire (2025 version) The Aspire is British triathlon brand Zone3's most popular all-rounder for swimmers and triathletes, and it was easy to see why when testing out the 2025 iteration of the suit. Pulling it on is honestly a delight – and I can't say that of most of the top picks. Once zipped up, it felt lovely and soft against my skin thanks to its silky lining. It offers unrestrictive movement however you contort yourself, and it looks flattering, too. The arm and leg cuffs are designed for quick removal; if you're a keen triathlete, that could save you valuable seconds off your performance time, while for beginners, it's just nice to feel like you can get dressed in a dignified manner. The Aspire adds buoyancy around your torso but still lets you glide through the water in a natural way and doesn't rub or feel heavy to wear. This year's update is made of biodegradable but rather fragile-feeling Yamamoto neoprene and will need looking after – keep it away from anything that it could snag on. My only gripe here is that the detailing, like on so many female-specific wetsuits, is pink. There's also a thermal version available for winter swimmers. Key specifications Use: Swimming and triathlon Thickness: N/A Size range: XS-XL Material: Yamamoto neoprene Zip placement: Back 2. Best Value Women's Wetsuit: Ho Stevie Women's Surfing Wetsuit All-American brand Ho Stevie has set out to make a women's wetsuit at an affordable price – and I think they've nailed it. The neoprene of their women's suit is soft, surprisingly lightweight and fits nicely, while an over-the-head chest zip traps in body heat. It offers enough stretch to allow you to squat and lift your arms. Unlike many chest zip suits I've tried, this wetsuit doesn't require wrestling to get it on and I found that I could pull it on and off on my own, which is handy for solo surfs. Sizes range from US 4-14 and while there are small and tall versions available, there's not much choice for plus sizes. I tried out Ho Stevie's 4/3mm suit, which is good for fresh spring surfs in the UK and kept me warm even during all-day surf sessions. Ho Stevie constructs its suits from limestone neoprene, which is made using calcium carbonate from limestone instead of the traditional petroleum-based neoprene, making it a more environmentally-friendly choice, although not as eco as a Yulex wetsuit. The other standout feature is its affordable price. The design punches above its weight for how much it costs. Key specifications 3. Best Shorty Women's Wetsuit: Vivida Lifestyle Linda Reversible Wetsuit A shortie suit with long arms is a great middle ground between a buoyant wetsuit and a liberating swimsuit for summer, keeping your upper body protected while allowing your legs to move freely. Vivida has garnered lots of fans for the Linda, and I liked the cut and fit. It's easy to pull on, sports a decent zip and doesn't feel restrictive, allowing a good range of arm movement. Wear it one way and this is a smart two-tone grey shortie suit, while the other side has a fun print inspired by map illustrations. A bikini will also fit underneath the Linda without feeling bulky, and 2mm of neoprene kept me warmer and felt more buoyant than other shorties on test, although it might be overkill on hotter holidays abroad. The high cut of the legs stays put for surfing and riding an inflatable paddle board, although the front zip could get in the way of paddling, so I'd pull on the Linda for summer sea swimming, snorkelling and diving instead. While this suit is made of neoprene rather than more sustainable Yulex, some of the rubber is sourced from upcycled car tyres and Vivida uses 25 recycled post-consumer plastic bottles in the lining of each suit. Key specifications 4. Best Women's Yulex Wetsuit: Finisterre + Snow Peak 3mm Yulex Chest Zip Wetsuit The boffins at Cornish brand Finisterre were pioneers of using Yulex rubber instead of neoprene to craft cold water wetsuits and the latest offering is a collab with Japanese camping gurus Snow Peak. Designed to keep you warm in the water from spring to autumn in water temperatures of 14-18C, this 3mm design combines Yulex, which produces up to 80 per cent less CO2 when manufactured than neoprene, with a recycled lining. While it may have good eco credentials this was the hardest suit to wrangle on and off – I've had a similar experience with other Finisterre suits, so it could be worth trying a size up with this brand, or simply resigning yourself to having to wriggle about in an ungainly fashion in the car park before a surf. Once it's on, however, this suit fits well, albeit snugly, creating instant warmth. It did a great job of keeping me cosy on long surf sessions. The neck is designed to avoid flushing (when water is pushed out of an ill-fitting suit and replaced with cold water) and manages to do it without rubbing. The suit also adds welcome buoyancy, although it's too buoyant for swimming sessions. It feels nicely made to touch and wear, with taped seams and a good-quality chest zip. As ever, I wonder why the lining of female-specific suits must be a hot pink. Key specifications 5. Best-looking Women's Wetsuit: Wallien Horizonia Springsuit Wallien's Horzonia springsuit is one of the most flattering wetsuits we've tested. At 1.5mm thick, it toes the line between swimsuit and wetsuit, but it does offer welcome warmth for swims, stays put while you move and is well cut, with a high leg for freedom of movement in the water. The suit doesn't ride up super high, but some swimmers may still prefer more bottom coverage than Wallien's design offers. The Horizonia has been thoughtfully designed – it's easy to pull on and off, it feels lovely against to the touch and the chest zip is quick to adjust and stays put. No neoprene is involved in whipping up one of these eye-catching cossies – instead, it uses Yulex, a plant-based rubber with an 80 per cent lower carbon footprint than neoprene. Its maker, Wallien, co-designed this model with water sports professionals and claims you can wear it for surfing, swimming, kitesurfing, snorkelling and more. It's definitely a suit I'd pack for an active beach holiday. Considering the average UK woman is a size 16, the sizing range (6-16) isn't inclusive. Also available in a smart wine red or an eye-catching aquamarine, this would be a nice pick if you're bored of dull, black swimwear. Key specifications 6. Best Women's Wetsuit With A Colourful Design: Wilda The Dart Wetsuit In a sea of boring black wetsuits, Wilda's first suit, named for the cold and cascading River Dart in Dartmoor, was designed to stand out. It wins points for style, but does this wetsuit tick the box for performance too? I found the Dart easy to pull on and peel off and the fit was mostly true to size, though slightly on the slim side. There's a range of sizes available from XS-XXL and tall lengths will suit swimmers with longer torsos. Wilda uses Yamamoto limestone neoprene, which has a lower carbon footprint than petroleum-based neoprene. The arms don't offer such a full range of motion as some techie swimming and triathlon suits I've tried out, but they move decently and don't impede open water swimming. All things considered, this suit is a good pick for wild swimmers – with the added bonus of that beautiful nature-inspired print, illustrated by Somerset-based artist Shruti Bhoyar. Expect lots of compliments when you wear the Dart. Key specifications 8. Best Long Jane Women's Wetsuit: Roxy Long John Springsuit Score: 7/10 We like: Kneepads for comfy surfing and paddleboarding Stand out – and get your shoulders out – in Roxy's fun and eye-catching sleeveless springsuit. The style is called a long Jane but Roxie has called it Long John (see what they did there) and it's great if you want extra leg coverage for spring and summer swims or snorkelling sessions, but like the idea of unimpeded shoulder movement. Its pliable neoprene material is so flexible that you'll barely notice you have it on as you move through the water – great if you don't like feeling weighed down by a wetsuit as you paddle – and the neck is comfortable even if you zip it all the way up. The Long John is only 1.5mm thick, so even though it has 'spring' right in the name, it's best worn in summer or for tropical surfing trips when you need extra protection. The legs are nice and flexible and feel a bit like you're wearing yoga leggings, but also sport well-padded knees, which make the suit good for surfing and paddleboarding. If you find yourself wanting some arm coverage, you can easily layer a wetsuit jacket on top. This springsuit is available in a fun range of colourways, so you can stand out even as you dive in. The sizing is limited, only going up to a 16. Key specifications Use: Multi-use Thickness: 1.5mm Size range: 4-16 Material: Neoprene Zip placement: Front 9. Decathlon Open Water Swimming Neoprene Wetsuit Score: 6/10 We like: Good quality and price point We don't like: Limited shoulder movement, runs small £149.99 Buy now Price at Decathlon Decathlon is a great port of call if you need a decent wetsuit for all seasons but don't want to spend much more than £150. This open water swimming suit is good if you're progressing with outdoor training and want your first proper wetsuit. It's made entirely from glideskin neoprene – Decathlon claims this will help you speed through the water. This suit does a good job at providing buoyancy and protection around your torso with 2.5mm of neoprene, but the thinner 2mm arms may impede your range of movement and feel more restrictive than most higher-end models. I liked the bright turquoise colourway, which punches above its price point when it comes to looks. Decathlon notes that this suit runs small I'd agree – so order one or two sizes up for the best fit. This suit is easy to pull on and off and is pleasingly stretchy but it does feel more fragile than some suits I tested – don't wear it for clambering about on rocks and store it carefully when you're not in the water. All in all, this is a good, affordable pick if you're getting into open water swimming. Limited sizes available. Key specifications Use: Open water swimming Thickness: 2.5/2mm Size range: 6-16 Material: Neoprene Zip placement: Back Wetsuits FAQs Do wetsuits actually keep you warm? Yes. 'Wetsuits don't keep you warm by keeping you dry. Instead, they trap a thin layer of water between your skin and the suit. Your body then heats that layer,' says Welsh Champion and C-Skins sponsored pro surfer, Logan Nicol. What wetsuit for what temperature? If the water is between 6 and 11C, you will need a 5/4mm or 6/5mm suit, with gloves, boots and a hood, depending on how resilient they are to the cold. This can drop to a 3/2mm suit in warmer waters (14 to 20C), or even a 2mm 'shortie' (no legs or arms) suit on really warm days. What thickness wetsuit do I need for the UK? The water temperature in the UK can drop below 6C in the winter, which requires the thickest wetsuits. In the summer, our coastal waters warm to the point where a 3/2mm suit is best. On very hot days, a 2mm summer suit may suffice. How should a wetsuit fit? Should it be really tight? 'Wetsuits are designed to be tight but not restrictive,' says pro surfer, Lukas Skinner. New wetsuits are always a little difficult to get into, but will ease off with time. Also, wetsuit brands vary with their fit, so it pays to try them on before buying. What are the main differences between wetsuit types for different sports? Wetsuits for swimming and triathlon will be thinner and designed to aid buoyancy and hydrodynamics, rather than withstand the rigours of surfing in rough open waters. How do I care for my wetsuit to make it last longer? 'Rinsing a suit with fresh water after each surf gets rid of salt water, which can wreak havoc with zips and seams,' says Skinner. There is also a dedicated wetsuit wash that can be purchased for very smelly suits. What should I wear under my wetsuit, if anything? Skinner and Nicol agree that there is no need to wear anything under a wetsuit. These suits are designed to trap water between the skin and the rubber, and perform at their best that way.
The Independent
12 hours ago
- The Independent
UK weather: Thunderstorm and flash flooding warning after heavy rain batters country
Areas across the UK could be hit by flash flooding as more 'torrential' rain is set to batter the country, forecasters have warned. A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued across parts of the south of England as heavy rain, hail, and lightning are expected to cause disruption to roads and public transport. The warning, which covers London, Bristol, Oxford, Southampton, Kent and Ipswich, is in place from 10am until 9pm on Thursday. People living in areas at risk of flash flooding have been advised to 'consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit' to minimise potential damage, the Met Office advised. It said the storm could bring as much as 60mm of rainfall within two hours, with 'frequent lightning and hail' also expected in some places. Heavy rain has already battered London on Thursday, as pictures show people rushing under umbrellas to shelter from the storm. The Environment Agency advised flash flooding was 'possible' but not expected during the heavy rainfall, which is set to develop throughout Thursday morning. They added that there could be flooding damage to homes and buildings, and said people should be aware of potential travel disruption. 'Surface water flooding impacts from heavy, thundery showers are possible but not expected on Thursday across the Midlands, South and East of England and London,' it said. 'Localised surface water flooding is also possible elsewhere across England. Properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.' The Met Office warned motorists to check road closures and be aware of 'difficult' driving conditions ahead of any journeys. It also said there was a 'small chance' of damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. 'Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected to develop during Thursday morning and through the afternoon,' the forecaster said. 'These could produce torrential downpours in a few places with as much as 25 to 35mm of rain falling within an hour and perhaps 60 mm within 2 hours. 'Frequent lightning and hail will be additional hazards. Storms will tend to become more confined to the south and east of the warning area later in the afternoon before dying out during the evening.'
