Surf & Wetsuit Guides

Wetsuit fit, thickness and care, plus where and how to surf around Australia. Written from Sydney, where the seasons run opposite to yours.

Practical guides from the Flatrock Surf team in Sydney. Work out which wetsuit thickness suits your water temperature, how a suit should fit and how to make it last, then plan your next trip with our beach and surf-trip guides. The same thinking goes into our 3/2mm fullsuit and 1.5mm wetsuit top.

What Makes a Custom Surfboard Worth It? Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering

March 15, 2026

Custom surfboards deliver real value when you have specific needs production boards can't meet, but they're not right for everyone. This guide breaks down what actually changes with custom shapes,...

How to Repair a Wetsuit Tear at Home: Fix It Before Your Next Surf

March 9, 2026

Most wetsuit tears, punctures, and seam splits are fixable at home with basic tools and neoprene cement. This guide shows you how to repair common damage, when a wetsuit is...

6 Pre-Surf Stretches to Prevent Shoulder Injuries (And Surf Longer)

March 2, 2026

Shoulder injuries sideline more surfers than anything else. These six pre-surf stretches take under five minutes and target the rotator cuff, deltoids, and upper back to prevent injury and keep...

The Evolution of Australian Surf Culture: From Duke Kahanamoku to the Modern Era

February 28, 2026

From Duke Kahanamoku's 1915 Freshwater Beach demonstration to today's world champions, Australian surf culture has evolved into a high-performance powerhouse built on toughness, progression, and an unshakeable connection to the...

Essential Surf Trip Packing List for Australian Summer Destinations

February 25, 2026

A practical, experience-based packing guide for Australian summer surf trips to the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and QLD coast. Covers essential surf gear, car camping setup, non-surf essentials, and common...

5 Byron Bay Surfboard Shapers You Need to Know in 2026

February 22, 2026

From eco-conscious performance boards to heritage midlengths, Byron Bay's shaping scene is firing in 2026. We profile five local shapers crafting custom sticks for every skill level and wave type.

Best Intermediate Surfboards in Australia: When You've Outgrown Your Beginner Board

February 17, 2026

Moving from a beginner board to your first intermediate surfboard is the trickiest phase of progression. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best options from Australian shapers, how to choose...

The Ultimate Wetsuit Guide for Surfers

June 25, 2025

How wetsuits keep you warm, what they are made from, how thickness and fit work, and what you get as you spend more.

SURF, WORK, REPEAT: HOW TO BUILD A LIFE AROUND THE WAVES

May 21, 2025

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a nine-to-five while the swell’s pumping just down the road?

Which Wetsuit Thickness is Best for Australia?

April 4, 2025

So you're about to purchase a wetsuit and you're not sure which thickness is right for Australian water temperatures. The right thickness depends on where in Australia you're surfing and...

12 Things I Wish I Brought on My Bali Surf Trip

August 23, 2022

We copped a few lessons the hard way at Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Canggu, so you don't have to. Here's the gear, medical kit and small extras we wish we'd...

What to look for in a Wetsuit

January 27, 2021

So you’ve never bought, or maybe never even worn, a wetsuit before and you’re wondering what to look for in a wetsuit. When looking at how to buy a wetsuit,...