Meet the Team: Josh from Surf Retail
A former surf coach with a sports coaching background… our surf retail manager Josh has travelled the world in search of waves.
He’s also a self-confessed surf geek. Ask Josh anything you like about fins, boards, leashes, wetsuits, deck grips or tail pads (and plenty more!!) and he’ll be able to give you informed, intelligent and personally tailored advice about which products will work best for you.
In fact, Josh can help you with all sorts – from hints and tips on catching our waves to the best secret surf spots around the globe to head for on your next holiday!
Josh is always up for a chat, so please do drop in and say hello next time you’re passing. In the meantime, we’ve grilled him for answers to a few essentials…
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the south coast of England not too far from Bournemouth.
What was your first introduction to surfing?
It was on holiday in Cornwall when I was around 12 or 13. I managed to convince my dad to let me hire a board from the local surf school and was hooked from then.
What kind of surfer are you?
I’m a goofy surfer. I surfed longboards until I was in my early 20s, and I loved cruising and the relaxed style of longboarding. Now I’m very strictly a shortboarder – it’s all about how fast I can go! Having said that, I do throw in the odd fun board foamy session to keep things fresh. It helps to iron out the creases when I feel I’m hitting a bit of a plateau.
When did you start working at Adventure Parc Snowdonia?
I started at APS in March 2018 as a full-time surf instructor. I was fresh off the plane from three years in Australia and New Zealand and timed it perfectly as APS was hiring! I worked as an instructor up until July 2019 when the opportunity to take over the surf shop arose.
What do you like most about working at APS?
First up was the fact that Adventure Parc Snowdonia was the world’s first commercial wavepool, and a pioneer of this big new global trend. But it was also that the team is great - I’ve been lucky with who I’ve gotten to work with and meet during my time here - some really top coaches and surfers. With consistent waves every day it’s the perfect place to keep on improving my surf. And there’s always one of the other coaches watching to give me feedback on my form, which is great.
What drew you to retail?
I love the fact that I can help our customers out in a different way. And I really love talking to people about the things that they are passionate about. If I can provide some good advice so that surfers are able to pick up the best equipment for what they need and enjoy their surfing even more then I’m happy.
What gives you the edge?
I am a huge surf equipment and tech geek. I’ve been studying boards, fins, wetsuits and the rest for as long as I’ve been involved in surfing. I’ve tried out pretty much everything we stock, which means I can give really genuine feedback. I would never want anyone buying the wrong bit of kit getting bummed out by it, so I make sure I try, test and get as well-informed about our products as it is possible to be.
What is it like working at surf retail?
What I really like is that we get surfers at all different stages of their surfing ‘careers’, from beginners to seasoned vets. It’s great to engage with all of them. Seeing the excitement of new surfers buying their first wetsuit or board is great. And with the more experienced surfers, it’s awesome just chatting surf spots around the globe and helping to kit them out for their next trip.
What are your ‘hero’ products at the APS store?
My favourite products in the store… I really like our Surf Snowdonia tee’s and hoodies – and obviously I’d say that they are an essential piece of kit ?. Our Stance socks are great because they’re just so comfy. But I have to say the ‘Surf Ears’ ear plugs might just be the best bit of kit I’ve ever purchased. Keeps the water out but I can still hear perfectly – so no more ear ache for me!
Your favourite wetsuit?
My favourite wetsuit is the O’Neill Hyperfreak 5/4+ hooded suit. It’s warm enough for the winter swells but so comfy and stretchy. It feels like you’re wearing a 3/2.
And what’s your favourite board?
My favourite board is the ‘FRK’ by Slater Designs. It’s a classic high-performance shortboard, nice and simple but goes amazing. So much so I have just ordered myself one! Another favourite is the No Brainer by Slater Designs – it’s so easy to ride anyone can get on it and rip. It’s nice and flat which makes it really fast, so it goes great in the wavepool here. And the faster you go, the better you surf - right?
What’s your top tip for surfers buying new kit?
I think the best bit of advice I can give anyone is don’t be afraid to pay that bit more and get a good wetsuit. I have seen so many people freezing and uncomfortable in the water because they have picked up a suit from a budget beach shop. A good wetsuit has the potential to increase your experience 10-fold because it allows you to stay in the water for longer, move more easily and ultimately have a much better surf experience.
Anything else to say before we let you go?
I just want everyone to feel that no matter what product they are looking into – even if it’s something we don’t stock – they should feel they can come pick my brain about it because I can always help, advise and add value. To be honest, I just love it when people stop by for a chat, just like I used to at the surf shop on the beach where I grew up.
SmoothStar: why we love this surf training tool
Over at our onsite Surf Retail space we stock a pretty comprehensive range of high quality wetsuits, boards, clothing and accessories.
Surf Retail is a place where we like to showcase the best in new products, design and technology; kit and caboodle that is relevant to you whether you’re a fully signed up surf pro or a just-starting-out beginner.
With that in mind, we were pretty excited when we got the opportunity to become the only Wales stockist of a truly amazing and ground breaking surf training product: SmoothStar.
What is SmoothStar? Well we reckon it’s the closest you’re ever going to get to surfing on dry land. Yes really.
SmoothStar: the surf training tool
Whether you’d like to supplement your wave time with some land-based training, or you really want to work on a specific technique, SmoothStar boards will keep you well and truly stoked.
The SmoothStar boards replicate the surf feel due to the front truck featuring a special turning device known as the SmoothStar thruster.
The thruster makes the front of the board loose allowing the board to turn and drive off the back trucks – the same as you would with surfboard rails and fins. The feel is “rail-to-rail” surfing on land. The turns are not sharp or stiff – they are “Smooth” but as radical as you want them to be. That is why they call it “SmoothStar”!
Once the rider is pushing off from rail-to-rail, this creates a “self-propelling” motion, removing the need to push off the ground with the foot.
This is what our retail manager Josh has to say about Smoothstar:
“I’ve been using SmoothStar boards for a few years now, the connection between my upper and lower body when surfing has improved massively. I now rotate further and compress much deeper through my turns. I love that I can take surfing everywhere with me and it’s also a wicked workout for the lower body!”
Check out our video to see how a SmoothStar could improve your surfing too!
Surf Retail is open daily from 9am until 5pm. Email us on retail@adventureparcsnowdonia.com for more information about SmoothStar, or to enquire about any of our other retail lines.
WIN EXCLUSIVE USE OF OUR NEW ADRENALINE INDOORS FACILITY!
Have you been to check out our brand-new Adrenaline Indoors facility yet? Had a go on the UK's only extreme kicker slide (expect to fly high), taken on our epic aerial assault course, dared to throw yourself off our 6.5 metre stunt jump towers or braved our 100+ metres of artificial caves?
Then what about this: how do you fancy having this giant of adventure all to yourself and your mates? If that's a yes you need to enter our mega Adrenaline Indoors competition right now. Just head over to Facebook, Insta or Twitter and answer a simple question about what adventure means to you to be in with a chance of winning this truly epic prize.
WHAT'S UP FOR GRABS
Two hours exclusive use of our brand-new Adrenaline Indoors facility for you and nine fellow adventurers - big or small. You must be 18+ to enter this competition, and the prize is suitable for adults and children age 9+ (under 18s must be accompanied by at least one participating adult).
ABOUT ADRENALINE INDOORS
Our brand-new giant of adventure features one of the longest artificial caving systems in the world, climbing & racer walls, leaps of faith, possibly the most extreme slides you will ever encounter - including the UK's only kicker flight slide - an aerial assault course, stunt jumps and parkour ninja floor trail. There are ‘freefall’ jumps for the fearless, and you can even take a tandem zip line from the rooftop across the surf lagoon! A totally weather-proof day out for thrill-seekers of all ages, Adrenaline Indoors includes a separate soft play zone for younger visitors.
Adrenaline Indoors from age 5+, from £12. Soft play for babies & toddlers, £5, free for under 1s. Find out more and book here.
Please scroll down to read our full terms and conditions. And the very best of luck!
OUR COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The promoter is: Adventure Parc Snowdonia Ltd trading as Surf Snowdonia and
Adventure Parc Snowdonia (company no 8220978) whose registered office is
at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Conway Road, Dolgarrog, Conwy, LL32 8QE.
2. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over
except employees of Adventure Parc Snowdonia Ltd and their close relatives and
anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.
3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound
by these terms and conditions.
5. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via https://
www.facebook.com/AdvParcSnowdonia/, https://www.instagram.com/
AdvParcSnowdonia/ and https://twitter.com/advparcsnowdon.
6. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person
will be disqualified.
7. Closing date for entry will be 31/08/19. After this date the no further entries to the
competition will be permitted.
8. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
9. The rules of the competition and how to enter are as follows: To enter, simply let us
know in the comments on the competition post what the word ‘adventure' means to
you! You can enter via our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page.
10. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms
and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military
disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or
regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the
competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
11. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by
any third party connected with this competition.
12. The prize is as follows:
Two hours exclusive use of our brand-new Adrenaline Indoors facility for you and nine
fellow adventurers - big or small. You must be 18+ to enter this competition, and the prize
is suitable for adults and children age 9+ (under 18s must be accompanied by at least one
participating adult).
The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.The prizes are not
transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any
prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
13. Winners will be chosen at random by software.
14. The winner will be notified by email and/or DM on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and/or
letter within 28 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim
the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the
winner and pick a replacement winner.
15. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected / is
delivered.
16. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final
and no correspondence will be entered into.
17. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by
these terms and conditions.
18. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English/Welsh law
and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England/
Wales.
19. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as
well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be
used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be
disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
20. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and
conditions.
21. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated
with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information
to Adventure Parc Snowdonia and View Creative Agency and not to any other party. The
information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found
at https://adventureparcsnowdonia.com/privacy-policy/
22. Your exclusive session must be booked before 31st December 2019 and is subject
to availability.
23. Please check https://adventureparcsnowdonia.com/shop-category/adrenalineindoors/
to make sure you are aware of any age or weight restrictions for Adrenaline
Indoors activities.
Richard Parks launches Adrenaline Indoors!
The day has finally arrived! We were absolutely thrilled to open the doors to our fantastic new indoor adventure facility, Adrenaline Indoors, for the first time this morning.
This giant of adventure was launched for us by another giant of adventure - former Wales rugby international, record-breaking extreme endurance athlete and all-round Welsh legend Richard Parks. We are so pumped that he was able to be part of our big day.
Packed full of high-thrills activities, Adrenaline Indoors features one of the longest artificial caving courses in the world, as well as climbing & racer walls, leaps of faith, possibly the most extreme slides you will ever encounter – including the only kicker flight slide in the UK – an aerial assault course, air bag stunt jumps and a parkour ninja floor trail.
There are ‘freefall’ jumps for the fearless, and you can even take a tandem zip line from the rooftop right across the heads of our surfers on our inland lagoon!
WEATHER-PROOF ADVENTURES - PERFECT FOR RAINY DAYS OUT THIS SUMMER
Adrenaline Indoors is a totally weather-proof day out for thrill-seekers of all ages. A rain-proof facility with some of the biggest, boldest, most daring of new adventures in the UK. With something for adventurers of all ages, entry starts at £12.
So, what have we got in store for you? Take a look at our adventures below, and head to our Adrenaline Indoors page to book your entry!
ADRENALINE PASS
Awesome parkour ninja trail with extreme slides, bag jumps and aerial assault.
Age 9+, from £12
INDOOR ADVENTURE CLIMB
Clip & climb routes + racer walls, with a stairway to heaven and leap of faith.
Age 5+, from £12
THE GRAVITY PACK
High-rise kicks and thrills on outdoor climbing walls and ‘freefall’ jumps.
Age 7+, from £30
ARTIFICAL CAVING
All the thrills and skills of caving in a remarkable system of tunnels and caves.
Age 5+, from £12
ZIP LINE
The only zip on earth where you can race surfers and waves as you fly over a beautiful inland lagoon.
Age 7+, from £18
SOFT PLAY CAFÉ
Soft sensory play that will keep the smalls happy whilst you relax with a cuppa. Babies under 1 go free.
£5 entry.
Adrenaline Indoors is Now on Sale!
It's big news we bring you today - we are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for Adrenaline Indoors!
Featuring the kind of obstacles and jumps you might find expect to find in a stuntman’s repertoire, this colossus of indoor family adventure will open its doors in time for summer 2019. Stay tuned to our newsletter to be the first to get all the news about our grand opening weekend!
CGI of Adrenaline Indoors
THE PERFECT FAMILY ADVENTURE
Think Gladiators meets The Krypton Factor, with all sorts of adventures to discover: 9 & 12-metre climbing walls, one of the world’s longest artificial caving courses, flight towers, extreme kicker slides (you want to see how extreme the drop is on these slides), leaps of faith, an aerial ninja assault course, parkour floor trail, a via ferrata and tandem zip lines!
This is high-thrills, all-weather, all-action adventure - the perfect family day out in North Wales! And yes, you'll be relieved to know (given our recent soggy weather) that it's also the perfect rainy day out too.
THE RETURN OF THE BEST SOFT PLAY IN NORTH WALES
Mums, dads, nains, taids, grannies, grandpas and anyone who looks after the little 'uns will be delighted to hear that our brilliant Soft Play Cafe is back in time for summer 2019!
This is a dedicated soft play zone for the under 7s, a great way for babies, toddlers and young children to have fun, explore and burn off some energy.
- Free parking,
- £5 entry per child
- Free for babies under 1.
Head to our Adrenaline Indoors page to check out all our brilliant new adventures. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend you book your activity ahead of your visit.
Our waves are now rolling in time for Easter!
BREAKING NEWS! We are very excited to announce that we have just brought forward the start of our surf season! Our waves will now be rolling again in time for Easter - this year's season launch will now be Friday 19th April 2019.
A better-than-anticipated construction schedule for our new adventure facilities (read more about them here) means we can push the button on season 2019 a full six weeks earlier than we had originally planned. We hope you can take full advantage!
This early season start is for waves and Adventure Concierge activities only. Our fantastic new adventures at our brand new Adrenaline Indoors facility will open in July. Glamping will launch in time for the summer.
Book your waves here. And if you'd like to be the first to know about our news updates sign up to our newsletter whilst you're there!