28/02/12 | Tales from the White Van

I've often thought that it's a right of passage as a surfer to own a VW van, almost as if you're not a real surfer unless you drive one. In September we joined the ranks of T4 owners, opening the door to impromptu weekend trips and illicit camping, but it has also transformed the act of winter surfing for us.

Surfing on those wet and windy winter days is a serious business, gone is the summertime leisurely carpark chat whilst getting changed. Once I'm out of the water I want to get my suit off into the car and home for a cup of tea as quickly as possible - going surfing is literally just a surf then straight home. Now we have the van I feel like we've regained part of that summer post-surf hanging out. We can take our time, change out of the wind and rain, get the kettle on, and sit and watch the waves while we warm up. It's also great to be able to invite friends in and relive the session over a bacon sandwich or two. Going surfing in my car will never be the same again.