Welcome to your shop Be-RAD

Interview

Can you tell us more about your shop? How was it created and what is your vision for it since the beginning?

My name is Brad; I'm the founder, owner, and head instructor at Be-Rad Watersports. Growing up on the coast drove my passion of watersports. I found a love for instructing at a young age, and I am proud to say that I turned my hobby into my career. I spent several years instructing watersports in different locations all around the world. Some highlights include working for Sir Richard Branson on his private island “Necker Island” in the British Virgin Islands, coaching kitesurfing aboard the Bahamas Kite Boat cruise, and working in Canada and Japan as a snowboard instructor.

Finally, I decided to open my own watersports center. In 2018, Be-Rad Watersports was brought to life by me and has continued to grow ever since. We offer top quality lessons in kitesurfing, standup paddleboarding, and wing foiling. In 2021, I opened the Be-Rad Watersports shop in Pevensey Bay, where we sell a wide range of watersports equipment.

What is the philosophy of your shop?

Our shop has an extremely laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. We like to make our customers feel welcomed from their very first step through the door. At Be-Rad Watersports, we pride ourselves on having extensive knowledge of the products we sell. We are always more than happy to offer advice and help the customer find the most suitable product for their needs.

Why should people come to your shop?

Be-Rad Watersports is the place to buy all your watersports equipment. We stock a large range of products in store, including wetsuits, kites, wings, paddleboards, buoyancy aids, clothing, hardware, accessories, and more. We will have what you’re looking for.

Tell us about the location of your shop.

The Be-Rad Watersports is in Pevensey Bay, East Sussex, and it is a one-minute walk from the beach. Therefore, as soon as a customer makes a purchase, they can easily walk to the beach and test it straight away!

What do you like best about running a surf shop?

I love getting all the latest gear in the shop every year. It is like being a kid on Christmas morning again!

How do you think your shop fits into and reflects the community?

Pevensey Bay has always had a strong watersports scene, and we are proud to be the standout shop in the area. The whole team is stoked to provide our lovely local community with all the watersports products it needs. 

What is the best time of year to come surfing near your shop and the surrounding beaches?

You can kitesurf year-round in Pevensey Bay. The summer months bring warmer weather and consistent sea breezes, which are perfect for freestyle or foiling. The winter months bring colder weather and regular storms, which are great for wave riding or big air.

What are your favorite local spots?

Pevensey Bay, Normans Bay, Seaford, Eastbourne, and Bexhill. All are in East Sussex.

What led you to offer MANERA products in your shop?

We have always worked closely with F-ONE. Since MANERA is F-ONE’s wetsuit brand, it was only natural to start using MANERA products. Now, we believe they are the best in the business.

What is your favorite MANERA product?

I love the MANERA Magma Meteor 5.4.3. I still cannot get over how fast it dries, it’s insane!

Is there a particular MANERA product that the shop’s employees gravitate towards?

The Seafarer wetsuit range offers great quality at a reasonable price. I have to say that’s the most popular wetsuit that we stock.

Is there anything else we should know about your shop?

Be-Rad Watersports is an IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) and BSUPA (British StandUp Paddle Association) recognized school for kitesurf, wing foil and paddleboard. We offer a very high level of instruction, from first-time beginner lessons all the way up to advanced lessons. Come and check us out for lessons, rentals, and of course the shop!

What drew you to offering Manera products in your shop? 

When I first heard about Manera, I checked out the product and saw that the neoprene was high quality and saw the good fit achieved by their 3D fitting process. My manager at the time tried the wetsuits out and he really liked the way that they felt and thought they were warm and so we brought them in and they have done well. We’ve gotten good response from long-time customers who have bought them. When people stop me on the beach to tell me how much they like the suit, I guess it’s a good thing.

Can you tell us what your favorite Manera product has been? 

My 5/4/3 Hooded Meteor Magma has been a lifesaver on the colder days we’ve been having as of late.

Is there a specific Manera product that your shop employees gravitate towards?

Everyone has been frothing on the new hooded 4/3 X10D.

Is there anything else we should know about Aqua Surf Shop?

We’ve always been a part of the community that we love supporting. It’s been rad seeing the same core surfers that came in 20 years ago start families of their own and seeing a whole new crop of groms on the beach. It’s been a pleasure seeing friend’s kids that are as old as the shop now charging at Ocean Beach.