Keep Your Keys, Camera and Valuables Safe and Waterproof While You Surf

Jumping in the car and going for a surf used to be a simple pastime. The car could be left parked up and the car key could either be put on a string around your neck, attached to your leash or tucked into a pocket in your wetsuit. Then electronic keys arrived, and the option of taking your key into the water disappeared. Many surfers took to hiding the key under the wheel arch or, if possible, leaving it with a trusted surf shop near the beach.

It hasn't taken long for criminals to catch on to the hidden key routine; surfers' cars are regular targets with car thieves keeping watch on popular surf spots. In some cases they simply break in to the car and steal any valuables whilst occasionally they will steal the vehicle itself.

Of course, it may not be just your car keys that you need to keep safe.  On holiday you may need to stash a hotel key or key card, which presents the same difficulties.  

Fortunately there are now two innovative solutions to keeping your keys safe while you surf; check out the options and see which one suits you best.

The Keypod is a mini-safe which you attach to the outside of your car. The design features a strong and water resistant "pod" large enough to accommodate a car key and perhaps credit cards. It is secured with a combination lock. The shackle is 8mm thick and designed to be resistant to forcing. Once you stow your keys in the Keypod you fasten it to a secure point on your car, for instance the tow bar or under the bodywork.

A pretty nifty little device, far better than relying on leaving your key under a rock!

If you really don't want to be parted from your keys, consider taking them surfing with you. Aquapac make a range of waterproof pouches designed to keep your valuables safe in water. The smallest are roomy enough for a single key and/or a card, whilst there are larger cases for phones, iPods and cameras.

The Keymaster cases come fixed to a lanyard, so you can wear it around your neck and tuck it inside your wetsuit. One reported problem is that although the pouch is waterproof, condensation can form inside if you are surfing in cold water. This can be fixed by putting dessicant sachets in the pouch.