Established in 2017, the Blue Soup Equipment Company is a British water sports safety vest producer based in West Berkshire. With a 100% UK-based supply chain, this proud British brand is flying the flag for safety, innovation and responsible production on the global stage.

Blue Soup supplies customised inflation vests to top water sports athletes around the world, including the Red Bull surf team, the YUKI Brand surf team, water sport experience provider Nazaré Water Fun and big name Big Wave surfers across the globe.

Founder Mark is, unsurprisingly, passionate about water safety and works with brand ambassadors whose opinions align, such as eight-times world record holder Garrett McNamara and Eric Akiskalian, among others.

Mark said: “Our ambassadors’ approach to water safety has been instrumental in raising awareness of how crucial inflatable vests are and should be part of everyone’s safety gear. They’re the superstars of the sport and great role models, so it is amazing to have their support for the products.”

Crediting Blue Soup’s UP Vest with saving his life, Eric Akiskalian appreciates the company’s commitment to creating innovative solutions for surf safety. He said: “As a big wave surfer constantly being challenged by the ocean and bad wipe outs, I have relied on my inflatable UP Vest on many occasions to bring me back to the surface. I would highly recommend Blue Soup which I feel is the best brand on the market.”

Surf pioneer and the ‘Father of Nazaré’, Garrett McNamara, added: “For us surfing is life, but it shouldn’t cost anyone their life. It’s obviously important to take sensible precautions with how we approach Big Waves, and that clearly includes our gear. The UP Vest has been an integral part of my kit for the last four years and it’s great to see the development of the UN Vest, giving surfers options in how they want to wear their safety equipment.”

The UN Vest is available direct from the Blue Soup store and resellers across the globe, with three colour options to choose from: Black & Cyan, Navy & Pink or Grey & Orange. It retails at £395 for the two-pull vest and £495 for the four-pull.