By 
0
0
Table of Contents
Episode 134 Jack Bessant
There are surf podcasts—and then there’s The UK Surf Show, where wave-riding meets wild stories, good banter, and the occasional musical guest who totally gets it. Episode 134 Jack Bessant is one of those rare gems that hits just right.
Get 10% off at Srface by listening to the latest episode
Surf, Sound & Stoke: Jack Bessant on Episode 134 of The UK Surf Show
This time, Pete and Mitch sit down with Jack Bessant—the bearded bassist from Reef, a band that lit up the Brit-rock scene in the ‘90s. But don’t box Jack in as just a musician. He’s a hardcore surfer, a coastal wanderer, and the kind of guy who probably waxes his board with as much intention as he strings his bass.
Surfing with Soul
Jack’s connection to the ocean is deep—like, saltwater-in-the-veins deep. Raised around Somerset and with a lot of time spent around the North Devon coastline, he’s no stranger to chilly dawn patrols, rocky breaks, and the kind of windswept solitude that only UK surf can deliver.
For him, surfing isn’t about chasing big swells or competitive clout—it’s more like meditation in motion. There’s rhythm in the ocean that mirrors the groove of a great track, and he’s learned to ride both with the same quiet intensity.
And when he’s not surfing, he’s dreaming about surfing. Or writing music about surfing. Or sneaking in a session between soundchecks. You get the idea.
Basslines Meet Breakers
What makes this episode really sing is how naturally Jack fuses the worlds of music and surf. He talks about bass like it’s a wave—subtle, powerful, foundational. It’s the heartbeat of a track, just like the swell is the heartbeat of a break.
Jack’s musical style, especially in his solo project (Jack Bessant and the Cheddar Experiment—yes, that’s a real band name and it rules), pulls straight from his surf life. You can feel the sea in his sound. Think long, dreamy intros, heavy fuzz that crashes like a winter swell, and unexpected rhythm changes like a shifting tide.
Life on the Road (and in the Line-Up)
Touring with Reef is no easy ride, but Jack finds clever ways to stay close to the ocean. He’s been known to travel with a board or borrow gear wherever the van stops. From chilly Denmark sessions to unexpected warm-water dips, if there’s a wave nearby, he’s finding it.
It’s all part of the balance. Gig one night, surf the next morning. Studio Monday, coastal hike Tuesday. It’s a lifestyle built around flow—not just the musical kind, but the kind that keeps your head clear and your heart stoked.
Surf Ethos + Eco Roots
Jack’s respect for the ocean runs deep. He’s big on ocean stewardship, not in a preachy way, but in the way that makes you want to pack out your trash and pick up someone else’s. The episode touches on surf culture, localism, and how to protect your break without being that guy.
He’s all about keeping surfing inclusive, soulful, and grounded in the community—whether that’s a beach in Cornwall or a pub gig in Bristol.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Whether you’re a barrel chaser, a gearhead musician, or just someone who daydreams about quitting your job and moving to a surf shack, this episode will speak to your soul.
It’s packed with:
Surf stories that feel like postcards from a better life
Music talk that’s actually interesting (no ego, just passion)
Good vibes, honest laughs, and a reminder that creativity thrives in cold water and sea air
Find Jack Online
Final Take
Episode 134 Jack Bessant is a standout for its thoughtful fusion of art and athleticism. Jack Bessant’s relaxed yet reflective storytelling invites listeners into a space where saltwater meets songwriting, and where surfing feeds the soul behind the music. Whether you’re chasing waves or chords, this episode delivers in spades—and in beats.
Jack Bessant’s episode is a goldmine for surfers and musicians alike. It’s a vivid reminder that surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a language, a creative outlet, and a lifeline. Through basslines and breakers, he crafts a deeply personal and relatable vision of a life shaped by the ocean and amplified by sound.
