Wavelength Surfing Magazine

Entering the Dragons’ Den is not the easiest thing in the world to do and for many it signals the end of their ‘big’ idea. Cornwall surf instructor Olly Daglish braved the Den with his innovative surf towel idea but was harshly criticised by snarling dragon Theo Paphitis.

So was this enough to send Olly back with his towel between his legs or is it Ollypop all the way to the beach? The BBC 2 show The Dragons’ Den – where are they now? is an intriguing update on what has happened to some of the intrepid entrepreneurs, and Olly will feature in next week’s show to be aired on Wednesday 1st August, BBC 2 at 8pm. 

“It’s about as useful as knickers on a kipper!” spat Theo as Olly tried to woo the Dragons with his surf towel (a beach towel that is also a surf aid to help surfers practice popping to their feet). Such a comment would have sent many scuttling back to their secure 9-5 jobs but not Olly. After an influx of sales requests he’s launched a new towel range for surf girls and kids, plus a limited edition “kipper’s knickers” clothing range! 

“Theo’s not from a surfing background so I can understand why he couldn’t see the potential in the towel. But I was determined to come away from the Den with something, and the “kipper’s knickers” quote was it!”   Olly added, “I just couldn’t resist. It would be a shame to let such a quirky phrase go to waste so we’re using it as our new slogan. Ollypop - the kipper’s knickers!-  just like the ‘bee’s knees’ or the ‘cat’s whiskers’!

” Since leaving the Den, Olly says he’s been busier than ever and despite not winning the investment, he’s vowed to continue with his Ollypop dream. Orders are up and the ‘kipper’s knickers’ phrase is catching on. 

The new Ollypop towel range includes the ‘Girlpop’ – a funky new towel designed specifically to appeal to the growing band of surf girls, and the ‘Grompop’ for kids. Also available is the 'Original', which is an updated version of the towel Olly took to the Den. Ollypop surf towels, endorsed by the British Surfing Association, are available at a number of retail outlets and surf schools around the UK. They’re also available online at   www.ollypop.co.uk or can be ordered by phoning 01840 211 079. They retail at £19.95 and each towel ordered online comes with a free DVD to guide you through your pops. In defiance, Olly sent a “kippers knickers” t-shirt to Theo - tune into BBC 2, 8pm on Wednesday 1 August for an update on Olly’s progress and to see what Theo really thinks about the ‘kippers knickers’! For more information contact Olly or Tiny at Ollypop on 01840 211 079 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or visit www.ollypop.co.uk (Click here for a preview of the show -  )