Manera Interview — The Real Wetsuit Guide
Features / Sun 17th Dec, 2017 @ 4:03 pm
“The Real Wetsuit Guide” in Issue 66 of IKSURFMAG looks at the more important aspects of buying an expensive piece of rubber— things like the fit, materials, the eco-footprint and ultimately, the most crucial question of all, can you piss in it? In assembling the article, Rou Chater sat down with MANERA brand manager Julian Salles. Here’s the full interview!
What are the three most important features in a wetsuit to you?
Definitely warmth, comfort, and durability.
– Sometimes, caught up in all the marketing, we tend to forget what the main point of wearing a wetsuit is: being warm! For me, warmth is the most important aspect. A warm wetsuit is the difference between staying home watching TV and having fun out there in the waves.
– Next comes comfort, because being warm is not enough. We build our suits so they are easily forgotten about once on the water.
– Durability comes third, because a good wetsuit should be your best friend for years.
Which technologies are you utilising at the moment that make a real difference to the wearer of the suit?
The real difference you feel when putting on a MANERA wetsuit is the fit of it. We worked with a futuristic 3D software to design the suits directly in 3D, on a model in a kiteboarding-specific position. The panels are then smartly flattened in 2D by the software to get a usable pattern for the factory, and the final fit is as close as possible to the human body.
It makes a real difference because we do not use the elasticity of neoprene to fit your body, the suit is already designed to do so. The elasticity of the material is used only to follow your movements. And, we use our premium MAGMA fleece and X10D jersey to make sure we offer the best flex out there.
This year we implemented our new SD² TAPE 2.0, a glued & blindstitched seam that is sealed with an air heating machine. Best balance between waterproofness, flex & durability.
We also have some kite-specific technologies, like the water strainer that drains the water out of your leg in case of unwanted spray.
Where do you stand on the impact of wetsuits and the environment?
Our wish is to build suits that have the least possible impact on the environment, but we keep in mind that the performance of the suit is the priority.
We are implementing water-based glue and a greener dyeing process, which will help both the environment and make a better workplace for the workers that build our suits, which is important for us as well.
For the moment, we use Limestone neoprene, but we won’t state that it is “green” because the extraction of this raw material is not. We are getting ready to switch to a natural rubber that will perform as well as the foams we use today.
What does the wetsuit of the future look like to you?
I’ve asked myself this question a thousand times! For me, the main innovation has to be the manufacturing process: I think we can build seam-free wetsuits.
We are in a very competitive market, so innovation is key. We will see what future brings, but it will be interesting for sure!
Can you piss in a wetsuit these days and not damage it?
Ahahah I have no idea! Maybe we need to analyze my suit and see!
Follow this link to find the full range of Manera wetsuits!
By Lindsay McClure
Lindsay is a pro rider from Hood River in the USA, she works for IKSURFMAG as our Features Editor and is an integral part of the team. Lindsay is really into wakestyle riding and can be found in the Hood River Slider Park during the summer months, she also travels all over the world with the World Class Academy helping younger riders develop through kiteboarding!
