Mystic Interview — The Real Wetsuit Guide
Features / Sun 17th Dec, 2017 @ 4:10 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 Mystic brand manager Max Blom. Here’s the full interview!
What are the three most important features in a wetsuit to you?
Warmth, Comfort & Flex
Which technologies are you utilizing at the moment that make a real difference to the wearer of the suit?
We believe the Aquaflush, a relatively simple feature in a wetsuit, makes a real difference in the comfort of riding in a wetsuit. Most manufacturers claim to have this problem resolved, but we see so many people many riding with wetsuit calves filled with water that we saw the need to find a proper solution for it.
We’ve also really invested time in improving the freedom of movement in our wetsuits. This led to the development of a zipless wetsuit, allowing you so much more shoulder movement, whether you’re performing unhooked tricks or using the wetsuit to paddle in the surf. Simultaneously, we’re always looking for better warmth while using thinner materials, the thinner the suit the more freedom you have as a rider. The development never stops.
Where do you stand on the impact of wetsuits and the environment?
The development of more environmentally friendly production is slowly speeding up. We’re aware of our impact. The implementation of recyclable materials and a less harmful production processes are getting better. But, we’re definitely not there yet.
What does the wetsuit of the future look like to you?
The suit of the future consists of thinner neoprene while holding more warmth. To improve comfort and freedom of movement, we think zippers will disappear. The biggest difference between current suits and those of the future is hopefully in the materials. We’re looking into producing more environmentally friendly and, to us, the wetsuit of the future is produced from natural rubbers and has recycled linings.
Can you piss in a wetsuit these days and not damage it?
Yes, you can, and you won’t damage it. We won’t recommend it peeing in a suit though: See The Inertia’s Definitive Guide to Peeing in your Wetsuit.
Follow this link to find the full range of Mystic 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!
