NP Surf Interview — The Real Wetsuit Guide
Features / Mon 18th Dec, 2017 @ 12:30 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 NP Surf brand manager Christian Torrens. Here’s the full interview!
What are the three most important features in a wetsuit to you?
At NP NeilPryde, we have done quite a bit of work on giving all watersports riders the best possible product for their buck. I could give you a long list of very techy names but I would rather talk in simple words and give you those benefits in which our Wetsuits give you an edge over others:
1. Unrestricted Movement: It is not just about flex, but about sorting the panel construction of the wetsuit in a way that best aligns with the body movements while riding. Therefore, we have designed our wetsuits so there are no seams going over any major muscle group of the body.
2. Temperature Regulation: We are using a new inner waffle material called Bio-Ceramic, which as it names describes has the same properties as ceramic. Therefore, it warms the body but also keeps any chance of overheating.
3. Outstanding Water Repellence: we have implemented a brand new outer liner which is not only a 25% lighter than our former one but probably offers the best water repellency properties on the market.
Which technologies are you utilising at the moment that make a real difference to the wearer of the suit?
1. Yamamoto Limestone Neoprene in all our Wetsuits, the difference it makes:
a. 23% more Insulation than the Oil Based Wetsuits (because of larger and more evenly distributed amount of nitrogen bubbles in its inner construction)
b. Memory: the more you use it the better it fits, as bit by bit keeps the shape of the rider’s body (this does not happen in oil-based wetsuits)
Where do you stand on the impact of wetsuits and the environment?
As said we use Yamamoto Limestone Neoprene. Let’s be clear, no neoprene is eco-friendly, but Limestone neoprene leaves a significantly inferior environmental footprint. Why:
• Its base is a natural component instead of Oil.
• Less transportation needed to take the raw material to the factory
• Our Neoprene supplier works with 90% of the Triathlon Industry and claims to use renewable energy (water power) to manufacture the Neopreone (Neoprene. NOT wetsuit, which we do at our own factory using their neoprene as the main component of the product)
• Limestone Wetsuits last longer. Limestone neoprene is even being used in the Medical industry nowadays.
What dose the wetsuit of the future look like to you?
I believe the looks are something quite subjective, but at NeilPryde we are less about one year hype and more about offering a Wetsuit that covers all the standard needs of warmth, comfort, flex, etc, and goes beyond that.
That been said for sure, nowadays wetsuit need to look cool, period.
I think wetsuits functionalities have been the same for quite a while. But what I would consider the future is coming in not so long, so that is all I can say…
Can you piss in a wetsuit these days and not damage it?
I would not be qualified to give you a scientific answer on that. But I guess it depends on the PH acidity level of your pee 😉
Thanks Christian for taking part! You can check out all of the NP Surf winter suits here:
Mon 18th Dec, 2017 @ 12:30 pm
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
