Ride Engine Interview — The Real Wetsuit Guide
Features / Sun 17th Dec, 2017 @ 4:14 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 Ride Engine brand manager Alex Bloechinger. Here’s the full interview!
What are the three most important features of a wetsuit to you?
Warmth – Warmth is a huge factor. Why do we wear wetsuits? To stay warm. Finding the right neoprene/materials that retain body heat and adequately repel water are the main factors we chase when selecting quality materials. You can have a wetsuit that keeps you warm but absorbs a lot of water, thus weighing more when being used. Finding the balance in material properties, with these being two main attributes, plays as a key factor in final material selections.
Comfort/Flexibility – We want to make sure it feels snug and comfortable to the body while still providing plenty of flexibility so you are not becoming fatigued while fighting a limited range of motion. You would be surprised how fast you can tire out when using a wetsuit that has limited range/stretch in the material and puts resistance on your natural movements.
Eco-Friendly materials/construction – Selecting materials that are produced with an environmentally safe process is something we look at in developing all Ride Engine products. This is why we use limestone-base neoprene and aqua-based glues in our construction. It not only holds up to the standards of our required quality but just as much is something we feel good about using as we know the wetsuits are produced keeping the environment in mind.
Which technologies are you utilizing at the moment that make a real difference to the wearer of the suit?
We are using limestone-based neoprene along with aqua-base glues. These are eco-friendly and prevent the wearer’s skin from coming in contact with materials made with harmful chemicals.
Where do you stand on the impact of wetsuits and the environment?
At Ride Engine, we take great consideration in the materials selected for our wetsuits. Between the neoprene, aqua-base glues, and assembly process of the wetsuits, an important part of Ride Engine’s foundation is selecting and working with environmentally safe materials for a better effort overall in keeping the environment un-tarnished.
What does the wetsuit of the future look like to you?
A lighter weight neoprene that has more flexibility and retains heat as well as a heavier neoprene would do. Neoprene would also be more water repellent (non-absorbing) to reduce weight when the wetsuit is in use and for a faster dry time.
Follow this link to find the full range of Ride Engine 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!
