Wetsuit Tip #6: Go Custom and turn up the heat

Wetsuits have come a long way since their birth in the early 1950's. New construction methods, patterns and materials have enabled wetsuits to become warmer, lighter and more flexible.

Not only can you walk into most good surf stores these days and get kitted out with almost everything from a warm water vest for the tropics through to the full hoods and booties setup for the cold, you can even get a wetsuit made from scratch - a custom fit wetsuit, made to your measurements and local break requirements that's a perfect fit for your body and a perfect match for your local conditions.

What's the most critical feature of a comfy wetsuit? It needs to fit. Fit is the most important factor for maximum warmth and flexibility — you can have all the bells and whistles but if it doesn’t fit you’ve wasted your money. A bad fit means your wetsuit will flush water, bunch up and not keep you warm, preventing you reaching your peak in the water.

A Custom-fit Seventhwave wetsuit is made to fit your shape and size. They are made from imported Yamamoto neoprene from Japan. Yamamoto neoprene is made from the calcium found in Limestone and is very lightweight compared to the original type of neoprene made from oil. See the history of neoprene section on our website [here].

Every Seventhwave wetsuit is cut, printed and sewn by hand, right here on site, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Orders are received online via the Seventhwave website. Customers complete an online order for their desired wetsuit model and then forward the completed Custom-Fit form with their details.

Seventhwave Wetsuits - 243 Dyers Road, Christchurch, New Zealand

A Custom-Fit wetsuit does not just address the fit, but also takes into consideration the thickness, colours and any special features you may need. It is a highly individualised process and unique to every customer.

A Max ZB in the custom-fit process - The white chalk line is the alteration, in this case narrowing down the bicep.

On receipt of your completed Custom-Fit form, your measurements are run through our in-house system, which entails; comparing your measurements and body shape with previous customers. This enables us to see differences between new and previous customers and make the necessary adjustments.
The pattern is drawn onto neoprene sheets and all your custom alterations are made by the custom team before your wetsuit is cut for production.

The blindstitch machine in action

The wetsuit is then cut, printed and stitched. The wetsuit pictured is the MAX winter model, which means the seams are double glued and blind-stitched with a curved needle. This ensures the seams are water tight as the needle never passes right through the neoprene. The inside seams of this particular model are then completely lined with heat tape for added warmth and comfort.

At Seventhwave, every detail is checked and re-checked

Over 25 years of wetsuit-making experience goes into each suit, and Seventhwave’s artisan touch means each wetsuit is finished to the highest possible standard. How many wetsuits have you owned that didn’t even have the ends of the stitching tied down? At Seventhwave every detail — from thread ends to the end product — is checked and re-checked. That’s why we have a warranty on the construction and workmanship on all Seventhwave wetsuits.

Finished wetsuit, ready for dispatch

The Seventhwave website is comprehensive and makes the process easy to follow and complete. With the distance barrier removed, as the customer no longer has to visit to get a custom, Seventhwave have made custom wetsuits for people all over the world.  The measurement chart, online process and free worldwide shipping have seen wetsuits sent to Peru, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Japan and even Switzerland.

Custom-Fit - Online - Worldwide

Click here to get yours

Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from Japanese Yamamoto Limestone neoprene.
We are different because we make each wetsuit Custom-Fit to the customers measurements. We like to get your measurements and details and then custom make your preferred wetsuit model and thickness to your exact size and shape. We think that's why we get such good feedback from our customers, many of whom come back again and again. To own a Seventhwave wetsuit is to support New Zealand made, to stand up for quality and to experience water sports in a new and warmer way.

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Time for a tropical holiday

Got the wintertime blues? Winter is taking a strong grip here and winter wetsuits are definitely the main item on the agenda. But we've have had several lucky customers getting sorted with lighter weight gear before heading off on a Pacific island winter escape holiday.

So many in fact, it made us realize how different we all are in our needs for light weight gear options in warmer waters. Even warm water has a cooling effect on your body temperature after a modest amount of time. You need some protection to make that sojourn into warm water all the more pleasurable and enjoyable.

An important thing to think about in warm temperatures is sun and wind protection—even on a warm day a cold breeze can cool you quickly. Don't forget, if you keep warm you can spend more time in the water - possibly catching more waves.

Below we have listed our favourite combinations for warm water activities.

Seventhwave light gear options and combinations

1. SUP Water Shorts - Surf All Day Vest - Titanium Hot Top combination.
SUP Water Shorts are a styley two-in-one wetsuit board short combo. Featuring side pockets and a cargo pocket for extra storage. Warmth and protection right where you need it.

The 'Surf All Day' vest can be worn over your wetsuit or with boardies depending on the season. Featuring a 2 litre on back hydration bladder and nifty pockets to take your camera and a couple of museli bars. Just what the Doctor ordered!

Titanium Hot Top's are pure magic. They are a thin, versatile top that can be worn by themselves for warmth, wind and sun protection in summer, or under your existing wetsuit to make a huge difference in terms of heat retention during winter.

2. Titanium Pants - Retro Jacket.
The Retro Jacket is smooth, sleek and stylish and will have you carving and cruising through any bitter wind or sea breeze this summer, whether you are on a longboard, shortboard or SUP.
Combine with the Titanium Pants that are 0.5mm thick and you'll be amazed at the warmth and flexibility of your outfit.

3. Sandy X-over short john - Rocky Short John (men's option)
The Sandy X-over is the summer onesie wetsuit that looks amazing on and is so flattering in all sizes. Zip-free entry system designed to slip on easily. Get in her good books with this functional, fashionable stylish number. Customizable with a full range of colours and show personality and flair. The Rocky version is the latest new style men's option just released.

4. Long John and Hot Top combination
The Long John delivers a hard-wearing, tough, long-lasting wetsuit designed to maximize your water experience and make it more enjoyable. Increase the warmth factor by combining it with a Titanium Hot Top and you'll have coverage for most conditions.

5. Buoyancy / Hydration Vest
The best for rib protection and flotation. The Buoyancy Hydration Vest is made to aid in flotation without sacrificing movement and performance, and combines the hydration features of the Surf All Day Vest. Constructed from hard wearing 2mm Yamamoto #38 neoprene around an inner of 10mm foam core — this item is designed for buoyancy without the bulk. Perfect for those who are confident on the lake, in the boat or kayak, or on the jetski.

6. Lightweight steamer wetsuit option
The Max Comp 1.5mm Titanium wetsuit comes in short sleeve or long sleeve. This suit is perfect for those wanting coverage in the warmer months without being weighed down by too much neoprene. Weighing in at 800grms it really is light and toasty and will keep you humming all day.

7. Winter wetsuit or full suit
The Max Titanium G&S Steamer is the ultimate in design and is fully charged with all the possible features you need for a limitless winter surfing experience. The entire suit is lined with a super thin heat retaining film called Titanium Alloy Alpha that reflects your body heat and also keeps out the cold. Every time you move, paddle, or expel energy, your thermal heat is reflected back to you—increasing heat retention by an amazing 40%.

8. Sea Specs Extreme Sport Sunglasses
These Sea Specs sunglasses you won't loose while out on the water. Featuring an adjustable head strap that just won't let go of your head. Polarized, lightweight, extreme sunglasses specifically designed for outdoor watersports.

If you are into a mixture of water sport activities all with different requirements you can find 
What Wetsuit For Me? How to find the perfect wetsuit for your water sport

What wetsuit for me? interactive product finder

What wetsuit for me?' is a question we get asked everyday. So we've developed an interactive product finder to fulfill your needs. By following 2 easy steps the product finder will suggest a range of products that match your unique conditions. Whether you're surfing in freezing waters or wakeboarding on a summery Saturday morning, we've got you covered. Give it a whirl!

What do others say about their Seventhwave gear?

"My Seventhwave "quiver" of gear has grown over the last few years and all of it has given relentless performance and kept me very warm. I'm always getting good comments and asked about my wetsuits and especially the Surf All Day Vest.[more:]"

Craig Morgan
Ohope Beach Bay of Plenty

"I love my Seventhwave wetsuits, they are so warm: when I'm out in the water with my mates they are freezing in their 3x2 big name brand suits and I have my 2x2 Seventhwave suit on and so toastie. I've tried a lot of brands of suits and I think the quality of the Seventhwave suits is the best, from the kneepads to the neoprene.[more:]"

Michael van der Klooster
Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia 

"These shorts are perfect for getting out on your SUP when you don’t want to look like a Russian gymnast. I loved these and made plenty of use in them in the surf. A great alternative to boardies when the water’s chilling down and the boys need warming.[more:]"

From Smorgasboarder #11, the All Black Issue.

Read more feedback and reviews and check our product range at www.seventhwave.co.nz 
or get your copy of our free eBook "How To Be Happy In Cold Water"[here].

Online - Custom-Fit - Worldwide 

Click here to get yours

Wetsuit Tip #10: How to: Thrive and survive in cold water

As the days get shorter the water temperature starts to cool you can tell winter is on the way. Winter time often brings the best surf and the least crowds in the water. And if you're not into the waves but paddling the lakes and rivers you will be also be thinking about the increasing colder water temps. What to do? The key is to keep your core body temp up. A good fitting wetsuit is definitely a great start but you need to cover the extremities. Just like you need a hat, coat and gloves to venture outside at an alpine ski village you need the same kind of accessories for your water activity.

Here's a sampling of our products to keep you covered through the cold season.

L to R Arctic hood, Surf Cap, Ice Hood

Hoods
80% of your heat escapes from your head and that's not an old wives tale.
Without a hood its like having all the doors in your house open in the middle of winter when you've got the heater and fire going. It's a no brainer...

We make four models depending on your requirements.  

Surf Cap
2mm neoprene covering your ears and noggin only this is made for those who don't like the claustrophobic feel of a full hood. [View here]

Lite Ti Hood 
Very thin, titanium lined and great if you wear a helmet. [View here]

Ice Hood 
Flexible and warm with a generous window, made from "smoothie" neoprene. [View here]

Arctic Hood
Titanium-lined 3mm super stretch neoprene and super warm. [View here]

Rob Allen Gloves (left) Xcel Infiniti Gloves (right)

Gloves
Gloves come in varied styles and thicknesses, including webbed gloves. We have Xcel and Rob Allen gloves in stock.

2.5mm Rob Allen Spider 
A general purpose water sport glove. Made from super stretch 2.5mm neoprene. [View here]

Xcel 3mm Infiniti Surf Gloves
3mm thick surf gloves with a quick dry lining and grippy palm. 

2mm Fin Sox (left), Atlantis Icon Boots (centre), Xcel Infiniti Boots (right)

Boots
Again there are various models out there. It's best to go for a firmer than looser fit as your feet contract in the cold. For surfing we recommend the Xcel style as they feature a split toe to help with feeling on the deck of your surfboard.
The Atlantis range has a harder sole designed for diving, kayaking or boating.
Fin Sox are designed to be worn under fins, usually when bodyboarding, bodysurfing or diving.

Xcel
3mm Xcel Axis Surf Boots
A basic, "no frills" 3mm boot. [View here]

3mm Xcel Infinity Surf Boots
Thin enough to surf naturally whilst still retaining heat. [View here]
 
5mm Xcel Infinity Surf Boots
For those who need extra warmth. [View here]
 
Atlantis
Icon Boots
5mm neoprene with a side zipper, black rubber non slip ripple sole and rubber toe cap. [View here]
Quest Boots
5mm neoprene with a side zipper, non-slip white soles designed to not mark boat decks. [View here]
Legacy Boots
Extra tough "hard-sure" grip sole ideal for shore divers, jet skiers and rock hoppers or slipway regulars. [View here]


Fin Sox
2mm Flatlock Sox
2mm neoprene to protect and give warmth under swim fins and can even be worn under shoes for extra warmth in cold conditions [View here]

3mm Sealed Sox
3mm titanium lined neoprene socks for even more warmth. [View here]

Clip'n Drip

Clip'n Drip Glove and bootie hangers were designed to make it easier and faster to dry your boots and gloves. (no one likes putting their hands and feet into wet boots and gloves)
The Clip n' Drip hangers hang your boots and gloves in prime drying position without the need to use damaging pegs. Get one free with any boot or glove purchase from Seventhwave.

What wetsuit for me? interactive product finder

What wetsuit for me?' is a question we get asked everyday. So we've developed an interactive product finder to fulfill your needs. By following 2 easy steps the product finder will suggest a range of products that match your unique conditions. Whether you're surfing in freezing waters or wakeboarding on a summery Saturday morning, we've got you covered. Give it a whirl!

What do others say about their Seventhwave gear?

"My Seventhwave "quiver" of gear has grown over the last few years and all of it has given relentless performance and kept me very warm. I'm always getting good comments and asked about my wetsuits and especially the Surf All Day Vest.[more:]"

Craig Morgan
Ohope Beach Bay of Plenty

"I love my Seventhwave wetsuits, they are so warm: when I'm out in the water with my mates they are freezing in their 3x2 big name brand suits and I have my 2x2 Seventhwave suit on and so toastie. I've tried a lot of brands of suits and I think the quality of the Seventhwave suits is the best, from the kneepads to the neoprene.[more:]"

Michael van der Klooster
Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia 

"These shorts are perfect for getting out on your SUP when you don’t want to look like a Russian gymnast. I loved these and made plenty of use in them in the surf. A great alternative to boardies when the water’s chilling down and the boys need warming.[more:]"

From Smorgasboarder #11, the All Black Issue.

Read more feedback and reviews and check our product range at www.seventhwave.co.nz 
or get your copy of our free eBook "How To Be Happy In Cold Water"[here].

Online - Custom-Fit - Worldwide 

Click here to get yours

All SEWN up in Sumner

Close to one hundred happy film-goers turned up to Sumner's iconic Hollywood cinema last Friday to witness the first New Zealand longboarding film in over a decade: SEWN. The fact that only three seats were left in the theatre is a testament to the buzz this movie has created, and viewers weren't disappointed. After an introduction from film maker Nicolas Brikke, we were treated to a well paced, well edited and interesting documentary canvasing four corners of the North Island and a few hand-picked inhabitants.

There was a good balance of storytelling and surfing, and both were interesting in their own right. Nicholas had done a lot of work getting to know the interviewee's and earning their respect, and you could tell. Humour, birth, belonging, place, community—all themes that were skillfully investigated without being forced, and which left us wanting to know more. Indeed, the film could have been slightly longer without losing our attention, a nod to the year's worth of editing. The surfing — a range of waves and different boards, all ridden with a different twist — was great to watch, and was reinforced with some memorable quotes on the nature of board ridding, and what it actually means to ride a longboard. Surfers? Tanner and Lillis' styles shone through in this one, but all surfers had a more than enjoyable section.

Coupled with the personalism and surfing footage was a decent dose of kiwiana — scenery shots, indigenous perspectives, and a home grown soundtrack (featuring the Phoenix Foundation and others). The result? SEWN is a great documentary that should be watched by longboarders and the non-surfer alike. Think Endless Summer appeal but in a New Zealand context; the kind of movie you could show the entire whanau without getting bored yourself.

After Q&A with Brikke, the night ended with an after party at The Thirsty Mariner, where punters enjoyed beers and bonus features from the film. Favourites were the wipeouts, the timelaspe segment, and Roger Hall's wooden surfboard process.

If you missed this live, then be sure to grab yourself the DVD. You won't be disappointed.