Thursday, November 21, 2013

Wetsuit Tip #4: How to fold up and pack a wetsuit.

Follow this technique to minimize any creasing and damage with your wetsuit. Especially when packing for travel. If storing your wetsuit for long periods avoid placing heavy or sharp objects on or near your wetsuit.



If your wetsuit is a neck entry (chest zip or ZB style) leave the zip undone.
If its a back zip wetsuit, do the zip up.

1. Lay the wetsuit face down on a flat surface.

2. Fold the lower legs back at the knee area. (The same place your knee folds)

3. Fold the arms back on an angle to the waist - they crisscross.

4. Fold in half backwards at the waist.

5. Wetsuit is now folded into a tidy little package and will slide into a bag of fit into a carton.

6. If you need to fit into a courier bag, fold in half again to make it smaller.

Wetsuit Storage

The best way to store wetsuits is flat (with no weight on them) or on a smooth plastic coat hanger. Do not use a thin wire hanger. It will damage the shoulder area very quickly.

The perfect way to hang your wetsuit is with a  Ventilator Quick Dry Hanger. The hanger is designed to hold your wetsuit open to increase circulation and speed up the drying process.






Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from Japanese Yamamoto Limestone neoprene. Seventhwave Wetsuits 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.

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

And best of all - check out our website!


Custom-Fit   Online - Worldwide

Click here to get yours

 


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Paul Hersey Writes: A New Wetsuit For Shelley (or A Visit To The Seven...

Paul Hersey Writes: A New Wetsuit For Shelley (or A Visit To The Seventhwave)...: Sourcing a perfectly fitting wetsuit can be tedious business. And if your shape is anything other than what's considered... Read the full story [here]







Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from Yamamoto neoprene. Seventhwave Wetsuits 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.
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
And best of all - check out our website!

Custom-Fit

Online - Worldwide

Click here to get yours

 

 

Monday, September 30, 2013

Wetsuit Tip #3: How to: Dry your wetsuit the fastest way

No one likes putting on a cold, wet, wetsuit. It's an uncomfortable experience, but necessary if you want to surf more than once in a day.
To get your wetsuit drying faster we have a few simple tips to follow:

 

1) Rinse and hang wetsuit - inside out

Rinsing your wetsuit is good practice and will give your wetsuit a longer life. After rinsing, hang it up on a wide plastic hanger, inside out (a ventilator hanger is ideal).
Hang it in a breezy well ventilated area out of the sun. Extended exposure to UV rays will damage the neoprene in your wetsuit.

 

2) Leave for 20 minutes

Leave it for about 20 minutes. The water in the wetsuit will start to pool in the lower arms and legs.

 

3) Squeeze

Now squeeze the pooled water out of each arm and leg. Start at the shoulder and squeeze your way down to the wrist.
On the leg, start at the thigh and squeeze your way down to the ankles.

Repeat this step after waiting another 20 minutes.

 

4) Leave to dry

Leave your wetsuit hanging in the breeze for another hour or two. After this time it should be dry enough to put on comfortably.
Drying time is dependent on the type of neoprene and lining your wetsuit is made of.
Yamamoto neoprene (used in Seventhwave wetsuits) is made from Limestone and is 94% hydrophobic so the majority of the water is absorbed in the nylon lining only.
Most other brands are made from oil-based neoprene which is less hydrophobic - between 60%-70%. These wetsuits absorb more water and therefore take a lot longer to dry.


 

Extra tips

During Winter or in cold conditions, drying your wetsuit will take longer especially outside or in a garage (it might not be totally dry by morning). Bathrooms are generally well ventilated rooms - perfect for drying a wetsuit. Hang your wetsuit in the shower or over the bathtub and squeeze the water out of the arms and legs a few times in the first two hours.





Ventilator Quick-Dry Hanger These extra wide hangers allow lots of air to flow through your wetsuit - speeding up drying time. The large width of the hanger also reduces strain on the shoulders and keeps the wetsuit from stretching out. Check them out [here].








Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from Yamamoto neoprene. Seventhwave Wetsuits 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.

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

And best of all - check out our website!

Custom-Fit

Online - Worldwide

Click here to get yours

 

 

Friday, August 30, 2013

Wetsuit Tip #9: The Lightweight Alternative

---- Updated Feb 2016 ----
 
We feature our Titanium range of lightweight 0.5mm thick neoprene gear and accessories for men and women. These items are super light-weight and suitable for just about any water sport activity where you need some warmth and protection. They are excellent for traveling as they don't take up much room at all in your bag. They also dry out very quickly which is a bonus.


So how does it work?

Half a millimeter of the worlds best neoprene the inside of which is coated with a Titanium alloy 'paint like' film. This coating of Titanium works wonders: As soon as you enter the water, your body heat tries to escape. As it hits the Titanium barrier, the escaping heat is reflected back towards your body, continually.  Every time you move, paddle or expel energy, more heat is created and reflected back at you. Increasing your thermal heat retention exponentially.

How Titanium lined neoprene works. Source: Yamamoto

http://www.seventhwave.co.nz/shop/summerwetsuits/mens/Titanium+Hot+Top.html
Titanium Hot Top - Short Sleeve

Winter or Summer? When can I use it?

You can wear them all year round. Great on their own in summer time and as an extra layer under your wetsuit during winter. Giving you a real boost in warmth and minimal extra thickness.
Being thin and light they pack down to a very small size which makes them easy to stow away for any emergency.


Don't like wearing a full wetsuit?

You're not alone, many of our Titanium converts have never liked or worn wetsuits. The Titanium Hot Top and and Pants combo are easy to slip into and not bulky. Yes, they stretch because they are so thin and they mold to your body which makes them feel great on. If you prefer to have your arms free, consider a Titanium Vest.



How should they be worn?

Fit is the most important factor with any wetsuit.  "The firmer the fit = The warmer the suit"
The Titanium range works the same and should be worn as a firm comfortable fit. Sizes can be mixed, you may be a size medium in shorts and a size large in upper body. Everybody is different. This can also eliminate the need to have the full Custom-Fit service.

Add Titanium shorts or longs to a Hot Top for a comfortable wetsuit alternative


What are they good for?

  • SUP
  • Swimming
  • Bodyboard
  • Kayaking
  • Yachting
  • Surfing
  • Wake Boarding
  • Jet Skiing
  • Multi-Sport
  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Windsurfing
  • Kiteboarding
  • Canyoning
  • Mud Plugging 

Shop [here] for all the Seventhwave Lite Gear range.

For more info on our products and materials please visit our [technical page]


What do others say about their Seventhwave gear?


"Eighteen months ago I purchased a MAX 2mm custom made Titanium wetsuit from Seventhwave, along with a Titanium Hot Top. Since then I have more than doubled the time I can spend in the water, even at temperatures of 16 to 20˚C. I recently added an Arctic Hood, 2mm gloves and a pair of 2mm Fin Sox. This can effectively triple my time in the water.

My Seventhwave Titanium wettie is the warmest, most comfortable suit I have ever worn. An added bonus is the after sales service at Seventhwave, which is really good. 

Colleen Nacson, Sydney, Australia




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.

Online - Custom-Fit - Worldwide 

Click here to get yours



Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

And best of all - check out our website!
 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

2012's greatest wipeouts on video!



Even the pro's take beatings like the rest of us... only on a much larger scale! Check out the crazy video action and interviews here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yORsvkecuQs


Friday, June 21, 2013

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

Friday, May 31, 2013

Taking the road South

St Clair Beach, Dunedin
On Thursday the 28th of March, I ventured south from Christchurch to Dunedin to compete in the annual South Island surf champs, and for whatever else the southern land had to offer...

My wingman for the trip, Dougie, is a colleague of mine at the Sumner Surf School. A Woodend beach local, so proud he even has the coordinates to his home break tattooed on his chest.
Having never travelled with a North Christchurch surfer/rapper I was excited and anxious to see what mischief we were bound for. I met Dougie at lunchtime on Thursday and packed his little Toyota Rav 4 to the brim with boards, wetties and woolly jerseys.

On the way down to Dunedin, Dougie displayed the driving skills he has been honing ever since he started doing doughnuts in his Dad’s Holden aged 8. A police car must have thought we were pro surfers and took a photo of us driving past.

In Dunedin we were put up by two of of our mates from the surf school in Sumner, Nina Young and Alethea Lock, who are studying in Dunedin.
Scarfie party: Leathey, Dougie, Ambrose, Nina and friend
After spending 2 glorious days competing, surfing and partying in and around town we got the report from Michael, another of our colleagues from the surf school (a lot of my friends work at the surf school) telling us the Catlins were looking "all time" He and a mate, Josh were on the way down to sample some deep south power.

With the competition over for me (eliminated in the semi final) I was keen to check out what the Catlins had to offer.
Michael studied in Dunners the last few years so he had a fair idea of where the best waves would be. The rest of the team doubted Michael’s claims of double overhead spitting barrels. With some serious arm-twisting we managed to convince Dougie to come along but parted with the rest of the gang. Boy would they regret that decision.

Catlins goodness
We arrived at Purakaunui Bay (PK if you want to sound like a local) on Sunday afternoon to a building 1.5-2 metre swell.
PK is a raw southern beach break surrounded by 50 metre vertical cliffs giving it a coliseum-like vibe. Sea lions are more common than surfers in these parts and the magnitude of the place leaves the mind wondering what else may be lurking below.
The waves were very unsettled and deceptive, so for every wave we made, we all took five on the head. After a good two-hour pounding all the boys went in just as the sun was going down, however, I decided to wait for one more.
After sitting for a while I spotted a bump on the horizon that was growing rapidly. My heart skipped a beat as I realized it was the wave of the day. I knew all the boys were watching from the beach, so there was no backing out. As I paddled I felt the wave quickly grow and jack up under me, and immediately realised I wasn’t gliding down the face and pulling into the barrel like the image in my head, but was in fact stuck at the lip of the wave and getting launched into mid-air. After a steamrolling I won’t forget for a long time, I staggered up the beach to find the boys in hysterics. With video footage proudly in his hand, Dougie proclaimed it to be the funniest thing he’d ever seen, which says a hell of a lot.


Ambrose - post epically severe beating

We set up camp on the grass in front of the beach. After a tough battle with damp wood (we are no Bear Grylls), Michael and I got a fire going and Josh cooked us an epic feed of nachos.
Meanwhile the undomesticated Dougie continued to tell everyone how hilarious my wipe out was. The night was seen out sipping beers and trading tunes on the guitar with the breaking waves a constant base line. As the rumble of the ocean guided us to sleep, we all silently agreed we wouldn’t be disappointed if the next morning the swell didn’t grow any bigger as predicted.

Campfire in the Catlins
The next morning I was awoken to Dougie outside the tent howling and darting around like a pit-bull on crack. As soon as I poked my head out of the tent I saw what was causing the sudden outburst of emotion. The swell had dropped a little in size, but definitely not in quality.
Though the sun wasn’t up, you could just make out some perfect four-foot, airbrushed A-frames barreling into the bay. A howling southerly offshore made it hard to get out of the sleeping bag, but the sight of perfect waves made it an easy decision. We jumped into our icy wetties and skipped into the surf. For a good two hours we traded waves and pulled into as many tunnels as possible. More often than not the waves would end up consuming us but we all came up stoked from the few seconds of bliss. A handful of the Southern locals joined us, in what was probably playful waves by their standards.
After an epic session we all sported some very smug icy grins.
Josh managed to snap his board, but was still stoked after surfing the best waves we’d all surfed in a long time. After a quick pack up and a few touristy snaps, we began the long trek back to Christchurch.

Balclutha provided our starved tummies with some welcome fuel (the best fish and chip shop ever - trust me). As we neared Christchurch, the stoke of the day gradually began to wear off, knowing we would have to be content with the mushy beach breaks of quake-city for the next while. But we all agreed on one thing: we would be back in the southern land very soon.

Thanks to Seventhwave Wetsuits for keeping me warm in my 3/2 Max in the cool southern waters and to Sadhana Surfboards for making awesome tunnel invaders.

Thanks also to all our Dunedin friends for putting up with us.





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