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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Wetsuit Tip #5: How to put wetsuit booties on easily

Booties just like wetsuits need to fit firmly and snugly around your feet to do the job and keep your feet comfortable and warm. They can be difficult to get on and off.
Following this procedure does make it easier.

For booties to be warm, they need to be tight, most surfers choose a size smaller than their regular shoe. A tight fit ensures no water will slosh around inside your boots.
Getting your boots on can be tricky. Luckily for you... we can help.

*This tip is only relative to high topped winter surf boots - low cut reef boots/shoes and dive boots with zips are easy to put on.

Step 1
Fold/turn the cuff down. The further you can fold them the easier it will be.

Step 2
Push your foot in as far as you can.

Step 3
Push against the ground, crawl/shimmy your toes as far forward as you can.

Step 4
Fold the cuff up, your foot should be covered by now. Don't yank the top of the cuff, this strains the heel and can rip.

Example of a ripped heel. This type of damage occurs when you pull too hard on the cuff.

Step 5
Gently pull the loop (if fitted) to slide your heel into place.
You don't want to pull too hard on the tab or the top of the cuff as this puts unnecessary stress on the join at the back of the heel.

Step 6
Wriggle your toes into position and adjust the cuff.

To take them off, simply reverse the process.

Interested in some new booties? Click here to view our range online

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Wetsuit Tip #8: Harness the power of titanium

Technology has taken us to many new and exciting places – and often in unexpected ways.

Who would've thought that research done for the US space program back in the day would now be helping surfers to stay warmer in the water for longer! It sounds strange – but it's true.

Titanium-lined neoprene was developed by Japan's Yamamoto Corporation in the 1980s.

With this technology – based on NASA research aimed at reducing overheating during spaceship re-entry – a thin Titanium Alpha metallic alloy coating is applied to the neoprene surface before the bonding of the outer fabric.

The Titanium looks like a coating of silvery-grey paint. Like all good ideas it's pretty simple, but it works.

In the water, as the thermal heat generated by your body tries to escape the wetsuit it hits the Titanium-lining that reflects the heat back towards you.

This happens continually. So every time you move, paddle, or expel energy, more heat is created inside your suit and reflected back to you—increasing heat retention by up to an amazing 40%.

How Titanium lined neoprene works. Source: Yamamoto Corporation

The great advantage is you can wear a much thinner, lighter wetsuit without compromising warmth.

The thinner the suit, the more flexible you are. You'll have more energy and power. Your paddle efficiency will sky rocket! You will catch more waves!

At Seventhwave we use Yamamoto's Titanium lining in all our top-line models and extensively in our lightweight Titanium Lite Gear range.

So next time you are looking to replace an old wetsuit or thinking of adding a whole new dimension to your water sports, consider the benefits of wearing a Titanium-lined limestone neoprene wetsuit from Seventhwave and experience the Power of Titanium.

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What do others say about their Seventhwave gear?

"Just had my first surf wearing that Seventhwave Hot Top which arrived over a week ago - The Hot Top turned an ordinary steamer into a toaster - really comfortable, easy to pull the suit over and I had the warmest session ever in small waves. Cant fault the build and the fit. Love that neck which seals and is so comfortable. Thanks for the prompt shipping and the emails regarding proper fit."

Cheers and thanks, Willie Burgess, Sydney, Australia

"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

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Wetsuit Tip #7: Choose Limestone neoprene for warmth and longevity

What is your wetsuit made out of?

This may seem a basic question – all wetsuits are made from the same stuff, right? Well, not exactly. All wetsuits are made from neoprene, yes, but not all neoprene is the same.

There are two types of neoprene - oil-based or limestone-based. Most brands of wetsuits are made from oil-based neoprene. All Seventhwave wetsuits are made from limestone-based neoprene.

Yamamoto limestone neoprene ready for use

So, what's the difference?

Oil-based neoprene - invented in the 1930s and used in the first wetsuits made in the 1950s, has a closed cell content of around 64% - that means water can be absorbed by the other 36%. Not bad, but not anywhere near as good as limestone neoprene.

Limestone neoprene - which is based on the calcium found in limestone - was invented in the 1960s by the Yamamoto Corporation. This revolutionary fabric has a closed cell content of 94%! That means only 6% of the fabric can be penetrated by water!

So what does that mean for me?

In the water: because limestone neoprene does not absorb water as much as oil-based neoprene it makes it much warmer for longer and it's much lighter. More warmth and less weight = more comfort and staying out for longer.

Out of the water: limestone neoprene dries out much faster. In fact if you hang it outdoors after use and in a breeze (out of the sun) it will dry completely in a matter of 2-3 hours. Compare that to an oil-based neoprene wetsuit that can take 2 to 3 days to dry out!

Low absorption Yamamoto neoprene in action

So now that you know the difference – the choice is obvious!

For more reading and information:

The history of neoprene visit Neoprene: The Inside Story or download the eBook here.

For the quickest way to dry your wetsuit check our wetsuit tip How To: Dry your Wetsuit the fastest way.

Check our other Blogs for wetsuit tips, education and product combinations and information.

Visit our YouTube channel for how to and product videos.

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Custom-Fit

ONLINE - Worldwide

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Friday, January 31, 2014

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

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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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