Showing posts with label wetsuit tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wetsuit tips. Show all posts

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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Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from 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 warmer way.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
And best of all - check out our website!


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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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Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from 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 warmer way.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
And best of all - check out our website!


How did you find this article? Interested to hear more from Seventhwave.
Subscribe to receive our newsletter in your inbox.

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.





Seventhwave Wetsuits are made in New Zealand from 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 warmer way.

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
And best of all - check out our website!

Custom-Fit

ONLINE - Worldwide

Click here to get yours



How did you find this article? Interested to hear more from Seventhwave. Subscribe to receive our newsletter in your inbox.

 

Do you know know others who might benefit from this information? Please share our information for the best surf karma possible!

 

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

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.

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

And best of all - check out our website!

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

 


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!
 

Friday, May 31, 2013

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