The innovative new V1 wetsuit from Billabong

Earlier this year a surfer in Hawaii set a world record paddling into a 57-foot wave off Maui, and his secret weapon was something straight out of a James Bond movie – a self-inflating wetsuit!

The surfer was Shane Dorian and the wetsuit was the new Billabong V1. It’s been described by experts as a total game changer, and it’s easy to see why! For a long time we’ve heard about the dangers of being pushed under by a huge wave, and what this wetsuit does is offer an element of safety to big-wave surfers like Dorian.

Billabong V1 Inflatable Wetsuit

So what’s the secret? When a surfer finds themselves deep underwater, they simply pull the shoulder-mounted ripcord, which inflates the back-mounted air bladder with a small carbon dioxide cartridge. You don’t even need to swim, just let the wetsuit take you back to the surface.

Dorian’s idea for the wetsuit came about last year after he experienced one of the worst wipeouts of his life, and only narrowly escaped drowning. He wanted a wetsuit which would improve safety for the big wave surfers, and took his suggestion to Billabong.

They went away and got a bit of know-how from a team of military equipment manufacturers, who were able to offer advice on designing the underwater air bladder. A prototype of the Billabong V1 wetsuit was created and then tested by Dorian , first in calm waters, then the real test – the Cortes Bank, an open ocean surf-break 100 miles off the coast of California.

The test went exactly as hoped. After being pulled underwater following a bad wipeout, Dorian would have been in big trouble without the V1 wetsuit. He yanked the cord, and it inflated and carried him swiftly up to the surface. Success!

V1 Wetsuit Release

Billabong is still waiting for the patent for the V1 technology, and hasn’t announced when the suit will be available on the market yet. It looks like a winner though, so hats off to Billabong for a genuinely groundbreaking piece of innovation!

Billabong V1 Wetsuit Video

Here is Shane Dorian himself, introducing the Billabong V1 big wave floatation wetsuit:

Visit the Wetsuit Centre for the latest Billabong wetsuits

Flash Bomb - from Rip Curl

Well there has been a lot of talk about the Rip Curl Flash Bomb Wetsuit in the industry recently and the word is slowly getting out that there is a new “wetsuit on the block”!

This is one of those suits that pushes the boundaries just that little bit further and who know could well be the start of a new trend in wetsuit technology.

The Flash Bomb is not due out until the Autumn / Winter of 2011 /2012 but the kind chaps at Rip Curl gave Sean one off the first run to try out.

Rip Curl Quick Dry Wetsuit

The most amazing feature of the Flash Bomb is that it is touch dry in 15 minutes – so no more getting in to a cold and wet suit after your early session. Just turn the suit inside out and because the new “furry lining” technology it will dry in no time at all.

Flash Dry Lining, E3 neoprene, and Stitch-less Seam Technology.

The Flashbomb also features a fully waterproof zip and new stitchless technology which means zero water penetration allowing you to stay dry and warmer for longer. The new Rip Curl wetsuit uses the latest E3+ tape to reinforce all the seams on the inside which is more stretchy than the traditional liquid tape and it gives the same durability to seams of the suits, so no more pinholes.

Rip Curl Flash Bomb Video Review

Jeff shows off the latest technology from Rip Curl and introduces the main features of the Flash Bomb.

Rip Curl Flash Bomb Gallery

Here’s our first few shots of the Rip Curl Flash Bomb before we hit the water with it. Once we have tried it a few times we wil bring you an update.

Alana Blanchard Rip Curl

Billabong’s Spring Collection has been causing quite a stir in the office – but then we got wind of the new Rip Curl Bikini Zine and now we just can’t decide which collection takes the top slot.

The new Rip Curl Zine shows off Alana Blanchard’s signature bikini-clad derriere very nicely!

But you will have to make your own mind up which collection comes out on top.

Click the link to view the full Rip Curl Bikini Zine and download the screensavers below (click the image, right mouse click to save to your desktop).

Download - Rip Curl Bikini Wallpaper

Download - Alana Blanchard - Rip Curl

Download Cali - Rip Curl Bikini Screensaver

Billabong Bob Marley Surfwear Collection

Collaboration seems to be the name of the game at the moment. We have seen the major surf brands go this route before with Sony signing a deal with Billabong to create the Sony VAIO W Billabong Netbook – and more recently they teamed up with the band Green Day to release the Billabong Green Day Mass Hysteria Boardshort .

One World, One Love

Well, Billabong have done it again. This time they have announced an exclusive deal with Marley & Co to present The Billabong X Bob Marley Collection.

Ziggy Marley, son of the late Bob Marley was excited with the news:-

I love it! The collection is cool and conscious,” as it takes into consideration the environmental sensitivities that have been used in this collection.

“Hanging on the beach after a surf, listening to Reggae is part of the surfing culture no matter where you are in the world,” said Graham Stapelberg, VP of Marketing at Billabong USA.

“Bob Marley’s music is timeless – and a natural fit for Billabong.”

His songs fuse social awareness, irresistible reggae beat and cultural relevance into a celebration of life embraced universally.

Billabong is committed to the development of earth-friendly, innovative products that adhere to the Marley family’s core values: Equality, authenticity, and sustainability. Or as Bob might put it: “Make way for the positive day.”

The Billabong X Bob Marley Collection

The Bob Marley Surf Collection consists of boardshorts, tee shirts, tank tops, and selected accessories, the line reflects the energy, passion and fun that infused Marley’s life.

The whole collection is made using premium recycled and organic materials, supporting environmentally safe products. This means less pollution, with superior quality, function and performance. The collection will be marketed in store, online and print.

The collection will be available Feburary 1st, 2011.

Billabong x Bob Marley Collection Gallery

Ok, the snow might have disappeared and the weather in the UK has actually been feeling quite mild the last few days – but we are still in the depths of Winter.

However, the designers at Billabong have obviously been busy and launched their ladies Spring Surf Series collection to whet our appetites – and not a Billabong Wetsuit in site.

The range includes 4-way stretch boards shorts made from recycled PET bottles and a rather daring neoprene cut out racer back one piece swimsuit.

Billabong Spring Series Gallery

It’s Christmas. You’ve had a few drinks, you feel a bit merry, you fancy going for a surf to burn off some of those Christmas calories. It doesn’t feel too cold outside, so you’re tempted to just jump straight in without putting on a wetsuit, but is it safe?

Santa scoring a wave!

The short answer is no, it isn’t a good idea at all! We’ve actually seen folks out near Bournemouth Pier without wetsuits in previous winters obviously trying to prove their mettle. Most don’t stay in the water very long, but even a short dip in the sea carries dangers if you’re not wearing the right kit.

The main issue with going into the water without a wetsuit is that you will get cold very fast. Surfing in particular carries the real danger of hypothermia, particularly as most of us will be idle in the water for extended periods waiting for the best waves.Wetsuits are a worthwhile investment for the added protection they offer against hypothermia.

Let’s be honest, even in the summer months Britain’s Seas can still be a little on the cold side, so a lightweight and skin tight wetsuit is ideal for letting you enjoy your water sports activities over the summer while keeping the chills at bay.

A Shortie made of 2 mm neoprene will do fine for water temperatures above 70 F. Anything below that temperature you’ll want to think about a full wetsuit. We strongly advise against anyone wearing a summer wetsuit in winter, it simply won’t be up to the job!

A properly fitting winter wetsuit is really the only answer if you want to continue surfing in safety and comfort throughout the winter months. Add to that a decent set of boots, gloves, and even a hood to stop heat loss from your head, and you’ll stay in the water much longer.

As an alternative to a top of the range winter wetsuit, you can combine your standard winter wettie with a thermal rash vest.

Rip Curl H Bomb - The Ultimate Winter Wetsuit

For the ultimate in winter warmth check out the Rip Curl H Bomb wetsuit – with this one you’ll never have to worry about the cold again!

It’s the world’s first power heated wetsuit. It’s a wetsuit designed to keep you super-warm by positioning two coated fibre elements that generate heat on your upper back. It has three temperature settings, Low, Med & Boost!

Okay, so all things considered, surfing without a wetsuit just does not make sense. If you are going to go in the water this Christmas, make sure you wear a decent winter wetsuit.

With the UK now firmly in Winter’s icy clutches, it can be tempting to just stay indoors and keep yourself warm until the Spring comes around. However, if you love the outdoor lifestyle and have a passion for watersports, then the winter climate need not throw a spanner in the works. Buying a winter wetsuit enables people to enjoy surfing all year round and to stay in the water for extended periods.

Does a Thicker Wetsuit mean Better Warmth?

A higher neoprene material thickness is the key benefit of the winter wetsuit in comparison to the summer suit, as it provides better warmth, protection and insulation. Hypothermia is an ever-present danger in winter, as cold water makes you lose your body heat very quickly. A wetsuit ensures you stay insulated from the cold as a thin layer of water comes between your body and the wetsuit, the body heats it naturally, providing a warm insulating layer.

As with most things, the quality of neoprene you get is likely to reflect the price you are willing to pay. You can find suits for under £100 with basic neoprene and a few stretch panels, but the top-end suits, consisting entirely of highly flexible neoprene, are going to cost you considerably more.

Here are some of the features to look out for when shopping for your winter wetsuit:

The best winter wetsuits have a neoprene combination of 5 (for Torso) and 4mm (around your limbs to allow you more flexibility to paddle and swim) or 5 and 4 and 3mm.

Wetsuit Seams and Zips

Glued & blindstitched seams offer maximum stretch and strength with zero water penetration. The stitching appears on the front and glued on the reverse to form a watertight seal.

On the top-end thickest winter wetsuits, heat welded tape can be applied over the blindstitched seams on the inside to strengthen and waterproof the wetsuit.

Zip system and adjustable neck collar provides maximum water seal and surfer comfort. Look out for smooth surfaces around the neck lining to prevent skin becoming irritated. Some people wear rash vests, however, the downside of these vests is that they don’t offer any heat retention.

Fit = Warmth

Your best bet is to go for a tight or snug fit with plenty of stretch. A full style wetsuit is perfect for winter with long legs and long arms to cover all parts of your body except for your head, neck, hands and feet.

Final things you might want to think about when buying a winter wetsuit are knee padding to protect the knees, and an external secure key pocket for easy and secure access to your key.

Here’s our top ten winter wetsuits for 2011…

1. Rip Curl H Bomb 4/3 Heated Wetsuit 2011

The world’s first power heated wetsuit, the H Bomb has fibre elements which generate heat to relieve muscle soreness and give you maximum body warmth.

Price: £550.00

2. Xcel Infiniti Drylock 5/4 Winter Wetsuit 2011

The Xcel Drylock utlises Water Resistant Fibre technology which mechanically sheds water, ensuring the suit stays light and you stay very very warm.

Price: £339.95

3. Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 5/3 Mens Winter Wetsuit 2011

A great wetsuit for a great price, the Dawn Patrol for 2011 boasts all the key technical features you need that without requiring you to blow your budget.

Price: £129.99

4. Quiksilver Syncro 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2011

Another great value winter wetsuit, the Quiksilver Syncro is the most high performance entry level wetsuit currently on the market.

Price: £139.95

5. C-Skins Wired AIRLOC 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2011

C-Skins have a reputation for innovation and this suit is no exception. Without question one of the warmest and most flexible wetsuits available.

Price: £309.95

6. O´Neill PsychoFreak 5.5/4.5mm Hooded Winter Wetsuit 2011

This award-winning winter wetsuit utilises the latest in neprene technology to offer unbeatable warmth in even the harshest, coldest conditions.

Price: £344.95

7. Rip Curl Chest Zip F Bomb 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2011

Rip Curl have put together a great package with F Bomb, offering ultimate warmth, flexibility, durability and comfort to create a very strong overall product.

Price: £299.95

8. O´ Neill Heat 6/5/4 Mens Hooded Winter Wetsuit 2011

The 2011 hooded Heat winter wetsuit combines the fantastic value and technology of the Heat wetsuit and pushes it to the next level, offering serious warmth and flexibility

Price: £239.95

9. Animal Assassin 5/3 Chest Zip Mens Winter Wetsuit 2011

The Animal Assassin rivals the very best in the market, as it utilises high tech neoprene materials and the latest construction methods.

Price: £249.00

10. Billabong SG5 5/3 Back Zip Winter Wetsuit 2011

The Billabong Solution Gold incorporates the Solar Mesh solar panel designed to absorb and transfer the suns heat to the body, meaning it is 30% warmer than any nylon covered neoprene.

Price: £249.94

All these winter wetsuits are available at the Wetsuit Centre, with free next day UK delivery.  You an find more information and reviews of winter wetsuits on the Wetsuit Centre Youtube channel.

See Jeff introduce the new  C Skins React Winter Wetsuit Range, the latest winter wetsuit video review:

We had the first frost this morning so looks like winter is well on its way.

The technology behind wetsuits these days is just phenominal and we are blown away by some of the suits that are coming out from the likes of Billabong, O’Neill and C-skins.

If you are in line for a new Winter Wetsuit there are endless choices – but don’t forget the most important aspect of buying a Winter Wetsuit is getting the fit right! Get a wettie that fits well – reasonably tight around the neck, good seals and limited space around the small of your back – and you won’t go wrong.

We have been nusy building up a bank of Wetsuit Video reviews which are now online under the Wetsuit Centre YouTube Channel – there are 104 in total to date with over 80,000 views – so we think our customers like them :0)

Here’s one of the latest from Jeff as he takes you through the 2011 Rip Curl FBomb Winter Wetsuit. A cracking Winter Wetsuit that ticks all the right boxes and will mean you can enjoy your surfing right the way through the Winter.

See you out in the water!

Rip Curl is releasing a signature Mick Fanning watch as a part of Fanning’s Ultimate Titanium Oceansearch platform. Less than a thousand watches will be distributed worldwide, with only 100 pieces being released in the United States. Fanning’s signature will be engraved on the watches caseback, along with the individual number.

Mick Fanning Ultimate Oceansearch Titanium Watch

This classy bit of kit is finished in stealth black titanium carbide plating and comes in a custom black packaging that showcases the product and includes a commemorative booklet chronicling Mick’s historical achievements in the world of surfing.

The watch features a programmed tide system for over 200 surf beaches around the world through 2022 and an automatic tide system that can be set to thousands of beaches worldwide. It also features tide prediction for tide forecasting and a digital compass.

Made out of titanium and depth tested to 200 meters, the watch also has dual time with tide spot storage, a stopwatch, timer, two alarms, and a full screen backlight.

We are not sure how many are coming to the UK – so keep your eyes peeled. This could be a pretty hot product for any surfers christmas present list, so no doubt eBay might be showing a couple up for auction in the future too.

We’ve seen technology collaborations before – Sony and Billabong recently got it on to create the Sony VAIO W Billabong Netbook. Well O’Neill seem to have got in on the act this time and have partnered with Philips to launch a range of new active headphones.

The Philips O’Neill range of headphones are designed using some of the same wetsuit materials as the company’s heavy duty wetsuits – but despite the technology you won’t be wearing these little beauties on the water – as they just ain’t waterproof!

The Stretch

Philips O'Neill Stretch

The Stretch headphones above are the toughest of the bunch, constructed from an ultra-durable, temperature-resistant, and awesome-sounding material called TR 55LX that boasts a surface hardness six times greater than the polycarbonate stuff found in most headphones.

The Snug

Philips O'Neill Snug

The Snug series boasts “bold graphics” and can fold flat

The Covert

Philips O'Neill Covert

Next up is The Covert ,”a discreet bud with deceptively powerful sound impact and iPhone control”. It is fitted with 13mm drivers and includes a microphone and volume controller allowing remote control of iPods and iPhones.

The Specked

Philips O'Neill Specked

The Specked, which includes a range of three striking coloured in-ear buds. It is the entry-level model in the range and comes with smaller 9mm drivers.

Tested by O’Neill team Riders

According to the O’Neill PR boys the headphones have been put through their paces with teh O’Neill team riders – with the likes of Jeremy Jones, Mark Mathews, and Ane Enderud all testing them out.

No pricing has been announced, but both are due to go on sale in Europe and the US this month.