Billabong Wetsuits for You Right Now

Billabong  gets creative by teaming up with avid surfer and artist Andy Davis! Andy Davis is known for his fluid drawings of surfers and waves. With Billabong by his side, they collaborated this spring for a collection that’s cool and functional! Get away from the standard black colorway for wetsuits and try these classic colors! Perfect for warmer water, the Heritage long sleeve jacket is the way to go!  Heritage is a 100% super-stretch 2mm long sleeve jacket that is 100% neoprene and has a full front zip. If you are more of a long john guy, try the Heritage long john! Made with the same material as the jacket, this long john will keep you warm without constricting your arms while paddling!

If you are looking for Billabong’s standard wetsuits, we’ve got their Foil series suit. Features of this suit include:

•  AX1 Airlite Superflax Neoprene
• Strategic seam and panel placement
• Moulded supratex knee pads
• Internal barrier system, combined with adjustable contour collar to eliminate water entry
• Contour collar
• Pre tensioned wrist cuffs
• Internal welded stress point reinforcement

If you need a cool tee that you can surf in as well, Billabong offers the Amphibious tee. Amphibious is loose fit tee that has UV protection, won’t shrink or loose its shape and is made of a 65/35 poly cotton blend. They also have the Adrift rashguard. Adrift is a loose fit rashguard that has a surf tee fit. Made of 91% polyester 9% spandex, this flatlock construction is perfect for the summer time! No matter which way you go, you will be stoked!

Spring Wetsuits have Never Looked Better!

If you looked at your calender today, you will see today is the official first day of spring! The water is warming up and those full suits just won’t cut it! Good thing Billabong has got you covered! Billabong has been a leader in ladies fashions, but now they can claim another title- super cute wetsuits!

Billabong’s Cheeky Spring Suit is a 2mm long sleeve spring suit with a full front zipper, retro colors on the outside and a fun colorful print on the inside. Do you like to keep your legs warmer than your arms? Try the Skinny Jane wetsuit- a 2mm long john with a full front zipper and colors on the outside and inside! Pick up either of these wetsuits from our main wetsuit locations in Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach! Which one do you prefer? The Cheeky Spring or the Skinny Jane long john??

Quiksilver Cypher Fullsuit 2011

Quiksilver Cypher Wetsuits are made with Bio fleece thermal neoprene, fiberlite neoprene and flexmax seam seal to keep you warm. The Beadlock wrist, ankle and shoulder seals make sure that the chilly water doesn’t sneak in! Available in 3/2 or 4/3.

Quiksilver Cypher Wetsuits

Bio fleece Thermal Neoprene is the perfect marriage of XTX closed-cell Neoprene foam, and Bio fleece jersey made with recycled PET and infused with bamboo charcoal and nylon jersey.

Fiber-Lite Neoprene starts with the lightest closed- cell neoprene foam available: XTX. It has closed-cell Neoprene foam with countless microscopic air cells to trap and contain warmth. The nylon jersey is infused with bamboo charcoal which is anti-microbial for less stink. Because of Quiksilver’s unique materials, weaving, and lamination process, the FIBER-LITE NEOPRENE is 14% more flexible, absorbs less water, dries faster, and weighs less than anything you can imagine.

Flexmax Seal technology takes it to the next level of performance with a tape/seal construction that allows for extremely flexible seams coupled with this extra layer of critical waterproofing. Flexmax SeamSeal is the warmest, most waterproof system with maximized comfort and flexibility.

Quiksilver Wetsuits

Quiksilver Cypher FuseFlex Fullsuit

Quiksilver Cypher FuseFlex Wetsuits are now at South Coast!

The Cypher FuseFlex is made with FuseFlex stitchless seam technology with Plio-Tech air chamber neoprene combined with Biofleece thermal lining and waterproof YKK chest zip to keep you warm.

Quiksilver Cypher FuseFlex Wetsuit

• FuseFlex Seam Technology
• Plio Tech Air Chamber Neoprene
• Biofleece Thermal Neoprene Front
• Fiberlite Neoprene
• Hydrolock dry chest zip entry

Southern California Rip Curl wetsuit rep Dave Taxer discusses the new features of the new 2011/2012 fullsuit wetsuits at the South Coast Surf Shop PB Wetsuit Loft. Featuring the all new Flash Bomb material makes the world’s fastest drying wetsuit.

Mr. Taxer also covers the Rip Curl E-Bomb, E-Bomb Pro, Insulator, Dawn Patrol, G-Bomb Girls Flash Bomb, booties, and youth wetsuits. Back zip vs. chest zip.

All these Rip Curl wetsuits are available online with free domestic ground shipping right here:

Rip Curl Wetsuits

Also available at any of South Coast’s Five Retail Locations in Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach.

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Picking out the right wetsuit vest, jacket or rashguard can be a bit of a hassle. Similar to picking out the right kind of wetsuit it really depends on what you’re surfing and where you’re surfing. So before you jump in the water, consider a couple factors that might improve your ocean experience and surf performance.

Water temp

Although this summer’s weather seems promising, the earlier months (mainly June gloom) can put a damper on your beach day plans.  I know wearing things with sleeves in the summer can be frustrating but being comfortable in the water can enhance your performance that much more.  So instead of a vest or a rashguard try something a little more practical like the O’Neil Thinskin Hyperfreak Crew Jacket.  It’s made with UltraFlex DS neoprene, has a super –seal collar and a key pocket.  It’s similar to what the actual fullsuit might be like just with no legs and no over-heating in the summer.  And though the Hyperfreak is big on function the Xcel suits boast both style and functionality. The Xcel XCELerator is a Nylon-lined 2mm jacket with 1mm sleeves for ultra flexibility.  And since summer is all about the color don’t be afraid to rock a green, grey, or red in the line-up.  The Xcelerator jacket even comes with a waist loop that ties to your boardies to batten down the hatches.  But if you’re looking for some serious core protection, you might just want to take a peek at Rip Curl’s Core Rubber Soul Jacket.  A little more on the soul surfing side, this trendy suit is bringing back the old school look with the old school Rip Curl logo on the front, this jacket is a great way to keep warm.  Use it for dawn patrol, or even just on a windy day.  It’s made with Ultralite and E3 Elastomax neoprene so you can surf and still flex those guns.  The thick neoprene on the core keeps your warm while the flex is all in the sides and underarms so you can keep carving and make those soul turns.

Suns out guns out

It keeps your core warm and your arms free.  At least this is the case with Quicksilver’s PS+Heat Vest System.  The first of its kind and probable the warmest, this battery operated heating system is built into the suit to keep you warm for hours on end.  By using FAR infrared heating technology the vest ensures warmth of your core and maintains the temperature when placed under a wetsuit.  Looking for something simpler? Look no further than O’Neil’s Hammer Vest.  For under $50 you can keep your midsection warm and your “guns” a blazing in the summer sun. This vest is made with 100% O’Neil’s own premium neoprene, Fluidflex for maximum freedom and minimal restriction.

Guard your goods

Arm freedom of the vest and the protection of the jacket, the rashgaurd is the perfect protection against sunburn, and some gnarly rashes this summer. Both durable and comfortable the Xcel UPF50+ is a Lycra rashguard that does double duty in protecting you.  Despite being thinner than a neoprene vest this long sleeve rashguard comes equipped with UPF 50+ or ultraviolet protection factor with an SPF 50 to block out those harmful rays. And if you’re really feeling like getting your bronze on, it comes in a short sleeve version.  The Xcel UPF50+ short sleeve comes in a blue and white, black and grey, green and white, and a tri-colored black grey and white version.

Budget Wetsuits:

Looking for the best value on a new wetsuit? Don’t have an extra $500 for the latest tech gadgets? Then go back to the basics with the Best Budget Wetsuits of 2010. With everything you need and nothing you don’t, these suits are the best value around. So put that extra $350 back in your pocket and read on!

Billabong Foil – The first, but certainly not last of the Budget Wetsuits: Billabong packed the 2010 Foil to the brim with Furnace Lining throughout to keep you dry and warm. SuperFlex light weight stretch zones at flex points increase overall flexibility, while Ergonomic Performance Panels in the lower back to eliminate riding up and keep the Foil at the top of its flexibility game. Functional flexibility at the perfect price.

Xcel X-Zip – From the company responsible for the original front entry fullsuit, comes the wallet friendly 2010 Xcel X-Zip chest-zip full. Packed with many of the features found in suits twice the price, the X-Zip comes with super toasty Thermobamboo heat-retaining lining in the chest. Ultrastretch, Ultrasoft upper-body construction paired with SuperStretch lower body and Minimal Seam Design means you’re getting the most flexible suit for your dollar. Xcel tops it all off with reinforced stress points over glued and blindstiched seams for maximum durability.

O’Neill Epic II – The completely redesigned Epic II from O’Neill is not your everyday budget wetsuit. In fact O’Neill now incorporates many of the features found in the Psycho series such as: UltraFlex Firewall chest for superior heat insulation, double seal neck closure for flush protection, all new covert blackout zip, and LSD (lumbar seamless design) for ultimate flexibility. Krypto knee pads and an exterior key pocket with loop put this suit over the top as one of the best values around.

Quiksilver Synchro – The 2010 Synchro from Quiksilver wetsuits is here to compete with a great lineup of features and new color ways. Constructed from 100% Hyperstretch II neoprene lined with HFT heating system in the chest to keep you warm and loose. Vaporstretch mesh chest panel offers high end warmth at a great price point, while the Hydroshield water barrier and Hydrowrap adjustable neck closure keep the dreaded flush at bay. Easy access external key pocket on leg allows you to get the car warmed up before you take off half your suit trying to find the poorly placed internal key loop used by some other manufacturers.

Rip Curl Dawn Patrol – Last but not least one of our favorite budget wetsuits:100% Ultralight Elastomax 3 neoprene construction puts the Dawn Patrol on top of the budget game with the lightest, stretchiest material available in a budget suit. Fireskin lining throughout guarantees you’ll outlast the lineup on those chilly morning sessions, while S-Flex knees and reinforced glued and blindstiched seams ensure long lasting performance. All in all, one of the best values around.

South Coast’s Best Budget Wetsuits

Looking for something a little nicer? Warmer? Stretchier? Be sure to also read our 2010 Connoisseurs Wetsuit Guide.

Need Booties? We got you covered there too! The South Coast Bootie Buyer Guide.

By Rosie McGinley-Kase

From surfing and skating to rock climbing and fly-fishing, Patagonia has the gear for it all. But what makes them so different from other companies is their eco-friendly status of course. Patagonia is a company truly striving for the good health of our planet and its natural habitats. They make eco friendly gear and fight for eco friendly causes, making them one of the most active companies out there.

“What does Patagonia have to do with surfing,” you ask? Our friends from the North are commandeering some eco-friendly products that are changing the way we think about what surfers use and buy, one product at a time.

Lucky for us, they are starting their surf division with Patagonia wetsuits. (Men’s Patagonia Wetsuits available at South Coast beginning November 5th 2008)

Patagonia uses organic wool in the lining of their wetsuits, just one of the many ways the outdoor company is expanding their message through their product line. To start off, their wetsuits are made from high quality Japanese neoprene . Then the suits are lined with a merino-wool mix, made with recycled polyester, which pushes water away from the body to help keep you warmer. Patagonia also uses PVC free knee pads. PVC is a plastic often used in wetsuits that is toxic to the environment.

Patagonia is one of the most environmentally conscious companies out there because they take into consideration how much waste there is in the world. Which is why they started a program called Common Threads Garment Recycling. People can donate any of their old worn out garments to Patagonia and they turn it around and recycle our old threads into brand new ones. The process is long but to sum it all up they chop up old clothes turn them into polyester through a long process and weave it into a brand new piece of clothing.

Patagonia is not only into recycling old threads, but they start out new clothing eco-friendly too, by using organic cotton. Organic cotton can be found in most of their clothing lines, as we as other earth friendly and organic materials, such as wool.

Not only does Patagonia give back to the environment through their clothing, they fight for environmental causes through the company making real life changes. One of the big campaigns Patagonia has going on right now is VTE (Vote for the Environment), which encourages consumers to get involved and vote. On the Patagonia website, they give important pieces of information about the upcoming election and links to further inform yourself.

Patagonia is also involved in several other programs such as Environmental Grants, where they give 10% of their pre-taxed profits or 1% of their sales, which ever is higher, to a grassroots environmental program. They also created 1% for the Planet, which is an alliance of business that want to help in the fight to save the earth, by donating 1% of sales profits as well.

The Patagonia website includes a feature called Leading the Examined Life, which gives us the consumers a idea of where products come from and how much it effects the environment. This page shows everything from the best to worst. Patagonia isn’t trying to hide anything.

Keep warm with the hottest new Quiksilver Wetsuits for FALL 2008
By Brianne Chavez

This season Quiksilver wetsuits has a lineup that covers the bases for surfers of all levels. Starting with their top of the line Cypher, and going through their mid range Ignite to the entry level Syncro, South Coast Surf Shops is highlighting the key features of this year’s Quiksilver wetsuits.

Replacing the Cell of last season, Quiksilver has introduced the Cypher. The Cypher wetsuit contains an HFT chest panel, flexmax, hyperstretch II, vapor stretch mesh chest and back, triple glued and blind stitch, cypher seal, hydroshield water barrier, and hydrowrap adjustable neck closure. You’re probably asking yourself what all of this means. Let me break it down for you. An HFT chest panel is a jersey like material that lies between your skin and the main skin of the suit. What it does is allow minimum water into the suit, keeping you warmer. It is comparable to the firewall in Oneill suits, just with a different name. Flexmax is a Quicksilver’s version of waterproof seams. All this means is that there is a liquid tape seal on one side of the seams to ensure that no water leaks through the seams.

Hyperstretch II is the type of neoprene used in the suit. It is extremely flexible and durable. Vapor stretch in the chest and back is placed over the Hyperstretch II neoprene to help hold in air and block out water, which will keep you warmer. The triple glued and blind stitch means that all seams are blind stitched half way through the neoprene, and then triple glued to help keep water out of the seams. The cypher seal is a cuff on the wrists and ankles of the suit that help keep the water out and allow the ankles and cuffs to last longer. The hydroshield water barrier is a layer of material between your back and the zipper, which doesn’t allow the cold water to hit your back. The hydrowrap adjustable neck closure explains itself. It’s adjustable so that you can loosen and tighten as you feel and keep water out. The Cypher is offered as a back zip, chest zip, or hooded chest zip.

The mid range suit that Quiksilver offers is the Ignite. The Ignite wetsuit comes in back zip with Hyperstretch-II, HFT chest panel, triple glued and blind stitching, hydrosheild water barrier, vaper stretch chest mesh, and freemax super stretch. You can get the Ignite either flatlocked stitched or liquid flex seal. Quiksilver takes it to the next level with their liquid flex seal by sealing both the interior and exterior of the seams with liquid tape. The Hyperstretch-II is in the arms of this suit to provide maximum flexibility. The body is made up of freemax super stretch. If you want to buy a quality suit, but aren’t looking to spend a ton of money, the Ignite is a great buy.

Quiksilver’s entry-level price suit is the Syncro. The Syncro wetsuit offers the basic essentials needed for staying warm in the water. It is consists of Hyperstretch-II neoprene, flatlock stitching or glued and blind stitching, a full-length zipper, an adjustable neck, and hyperweld kneepads. The Hyperstretch-II neoprene is also found in the arms and shoulders of this suit, while freemax super stretch is in the body. Flatlock stitching is when the stitching is all the way through the neoprene. The full-length zipper allows for easy access in and out of the suit. This suit is perfect for moderate water temperatures and beginners.

This season, the Roxy offering for women is the Roxy Syncro and the Roxy Cypher. Both have the same features as the men’s versions, but better suited to fit a woman’s body. The only thing the Roxy Cypher does not offer is the chest zip option for the ladies.

This season’s Quiksilver suits are sure to catch your eye. Whether you want to go with their high end Cypher, mid range Ignite, or entry level Syncro, you are certain to be pleased by your selection.

by Robb Bailey

I know we’ve all said it to ourselves while bobbing around with some buddies in cold, less than perfect conditions…

“We could make a million dollars if we invented a heated wetsuit!”

All our collective efforts were too slow. Rip Curl went ahead and made the impossible a reality with the core-heated H-Bomb wetsuit. Sorry guys–in the future, you’ll have to wain your fortunes on something other than toaster oven/neoprene fires in the garage.

After a few years of R&D, trial & error, and a little Tom & Jerry, the team over at Rip Curl has put together a pretty advanced system for heating your body’s core in the icy cold H2O. It’s functional, easy to use, and most of all, it’s hot. Really hot.

But the question remains: Will they make millions of dollars selling this wetsuit? Probably not. Not any time soon anyways… With a retail sticker of just under $1,000 (that’s one thousand, people), one might think they’re laughing all the way to the bank. Not exactly so. Although the price of the H-Bomb seems high compared to a brand new E-bomb wetsuit, almost all of the price difference between the two is invested in the heat technology. Neither South Coast nor Rip Curl are making more money on this suit than any other wetsuit, which leads us to believe that Rip Curl has made a huge initial investment in this technology.

Rip Curl is making very conservative moves with their waterproof toaster oven. They are rolling out a limited release of 100 H-Bomb wetsuits worldwide. Only 80 are being made available nationwide in the US, and South Coast Surf Shops is one of two SoCal retailers to carry the H-Bomb. It will not be made available for purchase online by anyone. Heck, the Rip Curl retail stores aren’t even carrying it… at least to start out with.

What does that mean for you and me? Hopefully Rip Curl has counted their ducks carefully and sells through every piece they made this go-round. Next time around, the technology will get better, the materials will hopefully get cheaper, and the cost of the suit will match what we can afford to pay a little better (Rip Curl corporate, take note).

South Coast Surf Shops will be one of the only retailers in SoCal to carry the H-Bomb wetsuit. Starting November 1st, put your tire-kicking shoes on and head on down to South Coast Windansea for a personal showcase by one of our lovely associates. The H-Bomb suits won’t be hanging on the rack–they’ll be stored safely in the back–so be sure to ask us for the H-Bomb skinny when ya walk in.

We’d be happy to show you all the features and get your questions answered!

That will be the run of the Rip Curl H-Bomb wetsuit until February of 2009. Don’t say we never do anything for you, folks. You heard it here first!