The Science of Performance

Looking Beyond Surfing

SURFERS AND TRIATHLETES – THE DESIGN INSIGHT

ca-triathletesBoth triathletes and surfers want to maximize stroke output when swimming or paddling. Wetsuits impede movement causing the muscle to prematurely overload resulting in loss of power output and fatigue. Triathlete wetsuits have focused R&D on designing wetsuits to improve the stroke efficiency and swim times in competitive events.

Furthermore, conventional wetsuits absorb water like a sponge increasing the weight the athlete must move on each stroke which causes the muscle to prematurely overload with lactic acid.

ISURUS has developed a new, more intelligent choice in wetsuit technology by combining the latest in surfing and triathlete wetsuit engineering design.

anatomical-panels-2

Anatomical Panels for Human Performance

DESIGNING WETSUITS TO MAXIMIZE PADDLING OUTPUT

We researched the sports and athletes that use wetsuits. Inspired by what we discovered in the triathlons we incorporated the proven features into the Isurus line of high performance wetsuits. We engineered the wetsuit panels to match the natural flow of the human body to maximize paddling output.

The top-end triathlon wetsuit designs have been tested and proven in competition to decrease swim times and maximize stroke output by designing the wetsuit panels to provide the swimmer with the maximum unrestricted range of motion.

We tested the wetsuits with surfers up and down the coast of California. We then tested the designs on a elite group of paddle-in surfers who gathered at Mavericks this last El Nino winter 2010 to further refine the design.

  • LIGHT WEIGHT IMPROVES PERFORMANCE

    The issue of weight have been addressed in other sports, but is missing in surfing.  The market wants lighter weight with increased performance.  Heavy and restrictive gear hinders performance, and causes premature fatigue.

    As light as it gets

  • WARMTH SERVED LIGHT & TOASTY WARM

    Lightweight is the mantra for any sport where maintaining body heat is critical. Numerous studies by Human Performance Labs have demonstrated that when body temperature drops so does performance.

    infrared-bodyTraditional neoprene soaks up water like a kitchen sponge, weighing up to 80% more in weight when wet. It takes body heat to warm the water excess water. Sucking vital energy.

    Yamamoto closed cell neoprene provides superior warmth without bulk of traditional neoprene. Since Yamamoto neoprene is 98% hydrophobic meaning it absorbs almost no H2O. Precious body heat is not wasted warming the excess H2O.

  • IMPACT OF WATER WEIGHT ON PADDLING

    surfers-angleThe energy and muscle output required to lift heavy, water logged arm and shoulder panels for 1000’s of strokes during a surf session result in premature muscle fatigue.

    ISURUS wetsuits made from 100% Yamamoto neoprene are 98% hydrophobic meaning the material does not absorb H2O. An ISURUS wetsuit will weigh up to 50% less when wet compared to traditional neoprene.

    See the Weight Test—watch this You Tube video.

  • FORWARD PROPULSION SYSTEM

    FPSFPS is a triathlete wetsuit innovation that has been proven in Ironman swim events to improve swim times. ISURUS refined the design innovation for surfing.

    The inside forearms of the wetsuit have special entrapment zones designed to trap water during the catch phase of the stroke as well as providing board grip. This creates drag, resulting in greater output per stroke and increased distance paddled.

    Although minor, the extra stoke efficiency multiplied over 1000’s of paddle strokes is where you see the benefit.