Wetsuits
A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, windsurfers, , primarily providing thermal insulation, but also buoyancy and protection from abrasion, ultraviolet exposure and stings from marine organisms. The insulation properties of neoprene foam depend mainly on bubbles of gas enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat. The bubbles also give the wetsuit a low density, providing buoyancy in water.
Hugh Bradner, a University of California, Berkeley, physicist invented the modern wetsuit in 1952. Wetsuits became available in the mid-1950s and evolved as the relatively fragile foamed neoprene was first backed, and later sandwiched, with thin sheets of tougher material such as nylon or later spandex (also known as lycra). Improvements in the way joints in the wetsuit were made by gluing, taping and blindstitching, helped the suit to remain waterproof and reduce flushing, the replacement of water trapped between suit and body by cold water from the outside.[1] Further improvements in the seals at the neck, wrists, ankles and zippers produced a suit known as a “semi-dry”.
Different types of wetsuit are made for different uses and for different temperatures.[2] Suits range from a thin (2 mm or less) “shortie”, covering just the torso, to a full 8 mm semi-dry, usually complemented by neoprene boots, gloves and hood.
The difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit is that a wetsuit allows water to enter the suit, while dry suits are designed to prevent water from entering, thus keeping the undergarments dry and preserving their insulating effectiveness. Wetsuits can give adequate protection in warm to moderately cold waters. Dry suits are typically more expensive and more complex to use, but can be used where protection from lower temperatures or contaminated water is needed.
O’Neill is originally a Californian surf wear and surfboard brand started in 1952 by Jack O’Neill. It moved down the coast from San Francisco to Santa Cruz by the end of the decade. Jack is credited to have invented the wetsuit, his son Pat the leash on the surfboard. The company logo symbolizes a breaking surf wave. “O’NEILL” and the “Wave logo” are trademarks registered worldwide.
In May 2007 the ownership of the brand was sold to Logo International B.V. a private company headquartered in The Netherlands. The company produces wetsuits, performance water and snow sports inspired apparel for young adults, and lifestyle apparel. The products are distributed to 86 countries worldwide, some by licensed distributors. In the United States, the O’Neill clothing license is held by the La Jolla Group, a privately owned apparel company based in Irvine, CA. The O’Neill wetsuit business continues to be owned by the O’Neill family and is based in Santa Cruz, CA.
In 1996 O’Neill set up the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, a free, ocean-based program to educate young people about the marine environment. Over 100,000 children have participated in this program. [1] O’Neill is involved in various other causes to help support the environment, such as through O’Neill Blue.[2]
O’Neill operates from headquarters in Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, The Netherlands and the USA.[citation needed]
O’Neill sponsors young promising as well as high-profile surfers, boarders and skiers, as part of their ambassador program.[citation needed]
Company Founder Jack O’Neill died on 2 June 2017, aged 94
Fast drying, lightweight, and naturally hydrophobic, TDC is our warmest wetsuit lining ever, and an Xcel exclusive found nowhere else in the market. TDC’s clinically proven Smart Fiber Technology converts your body heat into infrared energy for maximum warmth, increased endurance, faster recovery, and enhanced overall athletic performance. The plush, high pile TDC ensures maximum core warmth. In surf fullsuits, this is an orange wave print. In dive fullsuits, this is a white/red diamond print.
Fast drying, lightweight, and naturally hydrophobic, TDC is our warmest wetsuit lining ever, and an Xcel exclusive found nowhere else in the market. TDC’s clinically proven Smart Fiber Technology converts your body heat into infrared energy for maximum warmth, increased endurance, faster recovery, and enhanced overall athletic performance. The infared printed low pile TDC delivers the ideal balance of warmth and flexibility.
ENTRY SYSTEMS
A watertight front entry system with a front zipper angled along the upper chest. The zipper flap is attached at the right shoulder to keep more water out. The inner Crossover Neck Entry features overlapping panels that stretch to allow extra wide, step-in-through-the-neck entry.
The original, pioneering front entry system remains the easiest chest zip to put on and take off. The over-the-head zipper flap features SmoothSkin hem seals and a snap lock to keep the zipper pull in place. The inner Crosssover Neck Entry features overlapping panels that stretch to allow extra wide, step-in-through-the-neck entry.
The most premium, easiest access back entry, with a 100% waterproof, full length EZ Lock back zipper offset from the spine to maximize comfort and flexibility, especially when paddling. No back dam for flexible, extra wide step-in access. Glued & blindstitched zipper flaps with a durable reinforced zipper base. The double layer SmoothSkin collar also enhances comfort and forms an excellent seal with your skin to keep warmth in.
Easy access back zipper offset from the spine to maximize comfort and flexibility, especially when paddling. A Water Barrier Inner Dam rests between the zipper and your back to maximize comfort and minimize flushing. Glued & blindstitched zipper flaps with a durable reinforced zipper base. The single layer SmoothSkin collar enhances comfort and warmth.
Traditional back zipper for extra easy on/off.
A horizontal front semi-dry zipper extends across the entire upper body for extra easy access without sacrificing warmth. The inner neck dam is glued & blindstitched to the suit, and rests between the outer zipper and your body for an added layer of comfort and protection.
Wide SmoothSkin hem seal on the zipper flap’s left open shoulder, plus tonal printed graphics on the left shoulder directly underneath the hem, forms a more complete and secure seal that keeps even more water out.
Innovative, quick release zipper closure features double magnets on the zipper pull tab and attached zipper flap that securely lock the zipper in place, for easier and quicker release than traditional snap locks.
Overlapping inner front and back neck panels (underneath the zipper flap) stretch to allow extra wide, step-in-through-the-neck entry.
Inner neoprene dam that rests between the zipper and your back to maximize comfort and minimize flushing.
”Rolled” collar design with inner SmoothSkin and outer UltraStretch neoprene for warmth and comfort.
Protects the back zipper and allows for a better, more comfortable fit.