Blog
Wetsuit durability – 4 reasons NCW wetsuits are made to last.
Wetsuit durability is a big thing for us at NCW. We’ve said before how all our operations are focused on sustainability and being kinder to the planet. In a world where most things are harmful to Mother Nature – including wetsuits and watersports – we try our hardest to offset this negative impact with positive and proactive approaches. As much as possible NOTHING gets thrown away and ends up in landfill.
Wetsuit manufacturing and its negative impact on the planet.
Anyone who spends time in the ocean needs protection. A wetsuit is a must in cold climates and cooler seas – which is most of us. Those wetsuits and related products have to come from somewhere. Which ultimately means it is manufactured, shipped to retailers, and eventually sold. All negatively impacting the planet.
The whole process isn’t particularly environmentally friendly. Even brands that produce wetsuit products in a more sustainable way, with friendly materials have the issues of making them and then transporting them to be sold. The bottom line is there’s no true green way of making watersport products. However, there are ways to offset this impact and reduce these harmful behaviours.
Wetsuit design, materials and longevity.
Here at NCW, we design wetsuits based on a long history of watersports participation. We know what’s needed from a suit when indulging in activities like surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and more. When looking at new models we take this experience and shoehorn it into the finished item.
Working with quality manufacturers we also have insight into the materials wetsuits are made from. Liaising directly we’re able to jump on any advancements with wetsuit technology. One thing we’re acutely aware of is wetsuit longevity. So our choice of materials is based on how much life a user will get out of their wetsuit. Some exotic, supposed green materials don’t always have the longevity we want. If a wetsuit fails after a short time and gets thrown away, it doesn’t matter how green the materials used are, the wetsuit in question is heading for the rubbish dump!
Feel, comfort and performance.
A wetsuit has to be functional but also needs to feel comfortable. If you’re regularly in the drink then you’ll be wearing your suit often. An ill-fitting wetty is horrible and won’t keep you warm. Likewise, something that doesn’t feel good won’t be your first choice of suit when heading for a session.
Kids & Juniors 5mm Winter Wetsuits (backzip)
£64.95 – £89.95
All NCW wetsuits are performance-based. But we take into consideration the feel and comfort of your wetsuit. Anyone using NCW wetsuits for the first time comments on how smooth and stretchy they are. Easy to get into, yet snug and tailored, NCW wetsuits are comparable to other bigger brand suits but don’t come with the premium price tag.
Durability.
Wetsuits take a beating if you use them regularly. Kids particularly tend to go through wetsuits at a rate of knots. Crawling and scraping round abrasive surfaces will, regardless of how well constructed a wetty is, eventually cause damage.
All NCW suits are built with durability in mind. Which in turn knocks onto the longevity we’ve already talked about above. And that, again, helps keep Mother Nature happy. Also, don’t forget, when a wetsuit reaches the end of its life – regardless of the brand or where you purchased it – NCW offers part exchange on a new suit or will take old rubber off your hands and recycle, upcycle and repurpose it. NOTHING gets thrown away!
Summing up.
We can’t get away from the fact we need wetsuits for watersports. If there was another way, which was more environmentally friendly, we’d happily adopt it. For now, however, we’d urge you to purchase a wetsuit from a reputable brand who do everything they can to help the planet, without taking eyes off wetsuit performance. Yes, NCW is one of these brands. So give us a call to discuss your wetsuit needs.