Surfing is a sport that has conquered the whole world and is a way of life for many enthusiasts. Among the essential elements required to practice this water sport, the wetsuit plays a key role. Find out in this article how this essential accessory has evolved over the years, and how it has helped to popularise surfing.
Surfing originated in Hawaii, where it was practised by the kings and nobles of the archipelago. The first boards were made of wood and weighed several tens of kilos. In those days, surfers didn't wear wetsuits, instead making do with shorts or swimming trunks to tackle the waves.
However, with the popularisation of surfing and its expansion to regions with colder waters, notably California and Australia, it soon became necessary to find a solution to enable surfers to stay in the water for longer and not suffer from the cold. This is how the first wetsuit came about in the 1950s.
American physicist Hugh Bradner invented the first neoprene wetsuit in 1952, while working for the US Navy. This material, which had been discovered just a few years earlier, had very good thermal insulation properties for water activities.
However, it wasn't until the late 1950s that Jack O'Neill, a Californian surfer and founder of the famous brand of the same name, created the first wetsuit specifically for surfing. This neoprene suit, also known as a "wetsuit", enabled surfers to stay in the water longer and enjoy the waves even in winter.
The wetsuit has played a central role in the popularisation of surfing, enabling more people to enjoy the sport in optimum conditions. Thanks to this essential accessory, surfers can now face cold waters without fear of hypothermia.
Furthermore, advances in materials and technology have made wetsuits ever more efficient and comfortable, encouraging more people to take up surfing. Today, it's possible to find a wetsuit to suit every ability and every weather condition, whether you're a beginner or a professional.
The wetsuit market is constantly expanding, with new brands and models appearing all the time. Surfers are now spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best wetsuit for them, depending on their level, body shape and the conditions in which they want to surf.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your ideal wetsuit :
In summary, the wetsuit has come a long way since its creation in the 1950s. Thanks to technological innovations and advances in materials, this essential accessory has helped to democratise surfing and make the sport accessible to as many people as possible. Today, surfers can count on a multitude of models and brands to find their ideal wetsuit and fully enjoy the pleasures of surfing.
How do you choose your wetsuit based on the water temperature ?
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