Dakine has a history of making technical surf gear for more than 40 years, and this summer the brand announces that it will expand its surf offerings with a full range of premium wetsuits across four collections. Dakine’s design approach re-calibrates the balance of flexibility, fit, warmth, and durability that the market’s current wetsuit designs are lacking. Its full commitment to the category brings innovative features like a zipperless seal system and an all-new Apex Fit wetsuit pattern for a tailored fit with no stress points. The full range of wetsuits matches or exceeds all industry standards of performance and warmth, but sets a new standard for durability, ensuring a long product lifespan to reduce the brand’s overall environmental impact. Dakine has set out on a mission to push the wetsuit market forward, and with that comes responsibility to design suits that are better for the planet. This ethos is the center of Dakine’s design standards now and in the future, as its team of designers start to think about the seasons ahead.
“We have been building neoprene wetsuit tops for some time now,” says Micah Nickens, surf marketing director at Dakine. “Our customer has been asking for Dakine’s performance and durability in a full wetsuit, so the transition into the category made a lot of sense. Professional surfer and Dakine athlete, Albee Layer, played a big role in design. With his unbiased feedback and our cut-and-sew expertise, we’ve created a durable wetsuit that checks all the boxes.”
Dakine’s premium wetsuit range includes three surf-specific collections: the Cyclone Series, Mission Series, and Quantum Series. A fourth collection, RT Wetsuits, is designed for any water-based activity and adventure beyond just surf. Durability reigns supreme across the full assortment, with a number of eco-driven factors included in material choices and design, such as reduced Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) while producing neoprene, environmentally-conscious Limestone and Carbon Black® neoprene used across collections, and more. All models use D foam high modulus neoprene and abrasion resistant linings in high-wear areas. For added strength, all seams are twice glued and at least twice reinforced with a combination of 3D stitch, liquid seal, and tape, with the exception of select models.
The Cyclone series takes Dakine’s disruptive design concept to the next level. Its customized Apex Fit is engineered for extreme freedom of movement, a tailored fit, and no stress points. An industry first, the shoulder seal Curv Lock design, offers a flush free, zipperless seal system that secures the entry panel for a worry-free, watertight seal. The collection’s chest entry wetsuits are also zip free to allow freedom of movement across the torso and fewer components to fail. The Cyclone series is built with only the best materials for optimum performance. DK_Lite limestone-based neoprene foam offers next level flexibility at exceptionally low weight, while the Hexo_Therm fabric lining acts as a thermal base with air trapping and quick drying properties for absolute warmth.
“This was my first time using a zipperless wetsuit and I was a bit skeptical,” says Albee Layer. “But after testing the Cyclone Series in some real weather and waves in Oregon last year, I don’t know why I would ever go back to those old set ups.”
The Cyclone series includes:
- 5/4 Cyclone Zip Free Hooded – Men’s (MSRP $470 USD)
- 5/4 Cyclone Zip Free Hooded – Women’s (MSRP $410 USD)
- 2/2 Cyclone Zip Free Full Suit – Men’s (MSRP $400 USD)
- 3/2 Cyclone Zip Free Full Suit – Women’s (MSRP $330 USD)
- Cyclone Jacket – Men’s (MSRP $120 USD)
The Mission series sets a new benchmark for wetsuits with no compromises. It’s the largest series within the range, offering both zip and zip free full suits. The Quantum series completes the trio with a game-changing approach; performance and warmth combined with next level durability at an affordable price. Quantum’s four silhouettes are offered for both men’s and women’s with a traditional chest zip design. All three collections along with RT wetsuits are available for purchase now on Dakine.com.
For more information about Dakine, please visit Dakine.com.
About Dakine
Founded in Hawaii in 1979, Dakine creates trusted packs and bags, accessories, apparel, and outerwear for people who love to surf, snowboard, mountain bike, ski, windsurf, kiteboard and travel. For more information, please visit https://www.dakine.com/
