Apparel and wetsuit maker Billabong and big wave surfer Shane Dorian have collaborated on designing a wetsuit with a built-in buoyancy bladder similar to an aeroplane lifejacket that may – scratch that – will save surfers’ lives.
Dorian came up with the idea after being thumped and almost drowning at notoriously unforgiving and dangerous big wave break Mavericks in California last year.
The Billabong V1 wetsuit has a quick release cable across the shoulder that when pulled activates a small CO2 canister which in turn inflates an air bladder in the back of the suit. It’s not currently available to the mass market but Billabong are apparently taking pre-orders.
Dorian and the manufacturers predict their ‘vertical ascent’ wetsuit innovation will be a ‘game-changer’ for big wave riders and surfing.
Is the soul of the sport being eroded? Or is pushing the envelope through innovations like these a good thing?
Watch the video and let us know what you think?
