Rip Curl Wetsuits FW 2024 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits FW24 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Rip Curl
Interviewee: Bastien Grandy: Wetsuit Product Manager Associate

What is your confidence level regarding FW24 orders/preorders? Did retailers manage to clear their shelves of the former collections?
In navigating the ongoing post-COVID overstock situation, Rip Curl has maintained transparency and a robust stock monitoring strategy. Our commitment to price stability, avoiding discounts in flagship products, and strategic stock management positions us confidently for the Fall 24 sales tour.

Winter wetsuits are the second most expensive pieces of the surfer’s kit after the board itself: are high pricepoints a challenge in an inflationary context or are the surfers willing to pay for quality?
While acknowledging the challenge of high price points in an inflationary context, our recent success with the sell-out trend of Fusion suits demonstrates that consumers are willing to invest in top-end products. We understand the balance required, offering optimal price/performance ratios with reliable warranty services.

Will FW24 be a season of carry-overs for your brand or are you pushing new models?
For FW24, Rip Curl introduces a 6% expansion in our range, unveiling new colorways and key shapes to meet evolving market needs. Our commitment to using sustainable materials is evident in the utilization of 30% Yulex® natural rubber mixte in the Dawn Patrol range, constituting 37% of our Fall 24 offering. A lot more to come in future season within this space.

Neoprene foams can be both sustainable and high-performance nowadays. What rubber compound will you use in FW24?
Rip Curl’s commitment to sustainability extends to our wetsuit linings, featuring Flashbomb lining, thermos lining, or jersey depending on the segment. The Dawn Patrol Segment, constituting 37% of our Fall 24 collection, is crafted with water-based lamination and 100% recycled external jerseys.

What are the latest updates/innovations among your women wetsuit collection?
Our Fusion Wetsuit for women stands as a testament to innovation. Boasting stand-alone seam technology, eliminating 96% of stitches, it delivers unparalleled stretch, exceptional warmth, and unmatched durability in waterproofness.

Repair, recycle, upcycle ? How do you handle the afterlife of your wetsuits?
Rip Curl, with over 50 years of expertise, distinguishes itself by owning research and development centers, leading the surf industry in innovation. Our global service centers, including 4 workshops in Europe, ensure an extended product life cycle and unmatched customer satisfaction. In collaboration with Terracycle, our Wetsuit Recycling Program spans Australia, USA, France, Portugal, and Spain, allowing surfers globally to recycle any branded wetsuit at participating Rip Curl stores and on our website. Currently, old wetsuits are repurposed into raw materials, contributing to projects like soft-fall matting at children’s playgrounds worldwide. Exciting developments are underway, as we collaborate closely with Terracycle to create new product solutions based on recycled materials, further enhancing the sustainability of our offerings. This winter, we are introducing local solutions that bring added value products crafted from wetsuits to stores, elevating the overall customer experience.

Key Products:

Fusion Flashbomb Wetsuit:
Experience the revolutionary Rip Curl FlashBomb Fusion wetsuit. With 96% stitch-free construction using Fusion Dry Seam Technology, it ensures a leak-free experience. The 100% E7 Flash Lining delivers ultimate flexibility, warmth, and durability. Over 50 years of innovation fused into one wetsuit—no stitch, no leak, no problem.

Fusion Flashbomb Wetsuit

E7 Ebomb:
Unleash your surfing potential with the E-Bomb 4/3 Zip Free Wetsuit. Offering unmatched stretch and maneuverability, the E7 and E6 thermo lining neoprene provide exceptional warmth. Critical stress point taping enhances durability, while sealed cuffs and an external key pocket add convenience.

E7 Ebomb

Dawn Patrol Warmth Chest Zip:
Achieve the best quality-price ratio with the Dawn Patrol Warmth Chest Zip. Featuring Yulex natural rubber mix, E5 flash lining, and E5 neoprene for superior insulation and flexibility. The E4 neoprene and thermo lining add warmth, suitable for a range of water temperatures. Water-based lamination and a recycled external jersey complete the package.

Dawn Patrol Warmth Chest Zip