Surf In A Drysuit
- Flexibility of a 2mm wetsuit!
- Buoyancy of a 3mm wetsuit!
- Warmer than a 7mm wetsuit!
Streamlined:
The form fitting outer skin is made with 0.5mm super stretch micro neoprene. The outer skin forms a wrinkle free streamlined surface for fast swimming and incredible mobility. This stretchable outer layer also squeezes out excess trapped with-in the dry core reducing buoyancy for easy duck dives.Unlimited Range of Motion:
The combined thickness of both layers (dry-core and outer skin) averages at approximately 1mm. The two independent layers offer an unlimited range of motion unparalleled by modern cold water surfing wetsuits.Breathable Dry Core:
The Dry Core bladder is 100% water proof when immersed, however it breathes while above surface, improving comfort.No donning an ice cold wetsuit for your second session:
With the Fusion just put on a fresh fleece and go. No more putting on a cold wetsuit for your second session!Huge temperature Range:
The Fusion technology provides a dry barrier against the elements; however it is what you wear under the suit that keeps you warm! Just like snowboarding or skiing you match your undergarment to the conditions.Fast Dry:
The Dry Core bladder will not absorb water. When wearing a wetsuit, second sessions are ruined by the torture of donning your wet and cold wetsuit. With Dry Core just shake the dry suit a few times and put on a set of fresh fleece. No more putting on a cold wetsuit for your second session!Easy to Clean and Service:
The two layers of Dry Core easily separate for servicing by means of Velcro fastening tabs found at the ankles and zipper.- Breathable Dry Core for sweat management.
- Concealed Dry zipper for maximum mobility and easy entry.
- External Suspender system for faster donning.
- Attached hood for increased warmth and comfort.
- 0.5mm super-stretch neoprene outer skin for increased abrasion resistance and mobility.
Predator Drysuit
Donning the Predator Drysuit
Learn how to effectively don (and doff) the Ocean Rodeo Predator Drysuit.Cold Water Surfing using the Predator Surfing Drysuit
Thomas Kerr uses the Predator of the West Coast on Vancouver IslandDiscovery Channel
Discovery Channel had an item on the Pyro Surf, the predecessor of the Predator. This was 3 years ago, things only got better since!Predator Drysuit
Predator Breathable Dry Core: |
||||||
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
| Height | 4'7" - 5'4" | 5' 2" - 5'6" | 5'6" - 5'9" | 5'9" - 6 | 5'11 - 6'2" | 6' 2" - 6' 5" |
| Weight | 90 - 120 | 120 - 150 | 150 - 180 | 160 - 190 | 180 - 220 | 220 - 240 |
Aleutian 0.5mm Cold Water Surf Skin |
||||||
| Skin Sizing: | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| Height | 4'7" - 5'4" | 5' 2" - 5'7" | 5'5 - 5'8" | 5'8" - 5'11" | 5'9 - 6 ' | 6' 1" - 6' 5" |
| Weight | 90 - 120 | 120 - 150 | 130 - 150 | 150 - 180 | 180 - 210 | 200 - 240 |
Donning the Predator
The Ocean Rodeo Predator Dry-suit design uses a patented two layer “FUSION” system to keep you warm and dry while delivering a streamlined fit with maximum mobility.
Please follow the below instructions to ensure your first experience with the Predator is enjoyable.Use the correct thermal undergarment!
For maximum performance, use a high stretch form fitting fleece like the Ocean Rodeo Heater Underwear.
Your fleece undergarment provides the thermal insulation required to keep you warm. Layer up or down to match the water temperature.
Note: non stretch fleece or other restrictive undergarments will reduce the mobility offered by the Predator Dry-suit.
Entering the Dry Core.


1) Before you don the Predator Dry Core, making sure the open neck seal is laying in front of you. You should see the word “FRONT” screened on the inside of dry-core.
2) Slide your feet into the core one at a time.


3) Do not force your foot through the ankle seal. Using your hands, stretch the latex seals over your feet, and lay the latex flat against your ankle.
Note: Inspect your seal to ensure you don’t have fleece pinched between the seal and your skin as this will create a leak.


4) Carefully pull the dry core up you legs over the undergarment being careful not pull the fleece underwear up your calves.
Note: its important to keep your thermal fleece down around your ankles. Work the dry-core up you leg, holding the fleece in place.


5) While holding the wrist cuff of your fleece push your hand through the latex wrist seal one arm at a time. Release the wrist of you undergarment, and stretch the wrist seal over your hand. Make sure the latex seals lay flat against your wrist.
Note: Inspect your seal to ensure you don’t have fleece pinched between the seal and your skin as this will create a leak.



6) Flip the neck up and rest the seal on your head. Using both hands, reach up and stretch the neck seal over your head. Ensure the latex is laying flat against your neck.
Note: When donning a new suit the seals may be tight, requiring trimming. (more on this later).





7) Holding the base of the zipper down with one hand, Use your other hand to pull the zip lanyard up and around your neck, closing the zip.
Use a slow steady pull. Becareful not catch your undergarment, dry-core fabric or latex neck seal in the dry-zipper. If you snag the zip, pull the zip backwards to clear the path.
Make sure the dry-zipper car is nested up tight against the molded zip end for a water tight seal.
Tips: wax your dry-zipper regularly for optimum performance and easy sliding!
How should the Dry-Core fit?

You should go through a range of movements to ensure you have full mobility and have chosen the correct dry-core size. A dry-core that is too tight will impede mobility.

Note: excess air will be trapped in your dry-core. To “burp” excess air from the suit stick your finger in your neck seals and move into a crouched position.
Fitting the outer Skin.


Before you start:
1) Make sure the ankle zips are open.
2) Open up the back zip on the skin.
3) Make sure the suspender straps are free and clear.


Step 1) Ease your feet through legs of the skin, making sure you don’t bunch up the dry core.



Step 2) pull the skin up into your crotch. Pull the suspenders over you shoulders. Adjust your suspenders so the skin is held firmly up in your crotch.
The suspenders are made with plush material that will mate with small Velcro hook tabs located next to the dry-zipper.

At this time you may want to “burp” some air from the Dry-Core.



Step 3) using the thumb loops, or by holding the dry core cuff, push your hands into the arms of the skin. Remove the thumb loops.



Step 4) Hold both sides of the skins back zipper, and stretch the skin top and hood over your head.

Step 5) Grab the side flaps of the outer shirt and give a tug to ensure they not folded back under themselves.



Step 6) Locate the back zip lanyard, and carefully pull closed. Don’t force the zip. If it catches, back it up, clear the snag and try again.


Step 7) Gather back zip lanyard and sandwich it under back zip Velcro flap of stuff in storage pocket.



Step 8) Don your boots and zip up ankle zips on skin and secure velcro tab. Gloves,…go ride!
How long does a drysuit last?
With proper storage and regular maintance you dry-suit will last many years (see the Drysuit manual for all the details). You may find after 2 or 3 seasons it’s time to replace the latex seals but, under normal use, the suit itself can go on and on!
How tight should latex seals fit?
All seals must be “snap” tight to keep out the water, however not so tight that they cut off circulation to your feet, hands or head. If your neck seal is choking you it’s too tight!
To make a seal larger simply trim the latex down with a pair of sharp scissors. (See the Drysuit manual before attempting this!) Before trimming a seal, you can also stretch it over a larger diameter circular object, such as an ice cream tub, and leave it for 24 hrs. This can make the seal slightly larger.
If I tear my dry suit, will it fill with water and make me sink?
In the unlikely event of major rip occurring on your dry suit you will not be dragged to the bottom. Water is neutrally buoyant in water, so there is no “weight” to pull you down. Also, the outer skin layer places external pressure on the dry core bladder minimizing the amount of water that could enter through a rip.
Note: In big surf wearing a dry-suit or a wetsuit, it is always advisable to wear additional Floatation (Floatation / Impact vest).
Can I repair my suit myself?
A tear in the Drycore can be easily repaired in a few minutes. Repair patches (included with suit ) are heat activated by a hair dryer or heat gun, so no gluing is required. See the Dry-suit manual for all the details.
How much air should I have in my suit?
During a wipeout excess air may be forced out of the suit by the external water pressure. As this air leaves your neck seal a small amount of water may squirt in resulting in a damp neck. To minimize this risk crouch into a ball before going out and squeeze most of the air out of your suit. Note: don’t squeeze all the air out, as this will make the suit tight with suction and less comfortable.
I have a hard time keeping the legs of my fleece undergarment in place when I pull up the dry-suit.
Use the “condom” technique! Turn the legs of the dry-suit inside out. Simply pull your ankle seals over your feet, and locate you toes on the other side. Now “roll” the legs of the suit up. This will leave your fleece in place. See the Dry-suit manual for all the details.
How tough are latex seals. Can I repair them?
Ocean Rodeo latex seals are nothing like the seals from the past. We custom blend our own seals with a hybrid of polyurethane and latex. These new school seals can be easily repaired or replaced if damaged, please see the Dry-suit manual for all the details.
Will I stay completely dry in my drysuit?
The water pressure associated with wipeouts can force small amounts of water past the seals of the suits. Improved dryness can be achieved by wearing gloves, boots and a hood that lay over the latex seals to keep any water seeping in past the seal.
Additionally, during a prolonged session you are likely to sweat inside your suit and your undergarments may become damp.
We recommend layering self-wicking undergarments such as polypropylene fleece to keep you warm and your body dry.


Buy any current year Ocean Rodeo product and, if not 100% satisfied, return it within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked.