UPDATED WEEKELY OCEAN RODEO REFLECTS ON THE WEEK OF WORK, WHAT LIES AHEAD AND HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD ONE RIDER AT A TIME.
What happens when you wipeout in a drysuit?
Posted by Dom_Moore on December 21st 2011
Good question isn’t it? And I bet some of you are even thinking ‘what happens when you surf in a drysuit?’.
Well today I had my first experience of both. As you'll know, Ocean Rodeo make this suit, it’s called the Surf Dry, and it’s designed specifically for surfing, kiting and standup paddle in waves. Traditional drysuits are OK for flat water kiting or standup, but because they trap so much air they stop you from being about to duck dive or swim underwater, and their flapiness creates drag when you are swimming. The Surf Dry gets round this with a specially designed micro-thin wetsuit that slips over the top, squeezing all the air out so you can get underwater, and keeps it all snug to your skin so it performs more like a regular wetsuit when you’re moving through the water.
Freedom of movement in the Surf Dry
Anyway I had my reservations as to whether the Surf Dry would be a good suit for the sort of adventures we get up to around here, so on this most ragged and rough of days, I donned one and went for a dip. I went to Towan with its typically questionable wave quality but the swell was humping in and closing out on a shallow sandbar, resulting in a perfect stunt wave for plenty of tumbles and several drillings down to the sea floor.
Surviving wipeouts After the first one, any thoughts of water ingress, the suit damaging (I actually landed on my fins at one point, got tangled in my leash at another) or coming undone were dispelled. I’d go as far as to say today the Surf Dry felt more secure than my regular wetsuit, because when I’m getting drilled in my regular wetsuit it lets water in, or ‘flushes’ and that’s rather unpleasant in the depths of winter. At the end of the sesh, I peeled off the two outer layers and the only trace of moisture on my thermals was against the wrist and neck seals where the seals prevented the suit from breathing – it was a touch of sweat. The rest of the thermals and of course me, were bone dry. If you take a really bad tumble or go really deep, any residual air in the suit compresses and forces against any water trying to creep into the seals, but really, once you see those seals for yourself, you’ll understand why they keep you so dry.
Surviving damage
The drysuit core itself (the middle, baggy layer) is practically industrial or military looking in its construction. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to suppose that it would be more durable than a super stretch winter wetty. Any cut or abrasion that goes through this suit will do the same at least to a regular wetsuit. The Surfdry won’t fill up with water any more than a wetsuit would either thanks to its outer layer keeping things tight. I think really though the day something goes through this suit is the day you’re going to get some good stitches in your own skin.
Warmth
I got hot today. If you were around in Cornwall today you’ll know it was cold, the weather was absolutely shit house. Getting into the water, being in the water, getting out of it and walking home or driving home in your bone dry thermals, the wetsuit experience is just not comparable to a drysuit. Add to the fact that you WILL be climbing into a wet wetsuit this winter, and that can’t happen with the Surf Dry since it’s always dry on the inside. Put it like this: you’re going into a freezing environment. To keep you warm, do you choose to trap against your body a) a layer of cold water that you need to heat up or b) some nice warm air from your house / van? It’s like central heating vs crappy night storage my friend.
Would you like to go surfing in your toasty jim-jams?
Mobility
It’s like surfing in your pyjamas. Loose, free, noticebly less restriction around the shoulders, everything flexes as though you are in soft clothing.Very comfortable.
Getting it on and off
I can claw into my westuit in about 35 seconds. Currently I’m running about ten minutes getting into the Surf Dry, though I’m told this will come down to about three minutes after a few goes. There’s a video of a guy on the Ocean Rodeo site making it look very easy indeed; it’s more a case of getting familiar with the process rather than it being difficult to don. Taking it off is a piece of cake though.
Any downers?
I don’t think an extra few minutes putting a suit on a problem, it’s no worse than pumping up a kite. Considering I’ve covered what were my reservations in this post, all that I would expect to hear from people who have not tried a Surf Dry is that…well, I dunno, that it maybe looks a bit bulky compared to a regular wetsuit? And fair enough, that may be a concern if your body is so incredibly chiselled that the general public demand it be on show all the time, but I think the rest of us (especially those kiters who choose to wear shorts over their wetsuits!) might welcome a little more anatomical ambiguity.
I crafted a little video of my session too, check it out here:
We had a great opportunity to work on our new shippers "in one door, out the other technique yesterday.
No worries though...he had a solid 20 minutes before the rains came.
Scoring some juice under the 2012 Razor!
Posted by Dom_Moore on September 12th 2011
Hey crew, Dom Moore from Ocean Rodeo Europe here.
One of the first things I was told when I moved to Cornwall 15 years ago was that from the 1st September onwards, you need to be prepared for incoming swell. It’s hard to believe swell’s on its way when you behold a knee-high sideways swell in late August, but so far this tip has never let me down and this September has seen swells building up to the significant peak we saw yesterday.
20ft on the face? Fair enough estimate I reckon.
So yesterday morning I awoke and had a quick drive around, checking out potential spots and decided with my partner in crime, Smiler, that we were set for a classic Watergate Bay day. We got Watergatae a similar size two and a half years ago but that day was grey, cold, we were less experienced and we were obviously using older kit. We were very nervous on that day and caught around three waves each before coming in.
A blessing to have this sort of size with relatively warm water
Yesterday by comparison was just all out fun. Of course the adrenaline gets pumping when you’re blasting out over those huge lines of white water hoping not to get swatted and when you drop into a biggun hoping that you can hold it altogether, but this day we must have had at least ten waves each. My last one was sadly not captured by the camera, but I can say that was the biggest wave I’ve ever dropped into, never mind even seen in real life. We’ll capture it next time.
Waves moving in fast creating 'offshore' spray in cross-on conditions
On days like this there is so much wind and water moving around that the waves are impossible to catch without an extra power source. I’ve got a 9’1 gun and there’s no way it would have come close to clawing into these beasts. A standup paddle board would have been all over the place in that wind – maybe an open ocean racer could catch one but what then when you end up on the inside? So the only way you could get in was with a tow, and between the choice (not that we had it!) of a kite or a jetski, the kite makes the most sense.
Running downwind on a looming left
Unlike most tow spots where there is a channel to exit into if you successfully make the ride, Watergate Bay is a beach break with no gaps in the lines of whitewater, so every wave, no matter how successful you are, deposits you straight into the impact zone. Less than ideal conditions for a tow-team but with the kite the rider is instantly able to blast out of the danger zone without waiting for a pick up.
When I get into surf of this size I really rely on my equipment to do what is asked of it. You don’t want to be bombing down the wave of your life thinking ‘Is my chicken loop gonna false-relase?’ or ‘Is a line gonna break?’ or ‘Will my canopy tumble if I slack-line it?’. The kite becomes your tow source and life preserving equipment all at once, you want to be able to focus 100% on navigating your way down that face and you don’t want any doubts in your mind that your gear is up to the task.
The 2012 Razor is made for this stuff!
I’m five sessions in now with the Razor and the more I learn about it the more I love it. In my review I said I expect to get my biggest and best waves yet under the Razor, so we’re on the right track that’s for sure. We’ve got plenty more juice on the way so I’ll be posting up any exciting pics of waveriding in Cornwall and beyond that I manage to get. For now I’m very happy that I’ve got the best tools for the job at hand and I would urge anyone looking for some serious juice this autumn to get under a Razor and see what it’s all about.
Ocean Rodeo and Corona Extra Team up for Vertical Summer Tour Italian Style
Posted by Administrator on August 18th 2011
Ocean Rodeo and Corona Extra teamed up with our Italain Team Rider Roby Cadel to join the 2011 Vertical Summer Tour in Italy.
Looks like a great time had by all.
Inside Scoop - The 2011 Razor vs 2011 Rise
Posted by johnz on February 1st 2011
Crew,
I've been getting a lot of requests lately to explain the differences between the 2011 Rise and Razor kites, so I thought I'd post a comparison.
Many of you will already be familiar with the past performances of the Rise and, in particular the massive jump forward we took with its 2010 6 strut design so I will try to frame this posting from that perspective.
The 2011 Rise remains a 6 strut kite, the 2011 Razor a 4 strut kite. By keeping the center strut absent from both these kites we have maintained a virtue first noticed and heavily commented upon with the 2010 Rise; incredible efficiency in flight. You will see very similar comments being made about both 2011 kites as well. (Both here and here).
This efficiency in flight results in both 2011 kites having incredible low end power. The Razor sits deeper in the window than the Rise does however and, as a result has a much more grunty feel when riding and demands that you dig your heels in to drive it to the edge of the window to depower. The Rise flies further forward in the window and offers a greater sheeting range due to its shape, allowing it greater high end depower and wind range than the Razor.
The Razor's more limited wind range does have some real advantages though, especially if you are not exposed to overly gusty winds. Primarily it results in a kite that generates constant pull, a fantastic feature for down winders, down the line wave riding, freestyle tricks, fast transitions and for beginners not yet familiar with the subtleties involved in sheeting a kite to avoid luffing or stalling. For Rise riders this larger sheeting range results in more available power per square meter once apparent wind speeds are developed as well a an incredible ability to absorb gusty, turbulent or variable wind conditions.
Both kites jump incredibly well, however there are significant differences between the two. The Rise jumps with incredible loft and glide, it's jumps are smooth and the hang time is augmented by a wide, flat arc to allow the rider to sail out of a jump with massive glide. The Razor boosts bigger than any kite I've ever jumped but does so in a direct, almost vertical way, tearing you off the water and leaving your stomach behind in the process. It has far less natural glide and hang time than the Rise but can easily be made to hang you up there with some active sining of the kite overhead.
Lastly, riders will immediately notice that the tighter arc of the Razor results in a faster turning kite. With the kite sitting much deeper in the window the Razor can be made to turn about it's center and cut back across the window quickly whereas the Rise follows a wider arc from further outside the window. Rise enthusiasts will know this means the Rise pulls to windward more readily but Razor riders will notice immediate results in fast, powerful transitions, especially when down looping the kite.
For my personal "direct" style of riding where I value immediate power to get me out of situations I all too often put myself in I will be riding a 6/8/10 quiver of Razors this coming 2011 season. However, here on the west coast big wind days with heavily variable wind conditions will likely result in me keeping on hand a 7 or 8m Rise to really enjoy those chaotic conditions. Riders who are looking to take their freestyle or wave riding abilities to the next level, who enjoy aggressive hard charging riding and massive gut wrenching jumps should look no further than the 2011 Razor. Riders looking for massive wind range and smooth power delivery across the full sheeting range of the kite or who love super high, lofty jumps with plenty of hang time will love the 2011 Rise.
I hope this helps guide your buying decisions this spring folks, as always - if you have any questions about the gear we encourage you to talk to your local retailer or to give us a ring. And remember - all of our equipment is backed up by our 100% Guarantee!
John Z - OR
2011 Rise SLE
2011 Razor SLE C Kite
Drysuit Season is upon us!
Posted by johnz on November 22nd 2010
Well, there is no question that the cold weather has settled into most parts of North America and Europe as November draws to a close!
Ocean Rodeo is fully stocked on all sizes of Pyro Pro in both midnight blue and the new all black option as well as M, L, XL and 2XL sizes of the fantastic new Predator Surf Dry suit which has been making waves (so to speak) across both the kite and surf industry waters for the past 3 to 4 months.
If you are considering a drysuit for the winter season now is the time! For a limited time only we are packaging our Heat Underwear System with the suits to offer you a fantastic cold water solution all in time for the Christmas holidays!
No more excuses about a leaky wetsuit keeping you off the water this late fall and winter season, let Ocean Rodeo get you out and on the water in style and warmth!
July 21, 2010 - Born and raised in the warm confines of the Caribbean, Jeremie Tronet does not like cold water! After years of attempting to have him move out his comfort zone and brave the elements that come along with cold water climates we have finally done it. Now Jeremie can take the warmth of the Caribbean and the freedom of kiting naked with him wherever he goes...maybe even someday the West Coast of North America.
Jeremie recently had the opportunity to test the Predator off the coast of Norway to rave reviews. Jeremie's ability to kite in comfort with no restrictions to his mobility while remaining warm and dry has made a full convert out of him. In fact, I imagine we may start to see a few photo shoots of him wearing the suit in his usual locales. A Predator Drysuit in Brazil...why not?
Ocean Rodeo’s industry leading reputation for innovation and design continues! Based on the incredible success of the original Go Joe leashless board recovery device Ocean Rodeo has developed an entirely new Go Joe Pro!
While still in the prototype phase the all new, low profile Go Joe Pro has been designed as a complement to the original inflatable Go Joe.
The pre production prototype relies on a magnetic trigger to activate a pop-up EVA foam float. When deployed the buoyancy of the float rights an upturned board, and provides a sail like effect driving the board downwind towards the rider. If activated, the float is easy to reset while on the water. The prototype Go Joe Pro is easily attached to your board via a simple snap connection with the board’s grab handle.
Low Profile Riding Mode(click to expand)
Activated(click to expand)
As you can imagine, once we commit to the final production moulds changes are tough to make so we want your feedback! Is this a product you want to see produced? What was your immediate reaction to this concept ? Our initial estimates have this product retailing at between $199 and $229 USD, far less than the cost of a lost board and well worth the safety of riding without a fixed leash.
We will update this post soon with action video of the latest prototype in action on the water!
Please post your comments on this forum thread for the chance to win one of our newly released hoodies!
Crew, after months of work to get to this day we are proud to announce the new Crew Store is live and open for business! Please have a quick read though this posting though to get the absolute most out of this brand new resource!
Crew Points
Yes you heard correct, Ocean Rodeo is now offering Crew Points on all 2010 and newer product purchases. This includes gear bought online through the store but also applies to your regular purchases made from anyone of our authorized dealers worldwide.
Register Your Crew ID to collect points!
When you first visit the Crew Store you will have to make a new account. Because of security concerns we were not able to carry your existing Crew ID over to the new store. Instead, once registered with the store, simply click on “My Account” and then on “Register Your Crew ID”. If you make a mistake, simply re-enter the Crew ID and click Submit.
Register Products to collect points!
Now that you have your Crew ID properly set-up you can begin collecting Crew Points with all of your purchases! Anything you buy online will automatically earn you points. Anything you buy (or have already bought) from a retailer that is 2010 or newer equipment you can register online for points as well! Simply click on “My Account” and then on “Product Registration & Listing”. You will need the serial number of your product in order to complete the registration process.
Refer a friend and collect even more points!
When you register your Crew ID with your newly created Store account you are automatically added to the list of potential referring Crew Members available for association with purchases made by others upon check-out. If you’re talking our equipment up on the beach be sure to tell people your Crew ID for them to use when they check-out. It costs them nothing to associate your ID with their account and you will earn 10% of the points they earn on all future purchases!
Premium Partner Supported!
When you check-out online you will have to associate your purchase with one of our Premium Partners. By doing so they will receive notification of your purchase and will be your 1st responders should you require warranty support or have a question related to the product’s performance or use.
Free Shipping!
All of our products ship free anywhere within the EU and North America!
Ocean Rodeo Travel video series #3 - The Grenadines, Union Island
Posted by jeremie tronet on June 15th 2010
Exclusive colors for the new episode of the Ocean Rodeo Travel video series featuring Jeremie Tronet and Linn Svendsen kiteboarding around the best kiteboarding spots in the world.
After Brazil and the island of St Marteen, the beautiful clear water of the Grenadines and Union Island was our last stop. Unfortunately the trades winds were not very strong this year which incited us to live the Caribbean lifestyle and shoot some nice shots around the Tobago Cays, Union island and Mayreau island.
Fell free to share your OR love for the video on your social media sites, forums, websites, spread the OR love
