Here's a detail shot of the TechnoButter neoprene grid texture on the outside of the wetsuit. This grid patterns is engineered to drain water for the life of the suit. It is also coated in a DWR (durable water repellant) to keep it dryer longer for a lighter feeling in the water. If you're going for a 2nd session in the same day, it also drys incredibly fast so you don't need to put on a soggy wetsuit.
TechnoButter Gen I was a 2 part upgrade from the premium neoprenes of the past. The grid texture is engineered to drain water and not wear out. The neoprene foam itself is a formula that uses more air which makes it lighter and better insulating.
With such a massive advancement in technology and knowing we had the key to making the lightest wetsuits in the industry, brainstorming a naming convention was no easy task. The material was technical yet buttery soft, I mentioned technibutter referencing the advancement of black and white to color tv, but it needed more. TechnoButter was born at a desk with my 2 coworkers and I, now #technobutter has gained global recognition as the world's ultra-premium neoprene.
The FreakSneak. I can't claim to name this one, but I created the amphibious concept and pitched it to the team. This neoprene reef boot has a breathable tongue, dual layer sole, and pull tab. Designed to protect from stingrays, urchins, coral and rocks, it performs as as well as it looks, on land and in water. Also available in a high-top!
Gen II FreakSneak is updated with an elastic slip-on design and breathable material is brought into the sides.
Pioneering the SUP category, several variations of a hybrid jacket with core warmth hit the market. Breathable arms, side panels and hood kept the sun off and the 0.5mm technobutter shell kept the chill away. The pocket in the back gave this a packable option to clip around the waist when not in use.
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O'Neill Wetsuits
Product Designer for O'Neill Wetsuits, LLC Santa Cruz, CA.
My career with O'Neill has afforded me the opportunity to design an array of women's and men's water-sports products. From retro-fashion products to highly technical boots, I dig into every detail and work with the best factories in the industry. Beyond surfing during lunch breaks and testing our latest technology in the amazing surf in and around Santa Cruz, I work with some of the most respected surfers in the world to get their feedback and gain insight for future developments and trends.
