Hydrofoil dedicated wetsuits with cut protection?

[fun2kite]

HI all,

In my 5 years of foil riding II was never cut with a foil so far. But I have seen others with various types of cuts on their legs, arms and even face.

I was just thinking, is there a need for foil dedicated wetsuit like 1mm or 2mm with woven-in things like Kevlar or similar? Basically a wetsuit that would protect one from being cut by a foil during accident or even when handling foil.

Obviously a product like that does not exist at the moment, but if thread picks up lots of comments, some wetsuit manufacturers may decide to make one.

Comments ideas?

-D.

[tomtom]

If such a product exist it will be much easier for me to get my wife and son into foiling. Very good idea

[bacon2109]

do a search for cut protection clothing or fabric

[Greenturtle]

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/artic ... ne.0224432

Apparently there has been testing going on with UHMWPE fibers woven into neoprene as a form of shark bite protection. No wetsuits available to buy yet though. Seems like a decent idea, won’t stop bone breakage, bruising, etc. But cuts and lacerations it does protect somewhat.
Fabric being developed by “Sharkstop”

https://sharkstop-protective-wetsuit-fa ... ness.site/

And “ActionTx”


I think a standard 7mm wetsuit would provide decent foil protection but of course you can’t move in one haha

[Greenturtle]

do a search for cut protection clothing or fabric

cut protection base layer under drysuit is a pretty good option. but in warm weather, options are scant

[jakemoore]

We need Kite pants with a Kevlar or uhmwpe stripe on the front and back of the leg. Even better with a neoprene cod piece to keep the boys warm and protected.

I wish there were more cut protection socks without little toesies. Maybe a lobster or mitten but getting the pinkie toe into its own little pocket is rediculous especially with my chubby American toes.

[TomW]

WIP makes some nice protection equipment for water use.

[fun2kite]

Interesting company. I wrote to them and suggested they look into marketing their product for foil dedicated wetsuits.
I think it is much bigger market than shark protection. How many people are really going to buy shark protection? Foil cut protection may even need to be required in all racing if you ask me. And many foilers will pay for such wetsuit, whereas I have a feeling that surfers are less likely to spend extra $$$ for expensive wetsuit.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/artic ... ne.0224432

Apparently there has been testing going on with UHMWPE fibers woven into neoprene as a form of shark bite protection. No wetsuits available to buy yet though. Seems like a decent idea, won’t stop bone breakage, bruising, etc. But cuts and lacerations it does protect somewhat.
Fabric being developed by “Sharkstop”

https://sharkstop-protective-wetsuit-fa ... ness.site/

And “ActionTx”


I think a standard 7mm wetsuit would provide decent foil protection but of course you can’t move in one haha

[Peter_Frank]

I dont need shark protection, but I would any day buy a "shark skin" suit (soft neoprene without outer skin) which is soft and warm and flexible, over a surface reinforced one, for foiling

So the market will not be for all users apparently

But can definitely see the use, yes.
Just like some wear shoes for the same reason.

Peter

[a99]

Maybe possible simple just glue kevlar material for legs below knees at least ? Because i hit few times already there. I think its most dangerous zone for foilers.