Ripcurl Wetsuits S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Wetsuits S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Ripcurl
Interviewee: GRANDY BASTIEN Wetsuit product manager associate.

How was the 2024 market?
The 2024 market brought significant challenges for everybody due to discount-driven landscape. We remained resilient, adapted, made adjustments, and used the moment to sharpen our focus. As we look ahead to Fall 2025, we are well positioned and confident in our continued leadership.

How are stock levels compared to a year ago?
We successfully reduced our stock levels by 50% compared to last year. Through strategic purchasing decisions and leveraging our DTC channel to ease inventory pressure. This positions us well to revitalize our product offering and enter the next season with a clean, focused assortment.

The new rubber innovations display the picture of a segment full of vitality. Was the sell-in on the same page for Spring-Summer 2025?
Spring 25 saw the debut of our range refresh with new natural rubber foam based introduced in the springsuit range, an innovation driven by our commitment to more sustainable materials without compromising performance. The market response was highly positive, with excellent sell-in results confirming the growing demand for more responsible, high-quality products in the category. Our carry-over steamer range also performed in line with expectations, positioning us well as we head into the Fall 25 tour.

Is SS26 a continuation of your current line (with some updates) or did you revamp your collections?
Spring 26 marks the final phase of our strategic range refresh. After revamping 70% of the Ultimate and Core segment steamers in Fall 25, we are continuing the momentum by reshaping the Classic segment. We have first reinforced our position as the ultimate wetsuit brand in the market and we are now prepared to re-enter the entry-level segment with newly improved keyshapes.

Are pricepoints on the rise? If they are, how do you justify the raise to retailers?
We continue to elevate product quality through greater use of natural rubber and upgraded features, our pricing remains stable year-over-year, delivering more value without added cost.

Which neoprene options did you use for SS26?
Our range features two foam types, each selected to meet specific performance and price point objectives. We continue to use chloroprene (neoprene) foam, valued for its proven performance and cost-efficiency on the two opposite ends of the range : Flashbombs and New Classic segments. In the other hand, our high-volume drivers, the E-Bomb and Dawn Patrol, are now fully made with Ocena Rubber: a 100% neoprene-free, bio-based foam containing 74% certified bio-based natural rubber. This marks a significant step forward in combining innovation with sustainability across key segments.

What differentiates your steamer offer from the rest of the competition?
Owning our factory and service centers allows us to offer the best warranty on the market : 3 years on stitching and 1 year on all other materials. Combined with our exclusive linings, which deliver exceptional stretch and warmth, this positions us ahead of the competition. We are the global leaders in wetsuit R&D, manufacturing, and customer service.

Which silhouettes are trending within the pure summer short-leg/arm models?
For summer in Hossegor, from May to October, my go-to choices are the E-Bomb Steamer Short Arm 2/2 and the Shorty Long Sleeve, offering the widest range of use throughout the season. We’ve now introduced a GBS Bombshell version specifically designed for women. Additionally, the Steph Gilmore capsule brings fresh, standout key shapes with classic designs accented by pink highlights.

While the winter wetsuit offer black on black (non)colorways, did you add a bit of fun in the spring-summer ranges?
Springsuits are aligned with the women apparel strong capsules artworks. As the steamers range is finishing his cycle, we choose to play safe color options.

Do you offer repair and/or recycle programs?
We are proud to offer a best in class repair service, our staff has more than 35 years in pattern making, repairs quality are as good as our product. Our main repair center is located at our Hossegor HQ, supported by two additional partner workshops in the UK and Portugal. To further enhance the customer experience, we’ve recently digitalized the repair request process. Everything is now managed online for a more seamless journey, with improved tracking, full visibility, and free shipping both ways, regardless of warranty status or wetsuit brand. This year, we launched a wetsuit recycling program, available both online and in our flagship stores. Customers can return their used wetsuits and receive a 15% voucher toward the purchase of a new one. We’re also introducing change mats made from Renoprene—100% recycled neoprene sourced from reclaimed wetsuits, produced in Europe. Looking ahead, we are developing a broader range of upcycled products with the intention of expanding into wholesale distribution. In FY25 alone, we recycled 9 tonnes of wetsuits and repaired over 3,000 units, helping to avoid 3.6 tonnes of waste annually. These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainability, circularity, and long-term responsibility for our products.

Key Products:

14VMFS – E-BOMB 32GB ZF – ICE GREY cw 3273:
Experience peak performance and comfort with the Rip Curl E-Bomb 3/2 Zip Free Wetsuit. Featuring E7/E6 thermo lining neoprene ensures superior insulation and freedom of movement, sealed cuffs effectively keep cold water out, enhancing your comfort in the water, and critical stress point taping, it delivers warmth, flexibility, and durability.

Ebomb 3.2

11QMSP – DAWN PATROL CZ LS SPRING 22 – PINE NIGHT cw2213:
Sustainability meets performance in the Dawn Patrol 2/2 Chest Zip Springsuit, featuring Ocena plant-based foam, 100% Neoprene free foam, recycled internal lining, and E5 neoprene for ultimate comfort and eco-conscious surfing.

Dawn Patrol

138WSP – WMNS EBOMB LSL SPRING 2MM GB – 90 Black:
Take your surfing to the next level with the E-Bomb 2mm Zip Free Long Sleeve Short Leg Springsuit, featuring sealed seams and a 2 mm thickness for maximum comfort and insulation. The E7 and E6 thermo linings, along with E6 tape for durability, provide superior warmth and protection in the water. Mesh leg seals add practicality and functionality to this high-performance springsuit.

Women Ebomb