WIP Launches New Innovative Surf Protection Line to Reinforce Performance

WIP is focused on providing surfers with the confidence to perform and trust their gear. Benjamin Tillier from WIP spoke to Source about their activities in the surf and watersports scene and their development of a new Surf Protection line.

What was the thinking behind the launch of the Surf Protection line? As was the case with skiing and skateboarding several years ago, there is now a growing awareness of the need for safety products in the surfing world. More people in the waves combined with riders willing to take more risks, are the key factors that have driven this change in mindset. Various emergency response centres and hospitals in surfing regions, have also observed an increase in the number of accidents, with nearly 90% of injuries involving the head. As we already offer safety products for some of the fastest watersports, we naturally felt the need to get involved in this surfing category.

What are the biggest opportunities you currently see in this space? Thanks to our reputation in the world of Sailing and Foiling, we were initially contacted by the world’s top big-wave surfers, to offer them a solution tailored to their needs. Their is also a real need at surf schools and the vigilance of the parents is also important as the younger generation are riding faster and faster. Additionally, when surfing at dangerous spots with rocks or shallow reef, one now often sees the best Pro surfers wearing helmets, for instance at Pipeline during the CT. Protection is not only necessary in Surf Foil or in extreme conditions but for every surfer to feel more confident in the water. Also there is a real need for equipment for professional rescuers, who are an integral part of every adventure.

Please explain the development process. Development happened in the waves, thanks to the world’s best big-wave surfers, who have been involved in developing our products in extreme conditions like those at Nazaré. Our prototypes were made available to surfers of various skill levels for over a year. Thanks to all the feedback, we were able to refine every detail, drawing on our experience and the expertise of our designers. We have a strong team of engineers, designers and riders to develop the right products for the right needs.

Please take us through your Surf Protection line. Three key factors guided the development of our new surfing line: head, body and UV protection. We have three helmets with varying levels of protection, a complete Bump Shell Range with Protection Caps and Bobs specially designed to optimize the comfort in the water, wetsuits with built-in pads and UV protections tops. We are currently working on a specific range for Jet ski assistance and lifeguards. Going forward we will develop products for all water activities, at all levels and for all conditions so we can bring even more enjoyment to every session.

What eco friendly materials are you using in the line? In our products, we use eco-cork and seashell waste which reduce our CO2 emissions by approximately 50%. We are also proud members of 1% for the planet along with the Sea Shepherd and Surfrider Foundations. The durability of our products is also a very important point and we optimize every material to resist the most extreme conditions and to last over time. We limited the range to just the essentials to avoid over consumption and to make it easier to find and choose the right equipment.

How does this category integrate with the rest of your products? We remain true to our core values centred on protection and our new Surf line is a great addition to our existing product range. We now have a full surfing product line with head protection, sunglasses, body protection, vests, wetsuits, accessories and apparel.

How will you be marketing this new category? We’re lucky to have some of the best big-wave surfers on the planet in our team, with amazing pictures and videos coming very soon! We are in contact with surf schools to encourage their use of the new protection products and water sports federations are also interested to work with our brand, to increase usage of these products during water activities.

Why should retailers stock Surf Protection products? 90% of surfing accidents involve the head and sometimes this can have serious consequences. Professional surfers are setting the example by wearing our products and so demand is growing. Surfers need to see and feel the product in store to be sure that its comfortable and compact enough to give confidence in the waves without hindering performance. Shops are missing out if they don’t stock this fast growing category.