For 2015 Orca is rolling out the ‘fastest most technologically advanced wetsuits available’ and its also offering up ‘freedom of choice and the most flexible arms and shoulders ever seen on a wetsuit.’
Orca is positioning itself as ‘the second skin that transforms you into a true triathlete.’ With this in mind, for 2015, Orca is aiming to deliver the freedom to be faster by bringing a technological first with its 0.88mm ‘Free’ material. This is found in the arms, shoulders and side panels on the new Orca Predator and Alpha wetsuit models.
As the name suggests this material is a mere 0.88mm thick, and, as Orca points out ‘this super lightweight material looks and feels almost too delicate.’ Although, the company adds that the new material is robust enough to deal with the rigours of triathlon, and offers the highest stretch and flexibility ever seen in a wetsuit.
This 0.88mm Free material features a five-layer construction and remains a high insulator. This is achieved with a patented heat reflective titanium coating that offers high thermal insulation, so there are reportedly no issues with staying warm.
Not only is this material seen to be extremely flexible and warm, but it also offers good buoyancy and low drag in the water – helping to make it fast. With 0.88mm Free used throughout the arm area this provides a feel for the water which is important for an efficient stroke.
The flexibility and freedom of movement allows athletes to speed up their stroke rate, which is key for fast open water swimming. This flexibility also reduces fatigue, which means athletes are able to hold an efficient stroke for longer, resulting in faster swim times.
The company adds, ‘Once on 0.88mm Free fits like a second skin and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a wetsuit once you start moving your arms in the water.’
New Open Water wetsuit
Orca also wants athletes to enjoy the open water voyage of discovery safely and securely, and this has been the inspiration behind the new Orca Open Water wetsuit. The Open Water suit provides high visibility and security once in the water. To complement this highly visible suit there are matching high-vis swim caps and neoprene caps for added warmth and safety, along with a high-vis portable buoy that will available in the summer.
With the addition of children’s sizes, secure and highly visible open water swimming is positioned as something the whole family can enjoy.
With 2-2.5mm Yamamoto all over this suit it is a flexible offering. The main body and legs feature Orca’s 2.5mm Smoothskin 38cell multi-stretch neoprene, while the shoulders and arms use a water repellent polyester jersey with 38cell white neoprene.
Around the neck Orca has used 2mm Hydrolite 39cell for a good seal and added comfort. Aiming for an affordable price point, fitting out the whole family is intended to be more affordable than ever.
| New 2015 wetsuits | £ | € | US$ |
| Orca 1.5 Alpha Fullsleeve | 499 | 599 | 699 |
| Orca Predator Fullsleeve | 599 | 699 | 899 |
| Orca Openwater Fullsleeve | 115 | 139 | 170 |
The Orca brand is ‘inspired by the open sea and its natural spirit of freedom.’ Founded in New Zealand but with a global outlook, Orca was created in 1992 because former triathlon champion and brand founder Scott Unsworth was passionate about creating better, faster wetsuits than those on the market at the time.
That relentless desire to use cutting edge innovation to fuel the best performance remains with Orca today. The Orca name evokes the instinct and prowess of the powerful ruler of the oceans. Like the Orca whale, ‘our designs have always been organic, streamlined and in tune with nature.’
