Rip Curl beaver-tail wetsuit
Date1970-5
Object number00033590
NameWetsuit
MediumRubber, metal, plastic, nylon
DimensionsOverall: 820 x 500 x 20 mm, 1.34 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis long sleeved 'beaver-tail' wetsuit was made by the pioneering surf brand Rip Curl. The suit has a black plastic zipper at the front and metal fastenings, and a black textured rubber forms the outer layer of the garment. Following developments in wetsuit design during the 1960s, the garment has a purple nylon lining that stabilises the rubber, and makes it more comfortable for the wearer. The Rip Curl logo features on the front chest.
HistoryWetsuits are used by surfers and divers for thermal insulation, as well as for protection against sun exposure, jelly fish, coral and other marine hazards. Different forms of open and closed neoprene are used in warm-water and cold-water suits, and they come in a variety of styles to accommodate the differing needs of the wearer.
Wetsuits were developed in the 1950s, and were first made out of foam rubber neoprene that did not have any form of backing material. In order to stabilise the suits and stop them from easily tearing apart, a layer of nylon was applied to the inside of the neoprene. The more colourful suits of the 1970s were a result of the introduction of double-backed neoprene, where neoprene was set in between two protective outer layers. The external layer meant that designers were now able to incorporate decorative colours, logos and patterns into the suits.
Rip Curl began making wetsuits in 1970, and by 1971 was selling the first suits with underarm gussets. In 1974 they introduced shoulder zips for greater warmth and flexibility, together with dual and multi-thickness suits.
The suits were made from neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. The material was invented by DuPont, who were also responsible for the development of nylon. In 1982 Rip Curl began using a more flexible form of neoprene, called Super Xpandx.
In 1984 Rip Curl introduced K-Tron knee pads for durability and Aqua Ban seams for warmth. The next year the company started using fully contoured patterns in the design of the suits, ensuring a better fit.SignificanceThis is a rare example of an early Australian made wetsuit, which would have been worn by divers as well as surfers.
