The Openwater RS1 Thermal Wetsuit is the wetsuit that provides the most thermal protection of the Orca range. It features a specially developed inner lining to maximize heat retention for open water swimming. It also has a second layer of “batwing" neoprene that provides more insulation down the zipper and neck areas, minimizing the inflow of cold water.
HIGHLIGHTS
EXTRA WARMTH
In the torso, Yamamoto 39 technology which is up to 5mm thick provides maximum thermal insulation where it is needed most, without affecting the positioning of the swimmer or restricting movement. This material provides 85% more insulation compared to not wearing a wetsuit. The Thermal X high-performance inner lining retains heat more efficiently than our standard linings. It is also comfortable and soft to the touch.
YAMAMOTO 40
Yamamoto 40 is used in the shoulders and back together with the Infinityskin lining. This material can stretch by up to 130%, more than double its original size, providing maximum performance in your swim stroke. For the wide range of movements that occur in the shoulders, it offers 72% less resistance than a conventional wetsuit.
BATWING" CONSTRUCTION
To avoid heat loss in the back through the zipper, this model features a "Batwing" construction consisting of a second layer of neoprene. This layer prevents water from seeping through the zipper and coming into direct contact with the body, keeping a layer of warm water inside. It also guarantees a comfortable snug fit in the neck, reducing friction and water entry from the neck area into the suit.
CLEANING Neoprene can be damaged by excess salt or other chemicals such as chlorine if used in swimming pools. We recommend washing your wetsuit with plenty of water after each use. A small amount of neutral pH soap can be used and then rinsed out afterwards. Once clean, make sure prevent it from holding onto too much moisture. Air dry it outside or in a ventilated indoor space, somewhere without direct exposure to sunlight as this can damage the materials.
STORAGE Storing your wetsuit properly keeps the materials and seams from creasing and being stretched for long periods of time. It also prevents the material from wrinkling, which can affect both the wetsuit's durability and appearance. The best way to store a wetsuit is to hang it draped over a hanger from its waist, so that the most delicate areas such as the shoulders and arms do not have any kind of tension on them. For wetsuits with very flexible shoulders (Apex Flex or Apex Flow), it is important not to place them on a hanger from the shoulder area, as this will degrade the elasticity over time. For the rest of the models, a wide hanger can be used, as long as the wetsuit is not strained in the shoulder or neck area.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE 1) If your suit has Velcro, avoid contact between the Velcro and the inner lining of the wetsuit, as it will damage the fibers in the material. Keep the Velcro covered with the provided fabric patch or make sure that the Velcro is closed, so that the rough part of the Velcro does not damage the inside of your suit. 2) For all suits, especially those made with neoprene, be careful not to damage the neoprene material with your nails when putting on or taking off the suit, as this type of damage is not covered by our warranty policy. 3) Triathlon and open water suits have been designed specifically for swimming. We cannot guarantee correct functioning of the wetsuits for other activities. Any damage to the wetsuit resulting from use in activities other than swimming is not covered by our warranty policy. 4) Avoid leaning on or coming into contact with any surfaces (especially rough ones) while wearing your wetsuit.