December

10, 2014

Mr. PJ Elbing
Rip Curl USA
3030 Airway Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Dear Mr. Elbing:

My name is Lyle Bryson and I am a junior at Animas High School in Durango, CO. For our
junior chemistry class, we have been assigned the task of selecting a product that we feel
could be improved by modifying its chemical composition/structure. As a surf enthusiast,
Ive chosen to research the technology that goes into the design of wetsuits and how they
can be modified to meet the needs of surfers and athletes worldwide.

I got my first Rip Curl wetsuit last summer and it has suited me well (no pun intended) ever
since. In my journeys up and down the California coast searching for the perfect wave, I
have felt completely comfortable and liberated in my Rip Curl suit. One problem I have
encountered, however, is the exhaustion in my shoulders and back after paddling
continuously for a couple of hours trying to get in as much surf time as I can. Below, I will
illustrate a resolution I have to create a therapeutic wetsuit that rejuvenates muscles.

Most wetsuits on todays market are constructed from synthetic foam called neoprene or
polychloroprene. This compound is created through the linking of many chloroprene
(C4H5Cl) molecules end-to-end. Typically, the chemical structure of neoprene makes it a
better thermal insulator than natural rubbers. This is due to the presence of trapped
nitrogen bubbles within neoprene that become energized by radiated body heat and act as
a heat shield against cold water. This phenomenon also allows water trapped between
the skin and neoprene layer to become heated, conserving overall body temperature. But
while neoprene is effective in creating a flexible and comfortable suit, there is a solution
that could circumvent the issue of muscle fatigue/exhaustion associated with long hours
spent paddling in cold waters.

The solution I speak of is manufacturing wetsuits with materials exhibiting heat reflective
properties. This textile has been used by companies such as Back on Track, which boast a
high consumer satisfaction rate. By fusing ceramic particles into polyester or polyester
fibers, heat reflective textiles are created. A key part of this material process is radiation.
When worn, the ceramic particles would radiate or reflect heat back towards the body,
which in turn would increase blood circulation and keep muscles alert and energized.
Radiant heat is usually within the range of what is called infrared radiation, containing

P.O. Box 4414 Durango, CO 81302 (970) 247-2474 animashighschool.com

wavelengths between .7 microns and 1 mm. The body and other similar sources of heat
most commonly exert this level of radiation. By using heat reflective textiles in the creation
of wetsuits, heat energy could be conserved more intensely, and would keep muscles warm
and relaxed longer than wetsuits without this feature.

There are two ways that I envision this material could be implemented into Rip Curl
wetsuits. As I mentioned above, ceramic particles are commonly fused into polyester fibers.
Since polyester is not as flexible as neoprene, the first method could be accomplished by
fusing an amethyst powder into the existing neoprene composition creating a hybrid
neoprene that would make the suit more form fitting while offering therapeutic benefits as
well. This ceramic powder falls under the category of infrared radiation, so adding this
substance to the chemical makeup of any neoprene wetsuit would accomplish the desired
effect of sufficient heat radiation. By changing the chemical structure of this material, suits
would accomplish the goal of conserving more heat, while providing a suit with less tension
and more flexibility.

The second method would be to layer the polyester/ceramic textile beneath the neoprene
layer to target key points of muscle tension (shoulders, arms, knees, etc.) Layering the
material over non-moving areas would still allow free-flow flexibility neoprene suits offer,
but would maintain relief in areas that tend to become sore and overworked. By
implementing this material into your wetsuits, I think that Rip Curl would be able to add
relief and lasting comfort to the list of adjectives that come to mind when thinking of your
suits, and could usher in a new era of heat technology.

Regards,



Lyle Bryson
11th grade, Animas High School