Technobutter: New O’Neill Exclusive Neoprene ANOTHER INDUSTRY FIRST

SANTA CRUZ, CA (November 21st, 2011) - O’Neill Wetsuits is once again at the forefront of wetsuit technology. Technobutter is O’Neill’s new, exclusive, and most advanced neoprene ever. In the same spirit of innovation as previous O’Neill industry firsts, such as the patented Z.E.N. Zip closure, Double Fluid Seam Weld, Triple XDS-Air neoprene, and SuperSeam Weld technology, this new material boasts a 17% lighter formula with 30% less water absorption, providing the pinnacle in lightweight, neoprene technology.

With these advances in neoprene technology, and the Rider Developed – Rider Proven approach to O’Neill R&D, performance levels are at an all time high. Team rider John John Florence commented, “This new neoprene is amazing! I have no restrictions and it is so warm and light, I feel like I’m surfing in board shorts at home.”

Along with a long list of O’Neill industry firsts, Technobutter was designed and tested in O’Neill’s exclusive R&D facility. O’Neill’s Area 52 is staffed by full time engineering, design and prototype teams who work closely with the world’s best athletes to push the limits of wetsuit technology. O’Neill Wetsuits is still located in Santa Cruz, California, the birthplace of modern cold water surfing and the proving ground for materials, features and benefits that keep you in the water longer. This facility allows O’Neill to hand-build and refine multiple rounds of prototypes in the same fashion that Jack himself pioneered nearly sixty years ago. Extensive prototyping, fit checks, and testing in the frigid waters of Northern California provide unparalleled insight when creating the best-fitting, most-functional wetsuits on the planet.

Technobutter will be introduced in two styles. The 5212F is a front zip F.U.Z.E. entry wetsuit, which will come in a 4.5/3mm thickness. The 5212Z will have O’Neill’s patented Z.E.N. Zip entry and will be available in 3.5/3mm. Both of these suits will be released as limited 60th anniversary suits (as the name indicates: 1952-2012) to celebrate O’Neill’s 60 years of innovation. The 5212 Limited Edition styles will deliver to select stores in December 2011. Technobutter will be offered in O’Neill’s inline selection of suits in the fall of 2012. For more information, please visit O’Neill Wetsuits

About O’Neill
O’Neill, the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O’Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the world’s first neoprene wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after.

While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack’s initial vision of producing functional and innovative boardriding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O’Neill’s core values – innovation in style and technology – have seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of the action sports lifestyle. From the first ever neoprene wetsuit and surf leash, to the world’s first stitchless boardshorts and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O’Neill’s progressive spirit will always drive the company forward. For more information, please visit oneill.com.