The Rising Sun
So after so many years and travels that take us round most of the shops we work with the same 2 names whom we see next to us and whom customers mention in the conversations, Matuse and Patagonia wetsuits. I guess we have all used or use Yamamoto, we all prefer Japanese warmth over Chinese and we all have a message to tell the surfing masses that there is an alternate to the brand popping, logo adorning alternative that many a surf shop sells globally.
Well for a start, personally I think they are both doing an amazing job, Matuse with its more 2010 message, bang up to date use of materials and advertising concepts along with a suit that appeals to a modern mind and a hip vibe. Supported by a solid team of mature sliders and flyer’s its a solid rep in the making. Patagonia, by comparison are the dependable, honest ambassadors of the indispensable and mentors of the necessary. Personally I have eaten and spoken with many of their employees up on main street, Ventura and its a privilege when in town for the annual ‘Sacred Craft’ show at the fairgrounds. Patagonia’s wetsuits are the bomb and although cost it are also strong enough to withstand one.
So in repy to how do we all differ, well Nineplus is a little company, built with fewer hands and probably looks back a little more than forward and focuses more on the ‘morning of the earth’ than ‘a new day is dawning’ We are old school with a modern twist, where smoothskin still reigns supreme and it will most likely take us 10 years to get to where others take 1 in business terms. That said we love our job and thank anyone that chooses us, although if you are looking for a wetsuit try 1 of us as its like I said when I have met the people involved, we are in competition with the big guys and all of us have an honest message for you, we can keep you warmer and make surfing more enjoyable for you. Japanese culture shows us that less can actually be more, when using Japanese rubber this certainly fits the culture that we want you to enjoy.
In love – Nineplus Group.
P.S. Eric at Axxe, I had not met you before this but thanks for your kindness and good to see you at Malibu, I wore one of your suits at Santa Cruz and it was great. Wore Patagonia’s at Bells and it was solid.