Technical information

Titanium T2 Chillproof material has been developed for maximum warmth. This new material adds Titanium Far Infrared (FIR) nano-technology to the standard Chillproof trilaminate material for even more warmth along with the associated health, performance and recovery benefits of FIR.
 It has the same thickness and offers all the traditional benefits of the standard Chillproof material - it is neutrally buoyant, non-compressible and blocks wind on the surface to 100% protect from windchill. Our research indicates that it is more than 50% warmer than traditional Chillproof and offers additional recovery benefits.

What is FIR?
Far Infrared (FIR) rays are invisible wavelengths of light that are longer than that of visible light. When these invisible wavelengths of light are absorbed by the cells of the body this can be felt as heat.

FIR has also been proven to enhance blood flow and muscle recovery with the associated health and well-being benefits.

Approximately 50% of the energy generated by our own bodies is in the form of far infrared rays - so you know that FIR is 100% safe. FIR is generated from a number of different sources including naturally by the sun and artificially by medical use and sauna lamps. It has also been discovered that certain types of minerals can absorb energy and emit far infrared rays.

Titanium nanoparticles have been found to be particularly effective and show a greater infrared emissivity value than other minerals. When you embed titanium nanotechnology into a garment’s fibres in the right way you can generate far infrared – which is felt by your body as heat.

This led us to the development of Titanium T2 Chillproof material and the design of a whole new range of water sports garments with the extra warmth and extra health benefits produced by Titanium Far Infrared technology.


How does it keep you warmer?
The source of the energy needed to power the FIR emission from the Titanium T2 Chillproof material comes from your body. Energy is transferred to the titanium nano-particles which is then emitted back to your body as FIR. Not only is this felt as heat which keeps you warm, but by retaining this heat you are stopping the escape of your body’s heat to the outside environment. The net result is that you feel significantly warmer than you would if you were not wearing a Titanium T2 Chillproof garment – both underwater and above water.

What about the health benefits?
Research has proven that FIR does indeed stimulate metabolism. By increasing blood flow and improving metabolic function you will benefit from better muscle recovery after physical exertion. Evidence also suggests improvements in relaxation, the ability to sleep better, detoxification of cells and a boost in the immune system.

While the FIR from the sun or artificial lamps is higher and more concentrated, the FIR emitted from Titanium T2 Chillproof garments is both measurable and noticeable. Our tests have shown that Titanium T2 Chillproof material has the equivalent thermal protection of a 5mm neoprene wetsuit. For SCUBA and snorkelling you can wear it instead of a wetsuit in temperate waters between 21-26 degree centigrade, or you can layer it underneath a thinner wetsuit to gain an extra 5mm of warmth without the bulk of neoprene and without having to add extra weight to your weight belt. Titanium T2 Chillproof garments are equally good for above water sports activities and are particularly suited to cold air and water or if you are more sensitive to the cold and hypothermia than normal.

PROPERTY	BENEFIT
Nylon/Spandex outer	Increased abrasion resistance
100% Windproof membrane	Stops windchill and keeps you warm
Breathable 10K+ membrane	Regulates body temperature to avoid overheating
Hollow fibre fleece	Best moisture wicking for skin integrity
Improved 4-Way stretch	Retains shape and easier to get on and off
Charcoal-Grey colour	Better temperature regulation in full sun
Body mapping technology	Better design and better fit
Neutrally buoyant	Wear less weight on your weight belt
Water repellent treatment (WRT)	Resists water splashes to keep you drier and warmer
Anti-microbial	Stops odour from building up in the garment
UV resistant (UPF50+)	Protection from the sun
Durable thread used in construction	Resists deterioration in saltwater and during active watersports
Saltwater resistant zippers	Stops zippers seizing up and breaking

 

SHARKSKIN CHILLPROOF - HOW DOES IT WORK?

Chillproof by Sharkskin is a revolutionary high-tech trilaminate (3-layer) material with the equivalent warmth of a 3mm wetsuit that will keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when your cold. Chillproof is designed for in, on and under the water.

Sharkskin Chillproof materials 
1. The outer layer is a robust and durable, high quality, 4-way stretch material with a water repellent finish.
2. The second middle layer is a 10,000+ technical membrane that both stops windchill and breathes to prevent overheating. 3.The next to skin inner layer is a unique hollow-fibre fleece that retains water when submerged and wicks moisture away when on the surface to dry quickly and keep you comfortable.

Sharkskin truly is the smart skin everyone is talking about. Sharkskin Chillproof has exceptional characteristics that will keep you warm and comfortable whether fully submerged or above water - wet or dry.
  
In water
A traditional wetsuit is made from a rubber like material filled with bubbles. A small amount of water is trapped in the suit and the bubbles provide insulation to prevent heat loss. The thicker the suit the more bubbles and more insulation is provided. When used for scuba diving or free diving wetsuits will compress at depth and reduce insulation and buoyancy.

Chillproof operates on a different system. When submerged the hollow-fibre fleece is designed to absorb and trap a significant volume of water and the membrane holds the water. Your body heats up this trapped water which provides a barrier against the cold water outside of the garment equal to a 3mm wetsuit. It is neutrally buoyant meaning less weight can be worn on your weight belt, does not compress at depth so retains its insulation properties, and is much less cumbersome and restrictive compared to a wetsuit for above and below water activities.

Above water
On the surface Chillproof provides a windproof and water-resistant barrier to the elements. The hollow-fibre fleece holds and traps air which your body then heats to keep you warm with minimal bulk. Any moisture is quickly wicked away and excess heat or water vapour will pass through the one-way semi-permeable membrane to limit overheating.

Even when Chillproof is wet above water your body heat is trapped in the hollow fibre fleece layer to keep you warm. Your body heat helps evaporate any water retained in the garment via the one-way membrane. Air replaces the evaporated water in the fleece which is in turn heated by your body to provide an insulation layer and to continue keeping you warm.

Wet and Dry
In many water sports you find one minute you are dry and the next minute you can find yourself wet in the water or vice versa. Sharkskin Chillproof works equally well wet or dry and can be used for a multitude of watersport activities where you are both above the water and under the water during the same session. The traditional wetsuit has many limitations both in and out of the water but these limitations are amplified when moving in and out of the water. Wetsuits are not windchill proof and so your body heat can drop rapidly when you are out of the water in a wet wetsuit. Wetsuits are also not as flexible as Sharkskin and are more restrictive for activities like kayaking, SUP paddling, etc. 

PROPERTY	BENEFIT
Nylon/Spandex outer layer	Robbust abrasion resistance
100% Windproof membrane	Stops windchill and keeps you warm
Breathable 10K+ membrane	Regulates body temperature to avoid overheating
Hollow fibre fleece	Best moisture wicking for skin integrity
4-Way stretch	Retains shape and easy to get on and off
Neutrally buoyant	Wear less weight on your weight belt
Water repellent treatment (WRT)	Resists water splashes to keep you drier and warmer
Anti-microbial	Stops odour from building up in the garment
UV resistant (UPF50+)	Protection from the sun
Durable thread used in construction	Resists deterioration in saltwater and active watersports
Saltwater resistant zippers	Stops the zipper seizing up and avoids breakages

 

SHARKSKIN RAPID DRY - HOW DOES IT WORK?

Sharkskin Rapid Dry is a single-layer lightweight and fast drying material that has re-invented and revolutionised the traditional rashie or rash shirt by adding better technology and superior features.

What makes Rapid Dry the best single-layer technical material for water sports of its kind?

Water Shedding - Rapid Dry is a lightweight, fast drying material which is ‘infused’ and then ‘heat set’ with a water repellent treatment (WRT). This method achieves a WRT finish that is much more effective at shedding water and also lasts much longer than traditional WRT material treatments.

Construction - The Rapid Dry material uses a specialised 3-D ‘rib-knit’ construction which creates far superior ‘insulation’ properties than cotton and nylon / lycra synthetic materials. This type of construction provides more warmth when the material is dry and a lot more warmth than standard weave garments when wet.

Durability - Additionally, by using a premium and very durable thread type the Rapid Dry material has 100% resistance to swimming pool chemicals (chlorine, bromine, etc) and very good resistance to the abrasive effects of salt micro-crystals formed as seawater dries out in the material.

Performance - Rapid Dry is breathable with very good ‘air permeability’ and also ‘wicks‘ moisture from your skin to the outer layer of the material to help disperse sweat. It is perfect for active water sports where it is important to regulate body temperature – like paddle sports, sailing, and any water sports where your heart rate indicates a performance requirement.

Safety - Rapid Dry has a UPF 50+ rating for protection from the Sun. This is very important as the majority of water sports are outside and in many cases the water can reflect and magnify the effect of the Sun’s harmful rays.

Visibility - Rapid Dry material comes in a wide range of colours including hi-visibility colours for safety. The premium dyes used are more colourfast than dyes used in cheaper garments and last much longer, so you are safer and more likely to be seen out on the ocean.

Fashion - The added thickness created by the 3-D ‘rib-knit’ construction also gives Rapid Dry material its ‘thickness’ which stops the garment from ‘draping’ when wet. Combined with the WRT treatment this means that Rapid Dry garments do not ‘cling’ to your body and impede movement like other water sports garments do, and instead look great when worn dry or wet.

Rapid Dry is perfect by itself as a rashie with extra insulation or layered over the top of a Chillproof or Titanium Chillproof top to provide more insulation and water shedding capabilities. It really is your do-it-all water sports garment that you can wear in and under the water and looks fashionable enough to wear to the café or bar afterwards.

SHARKSKIN PERFORMANCE - HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Performance Wear range has been created with the help of competition athletes and uses various combinations of the Sharkskin materials in their different designs.

 The focus is on performance with Chillproof material where you need warmth, compression material where you need maximum flexibility and for best muscle performance during intense sports, and 4-Way stretch neoprene where you require extra comfort and abrasion resistance.

What makes Sharkskin Performance Wear the best ‘technical water sports protection’ range for those seeking a bit more performance from their favourite watersport?
 
Chillproof – Chillproof trilaminate material for protection and warmth from the elements.

Compression – strategically placed sports compression panels to aid in endurance and muscle recovery.

Mesh ventilation panels - breathable to regulate body temperature while working hard.

Flexible strategically placed panels - to allow for maximum manoeuvrability during intense water sports.

4-Way Stretch Neoprene - in the seat and shin areas for extra stretch and comfort. Heavy duty saltwater resistant zippers – to control heat retention.

Design team - the Performance range has been created with the help of competition athletes.

You can see some of these amazing Sharkskin brand ambassadors, all leaders in their respective fields in our Testimonials Section.

Performance Wear is ideally suited for all water sports where keeping warm and protected while maintaining a firm focus on performance and flexibility is important. SHARKSKIN PERFORMANCE WEAR GARMENT PROPERTIES -

PROPERTY	BENEFIT
Nylon/Spandex outer layer	Robust and abrasion resistant
100% Windproof membrane panels	Stops windchill in the critical areas to keep you warm
Compression panels	Improves blood circulation for better oxygenation of muscles for performance and management of lactates and detoxification of muscles for recovery
4-Way stretch neoprene panels	Comfort and extra stretch where needed
Breathable 10,000+ membrane	Regulates body temperature to avoid overheating
Hollow fibre fleece	Best moisture wicking for skin integrity
Neutrally buoyant	Don’t have to add weights diving or snorkelling
Water repellent treatment (WRT)	Keeps you drier and warmer
Anti-microbial	Stops odour building up in the garment
UV resistant (UPF50+)	Protection from the sun
Durable thread used in construction	Resists deterioration in saltwater and during active watersports
Saltwater resistant zippers	Stops zippers seizing up and breaking
Designed by athletes	Real world garments designed specifically for watersports

SHARKSKIN R-SERIES COMPRESSION - HOW DOES IT WORK?

Compression R-Series material is a single-layer lightweight and breathable ‘Compression’ material that includes Titanium Far-Infrared (TiFIR) technology.

The R-Series has been developed with water sports in mind and so is very robust and very durable to be able to resist repeated immersion in fresh and/or saltwater and prolonged exposure to UVA rays in the outdoor environment.

Compression: The R-Series Compression material uses a ‘form fitting’ construction design to ‘compress’ the areas of the body that the garment is worn on. This ‘compression’ effect improves blood circulation to assist in muscle performance and recovery, and also holds muscles in the correct anatomical position to minimize damage from both physical exercise and day to day activity.

Titanium Far-Infrared technology: Titanium nanoparticles are permanently ‘infused’ into the R-Series Compression material. Far Infrared (FIR) emitted from your body is absorbed by the titanium nanoparticles in the R-Series Compression material, which then re-emit the same FIR back to the skin. Although this may seem to be an energy neutral process and to cancel itself out, it is not the case because the FIR emitting material prevents the escape of FIR that would otherwise have been lost to the outside environment.
 
The result is a ‘double-up’ of benefits – COMPRESSION effect plus FIR radiation effect to give you an extra boost in warmth and an extra boost in performance and muscle recovery far beyond what normal compression garments can offer.
 
Sharkskin R-Series Compression wear is one of the most comfortable, quick drying, robust and performance enhancing compression ranges available. It is suitable for a wide range of uses – including daily gym sessions and fitness activities, underneath Sharkskin Rapid Dry or underneath a wetsuit for the added benefits of compression and added warmth for all active watersports, or for the rigours of multisports, obstacle course racing (OCR), and other extreme activities.

PROPERTIES	BENEFIT
Compression	Improves blood circulation for better oxygenation of muscles for performance and management of lactates and detoxification of muscles for recovery
Far Infrared (FIR) for Warmth	Titanium retains the body’s heat to keep you warmer than normal compression garments and help prevent muscle strain and cramping
Far Infrared (FIR) for Health	Increased metabolism helps reduce inflammation and relieves pain, delays fatigue, boosts immunity and helps with relaxation
Performance Wicking	Breathable compression wicks perspiration and moisture from your skin to the outer layer of the material to disperse and evaporate and prevent chafing and rashes
Breathable ventilation panels	Regulates body temperature to avoid over-heating
Inbuilt posture correction panels	Helps maintain posture for better performance
Durable thread	Resists deterioration in saltwater and for extremely active watersports
Anti-microbial	Stops odour from building up in the garment
UV resistant (UPF50+)	Protection from the sun
Designed by athletes	Real world garments designed specifically for watersports