We always refused to make bulky, hard helmets because they are very uncomfortable to wear in the wind and horrible to surf with. They could even be dangerous as they make the impact in the water even harder for your neck.
The S-FOAM helmet uses an innovative material that allowed us to create a soft, fitted helmet that is very comfortable to ride with. The S-Foam helmet is applicable for any water sports discipline- your newest safety companion doing the things you love.
Key Features:
“Smart” Foam
Perfect fit
CE certified
“Smart” Foam
S-FOAM (Smart Foam) is made of a non-Newtonian fluid that is soft and flexible at normal state, but instantly becomes stiff when subject to an impact. This means you have a perfectly fitted, comfortable helmet when riding, but it will protect you when needed.
The Perfect Fit
Our innovation here relies on the 3D construction. The helmet is molded into one piece, instead of just trying to assemble a flat pattern into 3D (think standard rugby soft helmets full of bumps and stitchings). The S-FOAM HELMET leaves no area unprotected and perfectly fits your head, creating a helmet-free feeling while riding.
MANERA is a proud sponsor of the Central Coast BoardRiders Club. We are always here to support the local surf communities, and are grateful to get the opportunity to be apart of this growing boardriders movement!
We headed up to Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo to watch the annual US BoardRiders Morro Bay at The Rock comp go down. It was a great day full of high level surf from clubs all over CA, as well as good energy from the local surf community. We were stoked to see the Central Coast BoardRiders Club take the win at their home break, Morro Rock.
We got with one of the main coaches Steve Denham after the club took the win:
“A solid 8+ double whammy by @braden.joness in the final 20’s division iced the win. Stoked on the whole team and club. Special thanks to our sponsors @maneraamerica, @woolyspb, @dornsbreakers, @cayucoscollective, @besteverpads, @805beer. The future is local, see you in Santa Cruz.”
At MANERA, we are a family. It is not some overused marketing cliché, but rather a fact of life.
Whether it’s out on the water or in this business, we don’t forget our family and friends. In the early days of MANERA, a small network of shops and salespeople in the community helped us grow to where we are today. They have our loyalty, and vice versa.
To protect and maintain this friendly ecosystem, we have stayed true to the local shop model for our sales approach. This includes both shopping, and supporting LOCAL.
Another huge congratulations to Central Coast Boardriders. Keep making MANERA proud!
Shop the suits to keep you warm all year long.
The MAGMA is made for cold and windy winter days. Its MAGMA+ fleece acts both as an insulator and heat generator, and dries 30% faster than a classic fleece.
Titus Santucci, Manera rider from Encinitas, recently qualified for the U.S Junior National Surf Team. Santucci is the first Filipino-American male to do so, and quickly headed off to Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Junior National Championship.
On his instagram, Santucci mentioned it has always been a goal of his to make the Junior National Team. “My dad would push me in the waves and so did my mom. It was cool to bring me in the surfing world and teach me everything I knew,” he said. (CBS8, 2023).
Santucci competing in Brazil
With 46 countries and 356 athletes competing at the championship, Santucci was proud to be amongst his eleven other teammates surfing in Brazil. The team has competing athletes ranging from U16 to U18, all who returned home with silver metals- a stepping stone from the previous year, where Team USA brought home bronze. (American Surf Magazine, 2023).
Santucci has been riding for Manera since early 2023. When reflecting on his Manera gear, he stated “These suits have been great at keeping me warm throughout my travels, always toasty!”
Congratulations, Titus! We can’t wait to see what you have in store.
American Surf Magazine sat down with MANERA surfer Pete Devries, a nine-time consecutive Canadian Men’s Champion and winner of 2009 Cold Water Classic from British Columbia. Pete, titled “the ultimate cold-water surfer”, took some time to get into the characteristics and benefits of the ALT wetsuit.
The Alt Range — ALT stands for Alternative — is a greener alternative to conventional wetsuits with performance in mind.
Each wetsuit is made from 100% natural YULEX rubber. Because natural rubber is a renewable resource, it ensures a reduced environmental impact as well as a long-term supply stability.
“If there’s anyone who knows wetsuits, and if there’s anyone who knows Manera’s wide range of wetsuits — including the Alt Range — it’s Pete.” (ASM)
A glimpse into the Q & A session:
ASM: “What are a few qualities of Manera’s wetsuits overall that stand out to you?”
Pete: “I think the biggest thing that stands out about Manera’s wetsuits is the durability. They are just so solid — and made to last.
I’ve never once had a seam open up or blow out in the 5 or so years I’ve been wearing Manera. The craftsmanship is great!”
ASM: “The wetsuit market today is crowded with products. What differentiates Manera’s wetsuits from other options?“
Pete: “With Manera, there is enough stretch, durability, and warmth. It’s really the perfect combination. If you want a suit that feels great and actually lasts I’d suggest you give Manera a try.
The thing I hear time and again is how with certain brands on the market they feel amazing when you first put it on, but after two months the suit is completely blown out and over stretched … then the seams start to go. Manera’s wetsuits just last.
I’ve talked to a bunch of people in the lineups around home that love them and are super happy to have given them a chance.”
ASM: “The Yulex Pure is natural plant based rubber that is a cleaner alternative to petroleum. Do you have any thoughts on this topic, knowing that you’re surfing in sustainable and green-product compared to other wetsuit companies?“
Pete: “I think anything we can do as individuals to impact the environment in a positive way is amazing.
It’s no secret traditional neoprene is not good for the environment, so anything we can do to get away from it is great.
I’m happy Manera takes pride in working to make products that are more environmentally sustainable. Hopefully one day the whole wetsuit market will be more sustainable.”
ASM: “Wetsuits have to be flexible to allow you to do what you want on a wave — as far as flexibility and performance are concerned, what are your thoughts about the suit?“
Pete: “I really feel like they are the perfect combination of flexibility, performance and durability. There is a fine line between each and I am really happy with the way they feel.
After an amazing season with five freestyle events worldwide, we are stoked for Swiss Manera & F-One team rider, Maxime. He finished off the ’23 competition season with two second places, and a final third on podium at the 2023 Qatar Airways GKA Freestyle Kite World Champions.
Maxime says,
“Feels good to stand on the box after missing it very slightly in the last couple of years! See you next year beloved kiteboarding!”
romantsovaphoto
Major Congratulations to Maxime! We can’t wait to see what next season brings.
Check Out Maximes’ Gear Favorites
HALO HARNESS – KITE
It all started from an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of current harness technologies, regarding in particular the softshell (the classic flexible harness) and the hardshell (the rigid shell harness).
By separating the functions of “effort management” and “comfort”, we have created a harness that adapts perfectly to your body type and your movements, while offering unparalleled support.
Best of both worlds, the 4.3mm X10D allows unrestricted movements while keeping you warm during mid-season.
The X10D is the ultimate performance wetsuit. In addition to excellent thermal protection, the X10D fleece interior gives flexibility and lightness while providing great comfort. It is perfectly adapted to any discipline where you need maximum flex because of its ability to follow the body’s movements.
Designed, built, and tested to follow the most hardened of seafarers. Those who can’t resist the call.
For the most passionate. For the early risers who hit the spot at dawn, for the ones who rage until nightfall. For those who live with constantly salty skin, for the loners who venture far from the coast. For the madmen who simply can’t resist the call.
The Collection
Wing Harness
We have developed light and adaptable harnesses with a low profile.
Harness or belt, choose the option that fits your needs.
The Lift Harness -Wing
For us at MANERA, a wing harness is there to go unnoticed when free flying while providing the necessary support to go back upwind. That’s why we have developed a light and adaptable harness with a low profile. See it as a “lift” back to the top of the downwind!
Having one leash on your wrist and the other one on your ankle can be tricky to manage, especially in strong winds. The LEASH BELT is made to attach your wing or board leash when wing, surf or SUP foiling. It has a very strong construction and provides multiple attachment points.
All the spare parts you need to equip or complete your wing harnesses.
You think winging doesn’t require a harness, until you get a taste of free flying. Then you want to go upwind as much as possible and enjoy the feeling of gliding downwind effortlessly.
Our WING HOOK will help you do just that. It is adaptable to any wing harness/leash belt that has a 50mm large front strap.
The S-FOAMhelmet uses an innovative material that allowed us to create a soft, fitted helmet that is very comfortable to ride with.
We always refused to make bulky, hard helmets because they are very uncomfortable to wear in the wind, and horrible to surf with. They could even be dangerous as they make the impact in the water even harder for your neck.
“Temps have dropped and it’s time to pull on the ol’ 4/3. With its iconic fit, quick dry capability, and overall comfort, the Seafarer Steamer should be your top pick.”
Keep reading to learn more about Joshs’ experience with the Seafarer suit.
Wray Surfing Morro Bay
Stay Salty And Comfortable
“Salty is a feeling that anyone who’s spent time in the ocean understands. But, it’s more than just a feeling. It’s a way of life for some of us, including MANERA, a family-owned water sport manufacturer known for supporting local shops. Born and raised in France, MANERA was created to being in the water a true pleasure. This idea runs though their entire line-up of water sports gear– and with customers like me, too.”
Wray surfing the Bend river wave in the Seafarer suit
When The Suit Fits
“I love that MANERA works closely with local shops for sales. I grew up near a surf and skate shop in San Diego, and the smell of wetsuits is something I’ll always love, wherever I go. It will always brings me back to my roots.
Like a number of brands making larger efforts towards recycled materials and less toxic manufacturing, MANERA has stepped up the game with their Stay Green mindset. This means they don’t overproduce, repair products when possible, and make the highest-quality products that stay out of landfills.”
3D Printed for the 4D Surfer
“The Dream Quiver”
“MANERA nailed it with the Seafarer Steamer, both in usability and design. If you’re looking for a suit that truly feels like a glove (thanks to the 3D design that’s proprietary to MANERA), allows for easy paddling, and keeps you warm or a large part of the year, I’d recommend hopping on your banana board or e-bike (if you live in San Clemente) and cruise to your local shop to try one on.
If you’re ever in the San Diego area, keep an eye out for Austin and ask him about the wetsuits. He’ll probably be sporting a camera with a long lens chilling on top of the blue MANERA van.”
The SEAFARER brings us back to the essentials of what makes a good wetsuit, nothing more, nothing less: warmth, comfort, durability. It’s a no-bullshit wetsuit with MANERA’s renowned fit and construction.
In this interview, Liz Bui (Yulex CEO), Kyrrha Martin (Yulex Director of Sales), and Austin Benke (Manera America Sales & Marketing), discussed Manera’s unique business model. They shed light on Manera’s commitment to selling exclusively through surf shops, highlighting the community and environmental benefits of their in-person approach over online sales.
“There are a lot of things to like about Manera, including their wetsuit development created with 3D technology and designed not by a wetsuit designer but by a compression garment designer. But I think where they had me was that they don’t sell their products online (no D2C) but in selected surf shops.
In my opinion this is important for 2 reasons: Community and Environment. Local surf shops have been the cornerstone of the surfing and watersports industry for decades. Most are privately owned and always open- working tirelessly and making smaller margins than consumers appreciate. It’s the place where like-minded people meet up, share experiences, and have a receptive audience. Your local surf shop is also active in their community, contributing to and hosting school and beach events for example.
Manera’s business model of in-person, surf shop, experience only is also better for the environment when you consider packaging and transport. It’s the CO2 emissions from the millions of tons of plastic wrapping, to the billions of trees that are pulped to produce the millions of tons of shipping cartons- and a very small percentage of this actually gets recycled or reused. Then consider the transport of goods and the CO2 emissions generated by e-commerce alone- consumers demand fast delivery and free returns- neither is good for the planet. By one calculation, in 2020, the shipping and return of products accounted for 37% of the total GHG emissions. Yowsa! I know in this age of e-commerce it’s hard not to survive as a business without an online store. I obviously get that too – but how can we do better?
So kudos to MANERA for intentionally swimming upstream. Surf shops and the environment are better for it.”
ALT stands for « Alternative ». We have built a greener alternative to conventional wetsuits, with performance in mind. It features a 100% natural YULEX rubber, tapped from FSC-certified Hevea trees forests. All jerseys are recycled, and the wetsuit features all our other standard sustainable processes.
The performances of the ALT are close to a MAGMA’s. We believe the ALT represents a new generation of high-performance wetsuits that has a more reasonable impact on the planet.
