A huge congratulations to Justine Dupont for taking home the top honors in not one but THREE categories at the inaugural New Big Wave Challenge awards held in Nazaré, Portugal.
The New Big Wave Challenge is a fresh take on the tradition of providing a “town square” for the best athletes and content creators to gather together and share what they do with the world. All year long the surfers surf and the shooters shoot and at the end of the season the crew gets together and celebrates the best waves and the best performances as captured on video and still photos.
The Manera Women’s Magma Wetsuit is an elite offering designed for women who demand the best in warmth and performance. With cutting-edge materials and construction, the Magma ensures durability and longevity without compromising flexibility. Manera, a family-owned business based in France, is long known for producing top-quality surf gear for men and women.
We got our hands on the Women’s 5/4/3 Magma and took it through the ropes for thorough testing, scrutinizing everything from the fit of the hood to the 3D design. Read on for our complete review of the Magma suit: we’ll break down why this high-end suit is worth every penny.
“…the Manera Magma is at the cutting edge of wetsuit technology, using innovative features to provide the warmest, most durable suit on the market. Between the fuzzy, quick-drying fleece, the flexible air neoprene, and the minimized environmental impact, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t get a Magma sooner.”
Manera Magma Meteor Wetsuit
Neoprene and Liners
Manera created the Triplex Magma neoprene to maximize warmth and flexibility because everyone knows three is a party. First, the outermost material is called re-flex skin, which is designed for protection from the elements. The high-tech, flexible, and warm air-foam neoprene is squeezed perfectly in the middle of this rubber sandwich.
And last but not least, one of my favorite parts of the suit is the Magma+ liner. The cream-striped fleece liner is made from thermal materials and has a reduced low density. This equates to a lightweight feel and faster drying time overall. It’s incredibly cozy and warm; it feels like a blanket hugging your body, and who doesn’t need more of that?
The Magma suit’s neoprene is derived from limestone rather than petrochemicals. Meaning less impact on the local environment and reduced dependence on oil and byproduct chemicals. Also, Manera maximizes their resources by recycling and reusing neoprene waste materials into their finished product.
Seams and Stitching
As one would expect with a high-end suit, the seams and stitching are created using some pretty high-tech product designs. The neoprene panels are glued together and blind-stitched (GBS), meaning the needle doesn’t fully puncture the neoprene.
Next, the SD2 tape is welded to the seams using an air heater machine. This unique process provides more water-tight seams, durability, and flexibility compared to other competitors. Part of what makes Manera’s suits so durable is the quality seam work since that is typically the first area to fail on a well-used suit.
Fit and Cut
Manera’s sizing for women is slightly different from other brands. Instead of using the standard numerical sizing, they use XS-XL sizing. At 5’10 and 135 lbs, I’m a size medium. According to the unique size chart, I’m at the bottom of the weight range but on the higher end of the height range for the medium. Because Manera’s size chart isn’t like standard US size charts, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Cleanline team with any sizing questions.
When putting on the suit for the first time, it was incredibly tight. However, with time and use, it gets easier and fits my body better. With that said, keep in mind the Magma tends to run a smidge on the smaller side.
What’s unique about Manera is the design process that goes into each wetsuit model. Manera has against the grain in wetsuit design: using computer design create fitted suits in 3D. Once dialed in to perfection, the design is transformed into a 2D pattern for the factory crew to work with.
Entry and Zipper
As mentioned earlier, the process of putting on and taking off the Magma wetsuit requires some extra effort, maybe partially due to my height? Although, compared to other hooded suits I’ve worn, the entry on the Magma feels smaller and tighter. However, once I’m fully zipped into the snug embrace of the Magma, I feel invincible. The wetsuit fits so well that I know my body will tire long before I even consider the possibility of getting cold.
The attached zipper is a major perk, as you don’t have to feed it through each time. It also feels very durable, like the rest of the suit.
Performance
According to Manera, the 5/4 Magma is rated at 85% flexibility, 100% warmth, and 100% comfort. I completely agree with their rating. While comparing it to other brands, the Manera flexibility falls more in the middle of the road while the warmth factor is unmatched. I recommend the Magma to ladies who don’t care too much about the price tag but are seeking the warmest, most durable suit on the market.
Every area of potential water entry is sealed tight, even during duck dives and wipeouts. After a severe thrashing, if any water has seeped in, the strategically placed drainage holes prevent any sort of ballooning effect. The Manera water strainer panel uses leaky and perforated neoprene, creating a drainage system on your legs to keep your whole body happy.
The wrist and ankle cuffs are well-designed to keep flushing minimized, and it even comes with an additional ankle strap for the ladies with no cankles (I can’t relate). While the hood takes quite some effort to put on and take off, it does a darn good job of allowing little to no water in, which leads to a warmer, more enjoyable time in the water.
Venturing into the chilly waters between 43-52 °F demands serious gear, making the 5/4 Magma wetsuit your reliable ally. For slightly milder temperatures ranging from 52-58 °F, the 4/3 is your go-to choice. If you’re one of those rare souls radiating warmth, you can even dare to go down to the 4/3 Magma because the suit runs incredibly warm.
Manera says it best on their website, “the best way to be eco-friendly is to create durable products.” Although the price tag of $539.95 for the Women’s Magma 5/4/3 Hooded suit may seem a little high, prepare to enter into a long-term relationship. The overall quality and thoughtfulness put into this suit are apparent from the get-go, and you won’t have to be searching for a new suit by next season like you do with some of the competitor brands. Lastly, Manera offers a generous two-year warranty on their wetsuits.
Honestly, the blog isn’t long enough to write about all of the fantastic eco-friendly features that Manera incorporates. From biodegradable packaging to solar-powered facilities, Manera is committed to sustainable practices.
This high-waisted boardshort offers a perfect fit to ride with a high freedom of movement and total confidence. Ideally sitting on your hips, it won’t move a bit as you fly above the waves; the high-rise fit will leave you free to show off your best moves and the 4-way-stretch fabric will always keep you snug.
This boardshort features a Velcro side-closure and adjustment system. This minimalistic design means that you can easily put it on and take it off as well as lie comfortably on the board, without the irritation of a bulky lace.
Justine Dupont, MANERA’s most daring waterwoman and the best woman big wave surfer in the world, will be honored as Waterperson of the Year at the 34th Annual Waterman’s Ball, the surf industry’s most-anticipated annual social event organized by the Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA).
Justine has been surfing big waves for more than 10 years and knows very well that adventure is always around the corner in this sport governed by swells and the ocean. But even in her wildest dreams, she could not have imagined the season she would have this year.
From Cortes Bank to the mythical Eddie Aikau to her beloved Nazaré, Justine has scored some unforgettable and legendary waves this year, always looking to challenge and better herself.
Invariably positive, humble, and down-to-earth, she has been a pillar and a true inspiration on our team.
Waterman’s benefits the SIMA Environmental Fund, a charitable foundation that awards grants to organizations dedicated to ocean conservation. In addition to fundraising, the industry comes together each year to celebrate and honor some of the leading characters and key figures in surfing and ocean environmentalism.
