The Eco-Friendly Edge of XTERRA Wetsuits: Racing Fast While Protecting Our Planet
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Time to read 3 min
We have been making wetsuits since 2001, and each year we make a concerted effort to search for green technologies that create more eco-friendly neoprene and environmentally friendly wetsuits without sacrificing speed, comfort, buoyancy and flexibility.
Triathlon is a sport of grit, speed, and connection to the elements—especially the water we swim through. At XTERRA Wetsuits, we believe that high-performance racing and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand. That’s why our eco-friendly wetsuits, like the Vortex and Vengeance, combine elite-level performance with a commitment to sustainability. Whether you're cutting through the waves off California’s rugged coastlines or gliding through Florida’s warm bays, XTERRA is proving that eco-conscious gear can fuel faster finishes while keeping our planet pristine.
Revolutionizing Neoprene: A Cleaner Alternative
The heart of XTERRA’s sustainability journey begins with our neoprene. Traditional wetsuits rely on petroleum-based rubber, a process that consumes fossil fuels and leaves a significant carbon footprint. We've moved beyond this outdated approach, opting for limestone-based neoprene instead. This innovation lowers emissions, reduces dependence on non-renewable resources, and offers a more biodegradable solution—all without compromising performance.
LIMESTONE: We use earth mined limestone to replace petrochemicals in our neoprene. It comes from nature and has less environmental impact.
Take the Vortex: its 5mm eco-neoprene core doesn’t just support sustainability—it enhances buoyancy, lifting hips and legs to reduce drag and improve efficiency. Whether you're battling the choppy waters of Escape from Alcatraz or cruising through a glassy Ironman 70.3 swim, our eco-tech translates into real speed gains. With XTERRA, you’re not just swimming—you’re maximizing performance while minimizing environmental impact.
Built to Last: Sustainable Performance in Every Stroke
Eco-conscious gear isn’t just about materials—it’s about durability. Our wetsuits are engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of triathlon training and racing, from saltwater exposure to chlorine immersion and countless transitions. The Vengeance, for example, features reinforced seams and a low-friction coating that resists wear and tear, ensuring longevity. As one Ironman Texas finisher put it, “My Vengeance held strong for 50 swims and still feels brand new.”
ECO CARBON BLACK: carbon black, one of the key ingredients of neoprene, can now be pyrolyzed from scrap rubber tires. This significantly reduces energy consumption and cuts CO2 emission by 200 grams per wetsuit.
Durability means fewer replacements, less waste, and more races conquered. Instead of contributing to landfills, XTERRA athletes are extending the life cycle of their gear—proving that true sustainability is about making smarter, longer-lasting investments.
Protecting the Waters We Race In
XTERRA’s commitment to sustainability is especially impactful in the U.S., where triathlon is deeply ingrained in the endurance community. From Kona’s lava-lined shores to San Diego’s thriving tri scene, our wetsuits serve as more than just performance gear—they represent a pledge to safeguard the waters we train and race in.
RECYCLE DURING PRODUCTION: We recycle as much neoprene production waste as possible, and our factory turns them into qualified products, thus minimizing the waste that goes to landfills.
Every stroke in a Vortex helps keep the Pacific pristine for the next XTERRA Nationals. Every kick in a Vengeance preserves the Gulf for Ironman Florida. We're not just promoting sustainability; we’re embedding it into the core of our products, ensuring that every athlete contributes to environmental conservation without sacrificing speed or comfort.
Affordable Sustainability for Every Athlete
Eco-friendly innovation shouldn't come with an elite-only price tag. That’s why XTERRA ensures that sustainability remains accessible. The Vortex delivers high-performance buoyancy and durability at a cost that works for beginners and experienced athletes alike. No overpriced gimmicks—just real, tangible performance advantages that align with eco-conscious values.
The XTERRA Difference: Performance, Fit, and Purpose
What sets XTERRA apart isn’t just our technology—it’s our dedication to athletes and the environment. As a San Diego-based brand deeply rooted in the triathlon community, we understand what American triathletes need: gear that is practical, tough, and forward-thinking.
WATER BASED GLUE: our factory turned solvent-based laminating glue into water-based glue, eliminating harmful volatile organic compounds. Roughly 600 grams of solvent/VOCs are eliminated per wetsuit.
DOPE-DYED YARN: Dope-dying infuses dye pigments into molten plastic solution to produce colored yarns without the dyeing process. This saves a tremendous amount of water while reducing energy consumption and water pollution.
Race with Purpose—Swim XTERRA
XTERRA’s eco-friendly wetsuits are more than just gear—they’re a statement. A commitment to both speed and sustainability. Whether you’re aiming for your first triathlon finish or pushing toward Kona qualification, our green advantage gives you the edge without compromise.
Ready to make waves? The Vortex offers buoyancy that floats you to faster times, while the Vengeance delivers durability that outlasts the toughest training cycles.
This isn’t just about racing—it’s about racing responsibly. Dominate your event and defend the planet, one stroke at a time.
Swim fast. Swim green. Swim XTERRA. The water is waiting.