Discover Sumarpo – High-performance, eco-friendly wetsuits for swimmers and triathletes

We spoke with Sumarpo Brand Manager, Farid Alizada

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Sumarpo started life in a UK design studio in 2008. Ten years later, the business was bought by Los Vacation Inc, a triathlon sports brand, and moved to Southern California. Here, it continues its founders’ quest to develop high-performance wetsuits, costumes and accessories for triathletes and open water swimmers.

You can save 20% across the Sumarpo range with code OS20.

Outdoor Swimmer: The swimming and wetsuit market is crowded. How does Sumarpo stand out from the competition?

Farid Alizada: Firstly, Sumarpo is proud to be an eco-friendly brand that’s introduced the world’s first fully eco-friendly triathlon wetsuits. This milestone has really pushed the concept of sustainability into the fast lane within the triathlon world.

Secondly, our wetsuits are top-notch in terms of flexibility, buoyancy, and thermal protection. But what really sets us apart is our extensive range. Unlike other brands, we offer the broadest selection of wetsuits out there. This means we cater not just to elite athletes but also to everyday triathletes and swimmers, a passionate group looking to improve. Our wetsuits address individual weak points, almost like having a personal coach guiding you.

Thirdly, we’ve made our wetsuits the lightest in the world. Our focus on “lightness” led our R&D team to develop an environmentally certified buoyant material, laminated with neoprene, creating the lightest wetsuits you can get.

Lastly, Sumarpo is heavily involved in event support. We’re sponsoring nearly fifty triathlon events across Europe and North America in 2024. Plus, we’re investing in community activities to build strong social platforms. Triathlon isn’t just about winning races; it’s about spreading that spirit into all areas of life—family, work, and beyond. Sumarpo is committed to fostering this spirit and making a meaningful impact in the community.

OS: We have readers with a wide range of swimming interests and abilities from recreational dippers to competitive open water swimmers. How does the Sumarpo range stretch across these interests, and how should readers choose the most appropriate suit?

FA: At Sumarpo, we believe that “The Right One is the Best One”. This is our advice for everyone!

Sumarpo offers a diverse range of products, including triathlon, swimrun, and open water wetsuits. The key feature across all our lines is that they are designed to enhance performance for swimmers at different levels, helping each person find the right suit to improve their shortcomings.

For instance, if you need to improve your balance while swimming, the Sumarpo Vanguard will help you concentrate your core balance on your torso. If you’re struggling with sinking legs, you should consider the Elite, which features more buoyancy for your thighs and hips. If you’re competing in warm climates, the Hyperfast is the world’s lightest swimrun wetsuit, offering buoyancy and quick-dry performance.

If you’re aware of your weaknesses, don’t worry. Sumarpo wetsuits are designed to meet your needs and help you improve.

OS: Apart from your eco-friendly wetsuit range, what other Sumarpo products are you most proud of?

FA: We’re really proud of our commitment to using eco-friendly materials throughout all our products and packaging. It’s a cornerstone of Sumarpo’s mission, and every step we take toward sustainability is something we celebrate.

Aside from that, we’re particularly excited about our graduated compression suits. These were developed in partnership with Carvico and Payen from Europe, featuring medical-grade compression of 23-29 mmHg. They were initially created to help triathletes maximize their potential and recover more effectively after races. What’s been amazing is how much love they’ve received from trail runners, marathoners, and even people with varicose veins who use them for relief. This feedback has been incredibly motivating for our tech team. We’ve even taken it a step further with an all-weather graduated compression suit designed for seawater use, which stands out from other brands’ muscle containment stamping (MCS).

OS: How does Sumarpo’s UK heritage impact your designs?

FA: Classy and high performance have always been in Sumarpo’s DNA. We have been continuously investing in material development, technological innovation, and product testing. It includes the development of sustainable materials, the application of ergonomic and low modulus technology, the testing of pattern lines, and many other areas where Sumarpo has inherited the most rigorous attitude.

Yet I’m glad that the ocean breeze of Southern California allows Sumarpo to embrace a stylish and diverse look. Sumarpo are proud to be an international triathlon brand.

OS: What future developments can swimmers look forward to in wetsuits, swimming costumes and accessories?

FA: Environmental friendliness is the most important part of Sumarpo’s brand philosophy. Sustainable actions are the common goals of mankind. Sumarpo foresee that eco-wetsuits will be worn by more athletes. You don’t need to worry that it is more expensive than traditional wetsuits. More sustainable brands will be created to make he technology more mature, the supply chain more efficient, and the cost will be lower.

Lightweight wetsuits will be sought after and Sumarpo is honoured that we offer this option.

Hydrodynamics and aerodynamics will drive unprecedented leaps in the performance of wetsuits, trisuits, swimskin, and other athletic-grade products, a technological advancement that will also inspire the unleashing of human potential.

Of course, fashion elements will be more integrated. The appearance of wetsuits in recent years has seen noticeable changes. Fashionable patterns and colours instead of simple and dull tones. We look forward to more fashionable changes.

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