DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

SHARKSKIN an Aussie innovation S harkskin is made from High Tech material developed in Australia for people who love watersports. It offers better protection from the cold, sun and wind. Hand made here in Newcastle, Australia. Let’s look at the amazing technology and science in the material.

The Sharkskin developers made a study of water sports users to make sure that they meet their needs. Some of the features that they developed or made use of include: Titanium Infra-Red Technology using Titanium T2 Chillproof material which reflects body heat. Chillproof, Sunproof and Windproof layers as well as Quick Drying nano-fibres. Performance with 4 way stretch Neoprene with strong stitching for comfort and flexibility. Can be worn underneath wetsuits, drysuits as a thermal layer. The materials place a strong emphasis on durability for long life to keep the users happy. The early Chillproof of 30 years ago uses a three layer composite material and is designed to be equal to a 2 to 3 mm wet suit without the bulk and buoyancy. The new Titanium T2 Chillproof material is designed to be 50% warmer than the early version from 30 years ago. They suggest that it is equal to a 4 mm plus wet suit without the buoyancy penalty of rubber. Sharkskin does not compress as you dive deeper. The inner layer is an anti-microbial yarn fleece that helps to wick away moisture and sweat away from the skin. The fibres are hollow and work like tiny straws to draw water away from your body efficiently. This drying is a vital part of keeping dry to cut down on heat loss; it allows you to warm up more quickly. The middle layer is windproof but it can breathe to regulate body temperature. The outer layer is an abrasion resistant nylon / lycra blend that allows the 4 way stretch. It has UV protection rating of 50. I guess that the concept is similar to outdoor / mountaineering clothing technology that attempts to protect users from the extreme elements including wind, cold, sun and sweat. Stitching is a critical technology. Sharkskin uses a gridlock stitching which sandwiches six threads to create amazing strength in the seam. They use the so called ‘flatlock stitching’ where seams need to be joined with great strength. You do not need to carry as much weight with these suits which will especially appeal to shoredivers.

Sharkskin material consists of three layers

How it works. Wet suits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between the suit and your body. The theory is that you warm it once and then you have a constant thin layer of warm water trapped under the suit. This is why the wet suit should be a snug fit. Firm wrist and ankles keep the warm layer of water trapped in so you only heat it once. It is important not to add any of your own ‘warm water’ in the interests of showing consideration for your dive buddies, especially after the dive. Loose fitting wet suits keep on replacing the cold water robbing your body of heat energy. They are not going to work as intended. Sharkskin utilizes a similar concept except that the warm water is trapped inside the fleece lined inner layer. The four-way stretch keep the material close to your skin making it thermally functional by preventing air spaces that can be filled with cold water. When you exit the water, the quick dry technology allows water to escape and a thin layer of air to fill the fleece lining. This layer of warm air is trapped next to your skin. The effect is that you stop losing heat from wind chill and so you warm up more quickly. I was not aware of the advanced technology in the Sharkskin. It helps to understand how these innovations work and why Sharkskin is so popular. In addition, It is easier to see the value, especially the Titanium infra-red technology. You can read more at https://sharkskin.com.au/

Sharkskin has reengineered men’s full wetsuits.

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Dive Log Australasia #412 June ‘25

www.divelog.net.au