Matuse: Surf School

Whether you're on the shores of the Hudson River or the beaches of Maui, if you're a surfer you'll look for waves no matter where you are. The guys at Matuse know this full well, and have set out to create the perfect wetsuit to keep you comfortable regardless of the water temperature you're in. What they ended up with was one of the most efficiently designed — and attractive — wetsuits out there. They use a super-light, patented material called Geoprene, which is made almost entirely of limestone (say what?) and is designed to keep you warmer than anything else. Proceeds from the Last Dinosaur styles will benefit the Surfrider Foundation – protecting the enjoyment of beaches and oceans around the world.
Never surfed? It’s easy. And even if it isn’t, this suit will keep you warm and toasty no matter how long it takes. Here’s how to get started:
1. While lying flat on the board, paddle for a wave (going with the current). Wait for when you start to feel the momentum of the surfboard flowing faster than your paddling speed.
2. With your hands firmly grasping each rail (that’s the surfboard's outer edges), push up quickly.
3. Extend your arms completely and pull your knees quickly to your chest. Be sure to keep your weight centered with just a little slant forward (leaning back is a natural tendency, but this takes away from your forward momentum).
4. Place your feet firmly on your board, one foot near the tail and one foot just above the midpoint of the board.
Helpful Tip: Don't stand up completely. Keep a low center of gravity by crouching down and focusing your weight on the midpoint of the surfboard.
(Instructions from www.surfing.about.com)
(Illustrations by Michael Hoeweler)
Hang-ten in our Matuse sale on Saturday, November 28, at noon ET.