Foiling Knowledge, kitefoil, wing foil
Wetsuit care chat with Exit watersports’ Kieran Sammon.
Wetsuit care should be high on the agenda for all watersports riders – not just foilers. As supposed eco-friendly people the kit we use actually leaves a lot to be desired in terms of being environmentally friendly. As most will know. Extending the longevity of your wetsuit for foiling is better for the planet and your wallet. And if you can find a wetsuit care system that also dries your suit efficiently – ready for that next foil session – then all the better. A new brand for Foilshop UK, Exit watersports have a range of wetsuit care products that we think are cracking. We wanted to find out more though so hit up the brand’s head honcho, Kieran Sammon, to find out more.
When did you start to conceptualise the wetsuit care EXIT XRail and why?Â
Around 2013/14, I made the first prototype in 2014 from the safety net tubing from an old trampoline my kids had.
What makes the XRail different to other wetsuit hangers?Â
It’s the only hanger which hangs your wetsuit and accessories out away from the wall or surface it hanging from, all other end up with the wetsuit against the surface, so not drying properly.
XRail wetsuit hanger | quick drying and care of your wetsuit.
The XRail is also the widest hanger to allow airflow in between the wetsuit when folded, so taking those two items into account, while the XRail allows your wetsuit to dry fully, only ¼ of your wetsuit drys with all other hangers.
Tell us about the wetsuit care EXIT BUX and SUX?Â
So the BUX was born out of a need to have an actual collapsible wetsuit bucket you can stand in without fear of falling over, it’s watertight so keeps your car/van dry and can be used to rinse your gear also, & it has the best handle setup.
Exit BUX wetsuit change bucket.
On the SUX, it allows you to hang your XRail from any smooth surface, tiles, glass, side of car/van etc.
SUX (suction up rail) for the Exit Xrail wetsuit hanger.
How do these complement the XRail?
SUX as mentioned previously allows you to hang the XRail off any smooth surface.
The BUX fits neatly under the XRail (wide oval shape) for you to place under your wetsuit while dripping if you hang your XRail somewhere you don’t want a wet mess.
Anything else you’re working on you can tell us about?
We have a really cool wind chill blocker top and hood releasing soon. This can be worn on its own with board shorts or size up and wear over your wetsuit in colder conditions to XTend your session, the range is called XTend.
Talk to us about your foiling career to date. What discipline did you start with and why?
So I started kitefoiling first. I’m a kitesurfer so it was a natural progression. My aim with kitefoiling was to get into waves and foil the waves. But there is too much managing of the kite so I never fell in love with it.
I moved to winging soon after. But nearly two years later I’m still not where I need to be, but we will keep trying.
Are you still kite foiling?
No, I will always kitesurf but not interested in kitefoiling. If foiling it’s the wing for now. But I’m keen on giving pumping a try.
And what about wing foiling? Where are you at with that?
Progression is slow, not getting enough time on the water, I can jibe and trying to figure out tacks.
Got any foiling specific goals for the rest of 2024?
Yes, learn to tack and get better riding with the wing flagged out.
What about places to fly?
Any spots in mind? I love Fuerteventura and it has lots to offer. And Ireland is great.
Final thoughts on EXIT watersports kit?
We are just a small brand but we dream big, even if you don’t buy from us because you have a hanger or bucket already but like what we are doing, a follow, like, share on social is worth so much to us – @exitwatersports is where you can find us on them
And foiling?
Pumping and downwinding look like fun, but I need more time.
Thanks and praise?
Anyone and everyone who supports EXIT.