Be the predator circling its prey this season by gaining that next one per cent in the swim wearing a wetsuit from Orca’s latest line-up.
Orca’s newly enhanced triathlon range combines technological innovation with strategic design decisions to bring you a more flexible and faster wetsuit. The New Zealand brand has elevated its Athlex and Apex ranges to improve elasticity, buoyancy and hydrodynamics. Translating to faster swim splits, it enhances the ability to engage with the water, optimize body position and maximize fluidity of movement.
By focusing on small but consistent changes, Orca delivers on the one per cent theory which upholds that significant changes don’t always come from big changes. Daily, marginal improvements add up to exponential gains.
Orca raises the bar for developing and elite swimmers
The Athlex is Orca’s affordable performance suite of wetsuits designed with the latest technologies for triathletes who want to work on their technique while enjoying the experience.
The Apex range is the more advanced range, combining the best technologies for maximum performance. Each range comes in three models.
The new Athlex and Apex range still include its Flow, Flex and Float models but raise the bar for both developing and elite level swimmers.
The first choice of pro athlete Paula Findlay
Orca sponsored professional triathlete Paula Findlay has been competing in the Apex Flow since last year. She appreciates how the flexibility of the suit allows her to fully express her exceptional swim technique.
“I tested about six different brands of suits before deciding to train and race with Orca, and what stood out to me most was the perfect balance of buoyancy without feeling restricting or too tight.
“I come from a swimming background so I really notice when a suit is too tight on the shoulders, neck and chest, but as soon as I put the Orca on for a test, I knew I’d be able to use my normal swim stroke with no discomfort,” said Findlay.
Specific design features for every need
The Flow, Flex and Float models each focus on a specific aspect that caters to the individual needs of athletes.
The Flow dials in freedom of movement allowing those with excellent technique to swim unrestricted. It focuses its buoyancy in the lower half of the wetsuit to maintain a hydrodynamic position, achieve an efficient kick and conserve energy.
“I’ve found the Apex Flow to be the perfect balance between flotation and flexibility in the shoulders. It hasn’t changed my technique, but I think that’s what makes it so great. I can keep my natural stroke while having the buoyancy and warmness of a wetsuit in cold water,” she said.
Advanced design and technology improves elasticity
The Flex offers maximum flexibility best suited for the athlete with refined technique that doesn’t need extra buoyancy for optimal body position. It is suited for athletes who strive for performance and want freedom in every stroke in order to express their strong technique.
The Float is designed with the highest buoyancy rating to assist with technique and stability. It is best suited for athletes looking for a suit to support their developing swim skills. It will save energy in the swim so you can ride and run faster.
All models have a new patterning in the shoulder area to reduce tension and increase freedom of movement with each stroke. Orca made the strategic design decision to remove graphics from the shoulder panel to increase elasticity. Laboratory tests determined that neoprene panels with graphics are less elastic than those without with a difference of 50 Newton. It might appear as a small number but it for sure represents an important energy save. Always on the cutting edge of the latest science and on the hunt for marginal gains, Orca’s decision to remove the graphics from the shoulders to the arms makes each stroke easier and wastes less energy.
Small changes add up to big wins
“The new models all have small changes which makes a big difference when you’re looking for speed in the water. The less stretchy graphics on the suit have been moved from the shoulders to the arms to allow for maximum flexibility in the shoulder panels. The more flexible the material, the less fatigue will build up and the longer and faster we can go, “ she added.
Findlay said she “absolutely” recommends an Orca wetsuit for age group athletes.
“I get a lot of questions about what suit to try, and will always recommend the suit that I actually use.
Paula Findlay/Orca. Photo: Eric Lagerstrom
“With both the Athlex and Apex line and several models within these lines, there are so many options to cater to any kind of swimmer or triathlete. Beginner, experienced, and a variety of price ranges. I recommend checking them out if you’re looking for a new, fast, comfortable suit!”Improved functional assistance, better feel for the water, enhanced freedom of movement, and energy savings will set you up for your best swim split and continue to pay dividends with more matches to burn on the bike and run.