Vissla and the Surfrider Foundation teamed up to produce a one-of-a-kind wetsuit.
The Rising Seas wetsuit is a neoprene skin equipped with a built-in bio-defense system that will protect surfers from adverse effects of water pollution.
The revolutionary wetsuit will also inform wave riders of the presence of viruses, oil spills, harmful bacteria, algae blooms, and high levels of run-off pollution in the ocean.
The innovative neoprene protection was designed by Alex Kemp and Scott Brown of Lone Wolfs Objets d' Surf.
The Rising Seas concept features an LED display mask with high-grade LCoS optical-level coating that will analyze and inform the surfer about bacteria levels, water temperature levels, and solar radiation.
The futuristic wetsuit also comes with a touch screen display that will allow users to access swell charts, get weather updates and alerts on changes in local environmental conditions.
"The thought that we may need this wetsuit in the future is frightening. We're asking everyone who cares about a healthy planet to help us to never have to produce it," notes Paul Naude, CEO of Vissla.
A Wake-Up Call
The Rising Seas wetsuit is a wake-up call. Surfers and citizens in general who love the ocean must act now and demand political leaders to address the climate change crisis immediately.
Healthy beaches and clean water are critical to the countries' communities, economies, and recreation industries.
Every year, coastal recreation and tourism generate 2.4 million jobs and contribute more than $124 billion to the US economy.
Nevertheless, the consequences of offshore oil drilling, accumulation of plastic in the water, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels are putting all the above benefits at risk.
According to Surfrider, pollution at US beaches costs $2.2 billion annually.
"The Rising Seas wetsuit is our reality unless we take immediate action to address climate change impacts and pollution. It's just a stark glimpse into what every surfer and coastal lover face if nothing is done," concludes Eddie Anaya, marketing director at Surfrider.
The environmental organization is asking the surfers and the public to sign an action alert that will be sent directly to congressional representatives and hand-delivered to Congress.