Vissla Review: The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly, High-Performance Surf Gear

Hey there, fellow surf enthusiast! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the best gear to elevate your wave-riding experience. And if you also care about protecting the oceans we love, you‘ll want to check out Vissla – the innovative surf brand that‘s making a splash with their eco-friendly materials, cutting-edge designs, and commitment to the coastal lifestyle.

In this ultimate Vissla review, I‘ll share my firsthand experience with their wetsuits, boardshorts, and accessories, along with insights from other Vissla devotees and industry experts. Whether you‘re a seasoned shredder or just starting to paddle out, this guide will help you decide if Vissla deserves a spot in your surf quiver. Let‘s dive in!

About Vissla: Surf Culture Meets Sustainability

Founded in 2014 by surf industry veteran Paul Naude, Vissla is a California-based brand that‘s all about celebrating the creative spirit of surfing while minimizing environmental impact. Their mission is to "protect oceans and waves through innovation, products, and initiatives that put sustainability in the forefront."

What does that mean in practice? Vissla uses a variety of eco-friendly materials in their products, like recycled polyester, organic cotton, coconut fibers, and limestone-based neoprene. They also partner with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Waves for Water to support beach cleanups, water access, and ocean conservation efforts.

But Vissla isn‘t just about sustainability – they‘re also obsessed with craftsmanship and performance. Many of their wetsuits and boardshorts are handmade by skilled artisans in Japan, using premium materials and construction techniques. The result is gear that looks great, feels amazing, and can withstand the demands of hardcore surfing.

Vissla Wetsuit Reviews: Warmth, Flexibility, and Eco-Friendliness

As an avid coldwater surfer, I‘m always looking for wetsuits that provide maximum warmth and flexibility without feeling bulky or restricting. Vissla‘s wetsuits have quickly become some of my favorites, thanks to their innovative designs and materials. Here are two standout models:

Vissla High Seas 4/3 Wetsuit Review

Specs:

  • 4/3mm thickness
  • Limestone-based "Eco-Neoprene Lite" fabric
  • Thermal lining with hollow fibers and graphene
  • 100% external seam sealing
  • Floating front zip entry

The High Seas is Vissla‘s warmest and most flexible wetsuit, designed for frigid surf conditions in the 38-50°F range. The first thing I noticed when I put it on was how incredibly lightweight and stretchy it felt – no stiffness or resistance at all. The limestone-based neoprene is super soft and pliable, while the thermal lining adds warmth without bulk.

In the water, the High Seas performed flawlessly. I could paddle and pop up with ease, and never felt any flushing or water entry. The seam sealing is bombproof, and the floating front zip is a nice touch for added flexibility. Even after a 2-hour session in 45°F water, I stayed toasty and energized.

But the best part? The High Seas is made with Vissla‘s "Eco-Neoprene Lite," a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based neoprene. It‘s derived from limestone, emits less CO2 during production, and is easier to recycle. So you can feel good about your environmental impact while staying warm and comfortable.

The High Seas is definitely a premium wetsuit, with a retail price of $549. But considering its high-end features, eco-friendly construction, and overall quality, I think it‘s well worth the investment for dedicated coldwater surfers.

Vissla 7 Seas 3/2 Wetsuit Review

Specs:

  • 3/2mm thickness
  • Recycled stretch neoprene
  • Thermal lining with Graphene and Upcycled Black polyester
  • Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating
  • Chest zip entry

For surfers in more temperate regions, the 7 Seas is Vissla‘s most popular and versatile wetsuit. I‘ve owned several iterations of this model over the years, and the latest version continues to impress with its balance of warmth, flexibility, and eco-friendly features.

The 3/2mm thickness is perfect for water temperatures in the 58-68°F range, and the recycled stretch neoprene provides excellent mobility and comfort. I love the thermal lining, which uses graphene (a super conductive material) and upcycled black polyester to trap heat without adding weight.

Other standout features of the 7 Seas include the DWR coating, which helps the suit dry quickly and repel water, and the chest zip entry, which eliminates flushing and allows for easy on-and-off. The suit also has reinforced knee pads, a key pocket on the calf, and a smooth recycled jersey neck lining to prevent chafing.

Like the High Seas, the 7 Seas incorporates eco-friendly materials and construction methods. The recycled neoprene and polyester reduce the suit‘s carbon footprint, while the limestone-based neoprene in the primary panels is more sustainable than traditional petroleum-based options.

At $369, the 7 Seas is competitively priced for a mid-range wetsuit with high-end features. It‘s available in a range of stylish colorways and retro-inspired prints that reflect Vissla‘s unique aesthetic.

Vissla Boardshorts Review: Sustainable Style and Performance

Of course, no surf brand would be complete without a solid selection of boardshorts. Vissla offers a variety of styles for men, women, and kids, all made with eco-friendly materials and designed for maximum comfort and durability. Here are two of my favorites:

Vissla Sofa Surfer 20" Boardshort Review

Specs:

  • 20" outseam
  • 4-way stretch recycled polyester with coconut fiber
  • DWR coating
  • Welded side pocket with key loop

The Sofa Surfer is Vissla‘s take on the classic board short silhouette, with a 20" outseam that hits just above the knee. What sets it apart is the innovative fabric: a 4-way stretch recycled polyester with coconut fibers woven in for added strength, odor resistance, and sustainability.

I‘ve been wearing the Sofa Surfer for everything from surfing to swimming to lounging, and it‘s quickly become my go-to short. The stretchy fabric moves with your body and dries quickly, while the DWR coating repels water and sand. I also appreciate the welded side pocket, which is roomy enough for a key or credit card without adding bulk.

The Sofa Surfer comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, from classic solids to vibrant tropicals. At $69, it‘s a reasonably priced option for an eco-friendly, high-performance board short.

Vissla Upcycled 18.5" Boardshort Review

Specs:

  • 18.5" outseam
  • Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles
  • 4-way stretch fabric with DWR coating
  • Triple-stitched seams
  • Patch pocket with Velcro closure

For surfers who want to make an even bigger impact on ocean plastic pollution, the Vissla Upcycled boardshort is an excellent choice. Each pair is made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles – about 10-12 bottles per short!

Despite its eco-friendly origins, the Upcycled short doesn‘t sacrifice any performance features. The 4-way stretch fabric is lightweight and quick-drying, with a DWR finish for water repellency. The slightly shorter 18.5" outseam provides ample coverage without impeding your mobility.

I‘ve found the Upcycled short to be extremely durable, thanks to its triple-stitched seams and solid construction. The patch pocket is also a nice touch for stashing small essentials on the go.

At $64, the Upcycled short is an affordable and stylish way to support Vissla‘s sustainability mission. It‘s available in a small but eye-catching selection of colorblocked designs.

Vissla‘s Environmental and Social Impact

One of the things I admire most about Vissla is their genuine commitment to environmental and social responsibility. They go beyond just using eco-friendly materials to actively support conservation efforts and empower coastal communities around the world.

Here are some key stats and initiatives that showcase Vissla‘s impact:

  • Materials: In 2020, Vissla used over 500,000 yards of recycled fabric, 50,000 coconuts, and 30,000 pounds of limestone in their products. They also eliminated virgin neoprene from their wetsuit line and transitioned to 100% recycled and plant-based options.

  • Carbon Footprint: Vissla has reduced their carbon emissions by 30% since 2017 through initiatives like using renewable energy in their offices and offsetting their production and shipping emissions.

  • Recycling: Vissla‘s "Upcycle Program" takes back old wetsuits and boardshorts to be recycled into new products like changing mats and traction pads. To date, they‘ve diverted over 10,000 pounds of gear from landfills.

  • Conservation: Vissla partners with nonprofits like the Surfrider Foundation, Save The Waves Coalition, and WSL PURE to support beach cleanups, marine protected areas, and sustainable surf tourism. They‘ve helped raise over $500,000 for these causes.

  • Community: Vissla sponsors a range of pro and amateur surfers, artists, and environmental activists who are making a positive impact in their communities. They also host events like the Vissla Creators & Innovators Upcycle Contest, which challenges young designers to create products from recycled materials.

What Other Surfers Are Saying About Vissla

Don‘t just take my word for it – Vissla has earned glowing reviews from surfers and industry experts around the world. Here are some highlights:

"I‘ve been wearing Vissla‘s 7 Seas wetsuit for over a year now, and it‘s hands-down the best wetsuit I‘ve ever owned. The warmth, flexibility, and durability are unmatched, and I love that it‘s made with recycled materials." – Kelly, California (via TrustPilot)

"Vissla‘s Upcycled boardshorts are my new favorite piece of surf gear. Not only do they look and feel great, but I can feel good knowing that I‘m helping to keep plastic waste out of the ocean. Plus, Vissla‘s customer service is top-notch – they really stand behind their products." – Mark, Australia (via Vissla‘s website)

"As someone who‘s been in the surf industry for over 20 years, I‘ve seen a lot of brands come and go. But Vissla has really impressed me with their commitment to sustainability and innovation. They‘re not just jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon – they‘re actually walking the walk and pushing the industry forward." – Dave Rastovich, pro surfer and environmental activist (via Surfer Magazine)

Vissla has also earned accolades from media outlets like Surfer Magazine, which named the 7 Seas its "Wetsuit of the Year" in 2020, and the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA), which awarded Vissla "Wetsuit of the Year" and "Environmental Product of the Year" in 2019.

How Vissla Compares to Other Surf Brands

Of course, Vissla isn‘t the only surf brand out there – they‘re competing in a crowded market with established players like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Rip Curl. So how do they stack up in terms of price, quality, and sustainability? Here‘s my take:

  • Price: Vissla‘s prices are on par with other premium surf brands, with wetsuits ranging from $200-500+ and boardshorts from $60-100+. They‘re not the cheapest option out there, but you‘re paying for high-quality materials and construction.

  • Quality: In my experience, Vissla‘s products are extremely well-made and durable. Their wetsuits and boardshorts can withstand heavy use in harsh surf conditions, and their attention to detail (like reinforced knee pads and welded seams) sets them apart.

  • Sustainability: This is where Vissla really shines. While other brands are starting to incorporate more eco-friendly materials and practices, Vissla has made sustainability a core part of their brand identity from the start. They‘re constantly pushing the envelope with new innovations like limestone neoprene and coconut fiber fabric.

  • Style: Vissla has a distinct aesthetic that blends retro surf style with modern performance features. Their designs are clean, colorful, and eye-catching without being over-the-top trendy. If you‘re looking for timeless surf style with a sustainable twist, Vissla is a great choice.

The Bottom Line: Is Vissla Worth It?

So, after all my research and firsthand experience, would I recommend Vissla to fellow surfers? Absolutely!

Vissla‘s combination of quality craftsmanship, eco-friendly materials, and classic surf style is hard to beat. Their wetsuits and boardshorts are not only high-performing and durable, but also sustainably made with recycled and plant-based materials. And their commitment to supporting environmental causes and empowering coastal communities is truly admirable.

Yes, Vissla‘s prices are on the higher end, but I believe their products are worth the investment for serious surfers who value sustainability and want gear that will last for seasons to come. Plus, their frequent sales and promotions (like 25% off full-priced wetsuits) can help make their prices more accessible.

Of course, every surfer‘s needs and preferences are different. If you‘re a beginner or occasional surfer, you may not need all the bells and whistles of Vissla‘s premium wetsuits and boardshorts. And if you‘re on a tight budget, there are certainly cheaper options out there.

But if you‘re looking for high-quality, eco-friendly surf gear that looks great and performs even better, I highly recommend giving Vissla a try. Their dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and surf culture shines through in every product they make.

So grab your board, pull on your Vissla wetsuit and boardshorts, and paddle out into the lineup with confidence – knowing that you‘re not only investing in your own surf experience but also supporting a brand that‘s making waves in the fight to protect our oceans.

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