Innovative big wave surfing wetsuit from Billabong

Shane Dorian, legendary big wave surfer, had a near death experience back in 2010 at Mavericks which could have put him out of the game if it wasn't for his latest invention which has allowed him to face the 50+ft waves again.

Working together with Billabong Wetsuits and Mustang Survival Corporation, Dorian created the first wetsuit with a built-in instantly inflatable air bladder. With a quick tug on a ripcord, the wetsuit quickly lifts the wearer from deep underwater to the surface.

The revolutionary suit has been dubbed the “Billabong V1” with the V standing for Vertical ascent and the 1 indicating positive altitude, or one foot above sea level.