Q: What is Surf-fur?

A: Surf-fur is a unique, multifunctional coat designed for surfers, divers, beachgoers and other ocean enthusiasts. The soft coat is made of lightweight polyester fleece with a special inner membrane called polytetrafluoroethylene, which allows maximum protection from blustery conditions.

Q: What special features sets Surf-fur apart from other utility garments?

A: The Surf-fur coat, which has a design patent pending, is made of the same material used by the Spanish Army. The stylish, reversible, hooded coat is wind and water resistant. The garment’s long, generous cut allows surfers and divers to change in and out of their wetsuits and other surf apparel comfortably. The coat even has changing pockets that go all the way through. The Surf-fur is machine washable, and has stainless steel reversible snaps. The soft, light-weight, breathable coat can also attach or snap to a boat for hang drying.

Q: Who is the Surf-fur designed for?

A: The Surf-fur comes in various sizes, and can be worn by men, women and kids. It is made for surfers, divers, kayakers, lifeguards, fishermen, oceanographers, Coast Guards, surf team coaches, swimmers, sailors, tri-athletes and canoers.

Q: How is the Surf-fur utilized?

A: The Surf-FUR is an all-around protective utility garment that offers comfort, warmth and safety. Because the body loses heat 10 times faster in water than in air of the same temperature, prolonged periods in the water may produce long, slow cooling and undetected hypothermia, even in tropical water. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) suggests that water sportsmen, especially divers, use protective garments to heat up before, in between, and after dives to insure that the body heat has been restored. Besides keeping warm and dry, the Surf-FUR coat can be used for changing, wrapping and storing wetsuits in the car, and wearing over a wetsuit to keep the car seats dry.

Q: Is there a market for Surf-fur?

A: Yes. To date there is no other garment like the Surf-fur on the market. According to the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, the surf apparel industry has grown to more than $2.5 billion annually, and is expected to continue to increase, making way for opportunities for companies and products like Surf-fur.

Q: Who are the creative minds behind the Surf-fur?

A: Surf-fur was created in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Zenon and Cynthia Issel, two Southern California surfers and entrepreneurs who were looking to fill a need in the market for a warm, comfortable and functional, before-and-after surf coat.

Q: When will Surf-fur be available on the market?

A: Surf-fur expects its first big shipment of coats in October 2007.