Oh Snap! Gear Made for Watermen

Early morning at the marina is a study in contrasts. The sky is just beginning to lighten, gulls are already wheeling overhead, and you can feel the bite of a sea breeze on your cheeks. Boards are strapped to roof racks, tanks are clinking on the dock, and coffee‑steam curls into the cold air. In the middle of this familiar ritual, a sharp, satisfying snap cuts through the hush. You look down at the Surf‑fur Water Parka you've just fastened and grin. That little click is more than a bit of tactile fun, it signals that you're wrapped in a piece of equipment that's been engineered from hood to hem for life on and around the water.

The Science of the Snap

We tend to take fasteners for granted until they let us down. Anyone who's wrestled with a stuck wetsuit zipper knows the frustration. Over time, metal zippers can corrode. Salt spray and humidity work their way into the slider and teeth until it jams. Modern zipper systems on wetsuits and board bags are often metal rather than plastic, and that makes them more vulnerable to salt water. When a zipper seizes just as you're about to jump in, you're suddenly reminded that every component matters.

Surf‑fur looked beyond traditional closures and searched high and low for hardware that could stand up to ocean life. We found it in Germany, where marine‑grade stainless steel snaps are designed for boats and offshore equipment. Stainless steel is non‑porous, easy to clean, and resists rust and corrosion even in the harshest conditions. In fact, these snaps last around twenty times longer than regular metal snaps and roughly fifty times longer than most zippers - numbers that make sense when you consider that zippers on ocean gear often need vinegar baths to break salt buildup. 

Salt water and humid air are brutal on cheap hardware. Inferior parts corrode, jam, or break at the worst possible moment. The marine‑grade snaps on the Surf‑fur Waterparka are strong enough to hold up under pressure without bending or jamming, but they're still smooth enough to satisfy your inner fidgeter. One click holds the coat closed while the bottom stays loose so you can grab your fish, warm beenie, or high‑five your dive buddy without feeling restricted.

The fun doesn't stop with the snaps. Our customers have figured out the best part of the snaps- "the spin the snap" move where you spin around and flail it open with a flourish. It's a small detail, but it illustrates how every part of the garment is there for a reason. That sense of purpose runs through the entire Surf‑fur range.

Built for Watermen

The flagship Waterparka is more than a robe to change under. It doubles as a shield against wind, water, and cold. The exterior looks like a rugged coat, but the secret lies in the custom‑made fleece. Surf‑fur's fleece is soft, lightweight, and hydrophobic, holding less than one percent of its weight in water. Because it doesn't absorb much water, it retains warmth even if the spray soaks the outside fully.

The the extra secret? The fabric is actually two layers of fleece with a windproof, waterproof and breathable membrane that bonds the two pieces together making it like a one layer fabric. In other words, breathable means you stay toasty without overheating while rigging gear or hiking down to the beach. What else does this mean?? It is super fast drying!

It's made from 100 percent recycled polyester – giving plastic a second life rather than sending it to a landfill.  

Beyond the fabric, the Water Parka is loaded with practical details. Hidden slit “Zen” pockets let you reach inside the coat to pull on wetsuits or shorts without baring skin to the wind. An extra‑long hem extends protection down to your shins, keeping wind and sun off your legs. A built‑in neck warmer replaces the need for a scarf, and the three‑panel hood adjusts to fit snugly over a beanie or ponytail. 

Despite its technical performance, the parka looks good enough to wear on the catwalk. Pair it with rubber boots on a fishing boat or with jeans at a clam bake – either way, you look like part of the crew.

Inside, the fit is roomy without being bulky. We suggest not sizing up too much because the material stretches from the hips when you move. Note that the fleece is a bonded fabric, so it requires gentle care. Avoid detergents with oils, wash in cold water, hang dry in the shade, and never iron. The payoff for that extra care is longevity. Treat it right, and this parka will be your trusted companion for years.

The Warm. The Versatile. The SurfCheck Hoodie!

Not every day calls for a full‑length parka. Sometimes you just need a layer to ward off mist while you check the swell or wait for your buddy to gear up. That's where the SurfCheck Hoodie comes in. Designed with the same ocean‑loving mindset, this hoodie blends comfort with performance. The fabric is the same water‑resistant bonded fleece - windproof, waterproof, breathable. Plush, high‑pile fleece lines the inside to trap body heat without adding bulk. Reinforced stitching, taped seams and heavy‑duty zippers mean you don't have to baby it – throw it on, zip it up, and focus on the sets.

The fit on this baby has an athletic cut to move with you, whether you're paddling out or loading a kayak. It is supposed to be snug to keep the heat in AND make it a great layer to go under the Waterparka if there is a nor'easter coming in.

Environmental commitment and quality

One of Surf‑fur's guiding principles is that gear should last. Cheap hardware and flimsy fabrics end up in landfills when they fail. By choosing marine‑grade stainless steel snaps, durable fleece, and high‑quality hardware, we reduce the need to replace products frequently. Some customers have reported hanging on to the same Waterparka for over 10 years! Our fleece is made from recycled plastics, turning waste into something useful and durable. When you care for your gear by following the washing instructions: cold water, no fabric softener, hang dry in the shade - you extend its' life even further.

This commitment goes hand in hand with respect for the ocean. When your gear doesn't fall apart, fewer zippers corrode, and fewer pieces of clothing end up as microfibers in the sea. By investing in quality now, you're choosing a smaller environmental footprint later.

A Waterman's Companion

Whether you're a freediver, a spearfisher, a surfer, or a crew member on an offshore rig, our gear fits seamlessly into your routine. 

That satisfying snap you heard earlier wasn't just the sound of a coat closing – it was a reminder that someone has thought through every little detail so you can focus on the waves, the fish, or the horizon. When you reach for your gear in the dark and feel those cold, smooth stainless steel snaps under your fingers, you know you're ready for whatever the day brings. That's the peace-of-mind that comes from equipment designed with purpose and built to perform.