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Known for the psychedelic patterns found on their inner shells, abalone (sea snails) feature unique colors that are created by nacre, hexagonal platelets of aragonite also known commonly as “mother of pearl” and found on a variety of mollusks. Our print features the piercing blues of New Zealand’s Pāua, the Māori name given to three species Haliotis iris, Haliotis australis and Haliotis virginea.
Main fabric: 88% Repreve® RPET (recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles), 12% spandex
Zipper: polyacetal resin (tough, high strength thermoplastic)
Zipper pull: high tensile strength nylon paracord
Abalone is the common name for a variety of marine snails that are found throughout the world’s oceans. Sought after for their meat and their beautiful shells, populations have declined rapidly and some species are now critically endangered. Our relationship with abalone illustrates the challenges of overexploitation of the marine environment. Until the 1980’s, it was widely thought that abalone populations were resilient and could effectively rebound from harvesting activities. Unfortunately, that has not proven to be true.
Abalone are “broadcast spawners,” meaning that two individuals must be within three feet of one another to sexually reproduce. This type of reproduction makes population recovery very challenging, driving the need for humans to intervene. Marine biologist Nancy Caruso is doing just that, and founded Get Inspired, a non-profit organization that specializes in marine conservation & education.
Besides physically growing juvenile abalone along California’s coast and populating them back into the coastal kelp forest marine habitat, Nancy recognizes that protecting the ocean in the future requires educating children today. That is why she has launched a 10 year initiative to grow 100,000 abalone in classrooms across the golden state and restore them along the southern California coast, inspiring and utilizing the help of the next generation of scientists along the way. 10% of profits from your purchase will be donated to this restoration effort.
Nancy Caruso holding green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) off the coast of California.
Growing juvenile abalone. Once they reach adulthood, they’ll be released into the wild along southern California’s coast.
High school student divers trained by Nancy to participate in the abalone restoration efforts.
The next generation of scientists measuring abalone in their classroom nursery.
Photos used to create this print were taken by Alyssa Frederick, a PhD researcher, science advocate and communicator. Her PhD research focuses on how disease and temperature stress affect abalone.
Six months ago I had back fusion surgery so I've been looking for a swimsuit to wear under my wetsuit, and/or in the pool, to hide my back incisions while also protecting them from sun exposure. I am amazed at the quality of these products - this is not your flimsy Lycra suit, it is a hefty yet very soft fabric! I'm 70 and was concerned about butt coverage so I also ordered the shorts and now I'll be warm and cozy in my wetsuit. I am 5'8" and 128 lbs and ordered the S (Strong) thinking I would likely need to exchange it. But it fits perfectly and I can't wait to wear it diving. My next order will be a pair of the leggings, probably more useful in our Iowa winter than the sunsuit :-). Sadly we cancelled our St Lucia dive trip due to COVID, but we will get through this pandemic and be able to travel safely again. I especially love that these products support research and educational outreach about environmental conservation, and I'm anxious to learn more.
Amazing quality - thicker and sturdier than I imagined, which is great because other brands I have tried don’t seem like they will last as long as this should. I ordered a small based on the measurements of the Director/model shown. I am similar measurements, but might have preferred a medium - good enough fit though that I won’t be exchanging. All around very happy with the pieces I received and would definitely recommend/purchase again!
5'10" and 150lbs
waist: 27 in
hips: 36-37 in
Size ordered: Medium
I ordered this along with the leggings and crop top. The sunsuit fit nicely up top. It was snug around the neck, but not in a bad way. I ended up returning the product because it was too short for my torso. It felt like it was pulling up on my bum and crotch. I asked if it got longer with bigger sizes, and they said not significantly. If it came in longer torso sizes I'd definitely try it out again! :)
My favorite bathing suit! Super flattering for full-bodied women like me!
This is the BEST sun suit I have ever had, hands down. It fits like a dream, the pattern is beautiful and it stays put whilst I'm surfing/swimming and diving. The fit is true to size, and I love the extra little features like the thumb holes. The customer service we received was second to none too, and the team went above and beyond to look after us and made sure my order arrived all the way to Australia. I wish all companies were as good as Waterlust, keep up the amazing work you guys! YOU ROCK!!!! <3
All around happy with my purchase! Arrived relatively quickly, even ordering on pre-order! I am 5' 9"/140 lbs and I ordered a size medium. I was worried about the fit because I have a long torso but it fits perfectly! The material feels durable and I look forward to jumping in the ocean with it!
Six months ago I had back fusion surgery so I've been looking for a swimsuit to wear under my wetsuit, and/or in the pool, to hide my back incisions while also protecting them from sun exposure. I am amazed at the quality of these products - this is not your flimsy Lycra suit, it is a hefty yet very soft fabric! I'm 70 and was concerned about butt coverage so I also ordered the shorts and now I'll be warm and cozy in my wetsuit. I am 5'8" and 128 lbs and ordered the S (Strong) thinking I would likely need to exchange it. But it fits perfectly and I can't wait to wear it diving. My next order will be a pair of the leggings, probably more useful in our Iowa winter than the sunsuit :-). Sadly we cancelled our St Lucia dive trip due to COVID, but we will get through this pandemic and be able to travel safely again. I especially love that these products support research and educational outreach about environmental conservation, and I'm anxious to learn more.
Amazing quality - thicker and sturdier than I imagined, which is great because other brands I have tried don’t seem like they will last as long as this should. I ordered a small based on the measurements of the Director/model shown. I am similar measurements, but might have preferred a medium - good enough fit though that I won’t be exchanging. All around very happy with the pieces I received and would definitely recommend/purchase again!
5'10" and 150lbs
waist: 27 in
hips: 36-37 in
Size ordered: Medium
I ordered this along with the leggings and crop top. The sunsuit fit nicely up top. It was snug around the neck, but not in a bad way. I ended up returning the product because it was too short for my torso. It felt like it was pulling up on my bum and crotch. I asked if it got longer with bigger sizes, and they said not significantly. If it came in longer torso sizes I'd definitely try it out again! :)
My favorite bathing suit! Super flattering for full-bodied women like me!
This is the BEST sun suit I have ever had, hands down. It fits like a dream, the pattern is beautiful and it stays put whilst I'm surfing/swimming and diving. The fit is true to size, and I love the extra little features like the thumb holes. The customer service we received was second to none too, and the team went above and beyond to look after us and made sure my order arrived all the way to Australia. I wish all companies were as good as Waterlust, keep up the amazing work you guys! YOU ROCK!!!! <3
All around happy with my purchase! Arrived relatively quickly, even ordering on pre-order! I am 5' 9"/140 lbs and I ordered a size medium. I was worried about the fit because I have a long torso but it fits perfectly! The material feels durable and I look forward to jumping in the ocean with it!
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13759057395748_5000x.jpg?v=1576180400)
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13759057952804_5000x.jpg?v=1576180279)
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13759058673700_5000x.jpg?v=1576180312)
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13759059591204_5000x.jpg?v=1576180293)
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13767160135716_5000x.jpg?v=1576266711)
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13767160856612_5000x.jpg?v=1576266697)
![Model: Fiona is our Director of Operations at Waterlust. She is 5’9, 134 lbs, 34B and is wearing a size [S]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0137/6210/1348/products/waterlust-abalone-restoration-sun-suit-13767161511972_5000x.jpg?v=1576266680)
