Craftsman, the top-selling wetsuit brand in Japan, has officially entered the U.S. market, offering premium quality at an affordable price. Known for its advanced materials and exceptional craftsmanship, the brand has built a strong following in Japan and is now expanding its reach in the U.S. with support from professional surfer Corey Colapinto.
As a seasoned surfer who has spent much of his life in cold water, Colapinto is no stranger to wetsuit innovation. From his early days as a loyal user of one of the major wetsuit brands, to experimenting with various materials like Japanese rubber and Yulex, Colapinto’s personal journey mirrors the growth of the wetsuit industry itself. With a surge of new niche wetsuit brands over the past decade, Colapinto thought he had explored all the options—until he encountered Craftsman.
Earlier this year, Colapinto was spotted sporting Craftsman wetsuits, a brand previously unknown to many in the U.S. After learning that Craftsman has dominated the wetsuit market in Japan for several years, Colapinto’s endorsement sparked curiosity. This year, Craftsman made its U.S. debut through an exclusive distribution deal with SurfBored US.
While Colapinto’s cousins, Griffin and Crosby Colapinto, have garnered attention on the pro surf circuit, Corey has captured the spotlight through social media, showcasing his self-shaped “Kookapinto” boards in relatable, yet graceful, surf sessions. His laid-back approach has resonated with fans in Japan, where his style translated seamlessly into his role as Craftsman’s first U.S. team rider.
Having grown up in San Clemente, California, Colapinto is no stranger to the demands of wetsuit performance. From warm summer sessions in lightweight suits to frigid winter surf where warmth is crucial, he has tested a wide range of wetsuits. According to Colapinto, Craftsman strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and warmth, especially for cold-water surfing.
For newcomers to cold-water surfing, donning a wetsuit can feel awkward and uncomfortable at first. Paddling in a stiff, tight suit can feel like a workout in itself, and peeling it off after a session may seem like another challenge. However, over time, wetsuits become second nature, transforming into protective gear that allows surfers to endure hours in cool, cold, or even near-freezing waters.
While there are many wetsuit brands on the market, premium suits made from Japanese rubber are often considered the gold standard. These suits are known for their soft, smooth texture, and superior flexibility. However, their high-end materials usually come with a hefty price tag, often in the $600–$700 range. Craftsman, however, offers a premium 3mm full wetsuit at a more accessible price point of $400. While it’s still a significant investment, it’s considerably more affordable than many high-end Japanese wetsuits, while still competing with well-known brands like Billabong, Rip Curl, and O’Neill, whose premium suits typically retail for around $500.
According to Colapinto, one of the standout features of the Craftsman wetsuit is its exceptional flexibility without sacrificing warmth. “I’ve worn so many different suits over the years,” Colapinto said. “But what I love about this one is how highly flexible it is, yet still incredibly warm. It feels just as warm as, if not warmer than, any winter 4/3 I’ve ever worn, but with much more flex and comfort.”
Another unique aspect of Craftsman wetsuits is the U-zip opening, a feature commonly found in high-end Japanese suits. Colapinto shared, “This is my first suit with that opening, and I’m a fan. It makes getting in and out so much easier.”
With its combination of high-quality materials, reasonable pricing, and endorsement from a rising surf star like Corey Colapinto, Craftsman is poised to make waves in the U.S. surf scene, offering surfers a fresh, premium alternative to the traditional wetsuit giants.
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