How Sharkskin Uses Far Infrared (FIR) to Boost Water Sport Performance
Staying warm and comfortable in cold water is crucial for anyone taking part in watersport activities—whether diving, swimming, surfing, or paddling. At Sharkskin, we embrace infrared therapy as part of our innovative approach to retain body heat and enhance your overall experience. Below, we’ll explore how infrared light from the infrared spectrum—specifically far infrared (FIR)—offers unique health benefits, supports cellular repair, and supercharges your water sport performance.
Understanding Far Infrared: The Invisible Heat Source
Far infrared is a band of infrared radiation that humans can’t see but can feel as gentle, radiant heat. It sits on the infrared spectrum beyond the red portion of visible light and is known for its potential in thermal therapy. When applied correctly, FIR heats your body by penetrating your skin’s surface, stimulating warmth from within, and promoting various physiological benefits.
Why FIR Matters in Cold Water
In cooler environments, your body naturally struggles to maintain its core temperature. A garment harnessing infrared therapy helps preserve warmth without bulky, rigid materials. By reflecting your own body’s energy back as far infrared, these specialised fabrics work to:
- Retain body heat efficiently
- Encourage cellular repair
- Improve blood flow and circulation
How Do Wetsuits Work with FIR?
Traditional wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water that your body warms. Sharkskin’s approach adds a far infrared element into the mix, ensuring you stay warmer for longer—even in challenging conditions. The benefits of far infrared include faster thermal therapy, reduced heat loss, and ongoing comfort as you move in and out of the water.
FIR in Sharkskin Garments
1. FIR-Infused Fabrics
Sharkskin incorporates specialised fibres—like in our Thermal Flex range—that are embedded with FIR technology. These fibres capture and redirect your body’s own heat, so you experience an additional warming effect without extra bulk.
2. Health Benefits & Cellular Repair
Far infrared has been linked to health benefits such as enhanced muscle recovery and cellular repair. By reflecting infrared heat back into the body, our garments help ease muscle fatigue and can contribute to a more pleasant, less tiring watersport session.
3. Performance & Comfort
Whether you’re pushing your limits in a triathlon, diving into cooler waters, or doing a relaxed paddle, the benefits of far infrared can lead to better stamina and comfort. If you’re looking for extra performance support, our R-Series Compression and Performance Wear range also uses the latest fabric technologies to regulate body temperature and improve movement efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Far Infrared?
Far Infrared is a type of infrared radiation situated at the low-energy end of the infrared spectrum. It is invisible to the human eye but felt as a comforting, radiant warmth that can provide thermal therapy benefits by heating your body from within.
How is Far Infrared Used in Wetsuits?
Certain wetsuits work by embedding FIR technology into their fabric layers, reflecting your own body’s heat back to you. This process helps retain body heat more effectively and can aid cellular repair, circulation, and overall comfort in cold water conditions.
Experience Sharkskin’s FIR Advantage
The Sharkskin brand was founded in Australia to help water enthusiasts stay warm before, during, and after their adventures. Over the years, we’ve expanded globally while retaining our commitment to quality, innovation, and cutting-edge fabric technologies.
Once you experience a Sharkskin garment, you’ll understand why it becomes an essential part of your kit, no matter the weather. Your training and recreational sessions will feel safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable in cold water or any challenging environment.
Whether you’re seeking advanced infrared warmth and therapy, superior flexibility, or just want to stay on top of your performance, we’ve got you covered. Our team is driven by a desire to see Sharkskin continue to grow, expand, and keep you warm—in, on, and under the water.
Disclaimer: Always consider local water temperatures, personal health, and activity levels when selecting a thermal garment. Far Infrared technology does not replace professional medical advice.
