Product Focus: The E-BOMB, an interview with Lukas Skinner

Who better than our team rider Lukas Skinner to talk about the E-BOMB? We took the time to sit down with the young surfer from Cornwall to get his thoughts on the E-BOMB, the most flexible wetsuit in the Rip Curl range. Performance, flexibility, feel in the water… He shares his feedback on a model that has become a true benchmark.

Hi Lukas, first of all, how and where are you spending your winter this year?

Lukas Skinner - I am really, really good, I’ve been surfing and training a lot! I’ve spent some time in Morocco, the Philippines, and Ireland, and now I am back home, preparing for the next QS in Morocco.

What are your goals for this season ?

Lukas Skinner - This season, I really want to win some events, qualify for the CS (Challenger Series), and most of all, have as much fun as possible and go on some surf trips.

In what kind of conditions do you usually wear an E-BOMB?

Lukas Skinner - The E-BOMB is amazing, I absolutely love this wetsuit all year round, from the summer months to the winter months. It’s my most used wetsuit at home. In the winter, I wear the 5/3 hooded E-BOMB for long, cold surfs so that I stay warm while still having as much flexibility as possible.

The E-BOMB is presented as Rip Curl’s most flexible wetsuit, we’d be very interested in hearing your thoughts on that?

Lukas Skinner – I genuinely think this wetsuit is the most flexible suit on the market, from what I have experienced and heard from other people. I haven’t worn another brand’s suit in almost eight years now, but I would definitely recommend the E-BOMB to anyone who wants that flexibility while paddling and surfing, especially during long sessions.

Is there a detail or something you particularly like about the E-BOMB model?

Lukas Skinner – The standout detail in this suit for me is how much movement you have in the shoulders. I love the design on the upper body and the material that is used, all around, it’s amazing.

How would you describe the sense of freedom of movement it gives you in the water? When you’re doing airs or other maneuvers…

Lukas Skinner – The way I describe the difference between the E-BOMB and any other wetsuit is that you can wear a 5/3 and move as if you’re in a summer suit. It allows you to go into cold water without losing freedom of movement, so you can continue progressing your surfing while staying super warm at the same time.

From a thermal perspective, do you find it warm? Do you ever feel cold and if so, after how long? Considering you spend quite a bit of time in cold water.

Lukas Skinner – Honestly, I catch a lot of waves when I surf (laughs), so I never really get cold. But if I do, it usually takes a long time of being sat around waiting for a wave. It’s not as warm as, say, the FUSION, but for me it’s perfect, and I would definitely recommend it.

Do you have a memorable session where it really made a difference?

Lukas Skinner – Every session at home this winter has stood out for me, as it’s the first year I have consistently used the E-BOMB. The difference it has made is that I can enjoy more surfs because I don’t feel like I’m moving like a robot (laughs). I feel loose and can move freely, doing whatever I want!

Who would you recommend the E-BOMB to? What type of surfer will benefit the most from it?

Lukas Skinner – I would recommend this to everyone, but mainly to people who catch a high number of waves and want that edge of being free while paddling. It also takes less energy out of your long surfs because you feel a lot more free.

More broadly, beyond the product, how does Rip Curl’s vision of surfing resonate with you and your own approach to the sport?

Lukas Skinner – Rip Curl’s vision is the best vision. I love where they are going, and working with such an iconic brand means the world to me. I cannot wait to go on some Search trips, it really opens up my eyes to what is possible, allowing me to achieve my dreams while having the most fun and making amazing memories with such cool people!