# Inflatable Surf Gear Billabong V1 Wetsuit Increases Survival Chances in a Wipeout By Matt Ho | Published 2011-08-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/billabong-v1-wetsuit References: [blessthisstuff](http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/sports/water-sports/billabong-v1-big-wave-floatation-wetsuit/) & [billabong](http://www.billabong.com/us/blog-post/2640/2011-06-03-shane-dorian-at-jaws) It's extremely difficult to get to the surface when surfers wipe out in a big wave; but thanks to the Billabong V1 Wetsuit, death by drowning may no longer be a problem. After suffering a huge wipeout, surfer Shane Dorian became inspired to create the Billabong V1 Wetsuit to increase the chances of survival out in the waters. The idea behind this project is to incorporate an [air bladder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerobag-system) right into the suit itself. The item operates via [carbon-dioxide cartridge that inflates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-milano-jacket) with a ripcord. Once it's activated, the suit will bring the individual back to the surface, which means he no longer has to swim for his life. The Billabong V1 Wetsuit is still patent pending, but it should be available soon. When it does come out, it'll ease the anxieties of taking on the [big waves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfbuddy). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Inflatable Surf Gear:** The creation of the Billabong V1 Wetsuit featuring an incorporated air bladder presents opportunities for the development of more inflatable surfing gear. - **Safety Equipment Innovation:** The Billabong V1 Wetsuit highlights the need for more innovative safety gear in the surfing industry. - **Carbon-dioxide Cartridge Integration:** Implementing carbon-dioxide cartridge technology in various industries presents opportunities for increased safety measures and emergency responses. ### Where This Applies - **Surfing Industry:** The Billabong V1 Wetsuit introduces opportunities for further innovations in the surfing industry centered around safety and emergency response. - **Outdoor Gear Industry:** The development of inflatable gear for outdoor sports and recreation could lead to increased safety measures and injury prevention. - **Emergency Response Industry:** The integration of carbon-dioxide cartridge technology into emergency response equipment could improve safety measures and response times. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Inflating Kids Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-swimwear.md) - [Under-Arm Rescue Floatation Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ua80-evolution-vest.md) - [Inflatable Hydrofoil Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lift-blowfish.md) - [Lightweight Surfing Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wtr-icon.md) - [Winter Sport Survivalist Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/db-snow-pro-vest.md) - [Limestone-Based Sustainable Wetsuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetsuits-2.md) - [Competitive Surf Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfbuddy.md) - [Bespoke Scuba Diving Drysuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diving-drysuit.md) - [Wetsuit Rental Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetsuit-rental-program.md)