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February 20, 2015
DOVE: The Pinnacle of Japanese Surf Wetsuits – Exploring the Excellence of DOVE
DOVE | The Pinnacle of Japanese Wetsuit Craftsmanship
The Excellence of DOVE: A Manufacturer Revered as the Apex (Part 1)
DOVE. The name resonates with any surfer, a testament to its status as Japan's preeminent wetsuit manufacturer. While many wetsuit brands have come and gone, DOVE boasts a history spanning 37 years, a clear indicator of its quality and unparalleled presence. We visited their factory in Hiratsuka.
Photographs by DOVE, OPENERSText by HOSOMURA Gotaro (OPENERS)
Without Natural Waves, There Would Be No DOVE Wetsuits
There is a sport on this planet that allows us to ride upon energy itself: surfing. Scientifically speaking, it's about riding waves. This can sometimes evoke a feeling of oneness with the Earth. Waves are primarily generated by wind, and swells originating near Japan can even reach Hawaii. The massive waves that crash onto Oahu's North Shore in winter have, in fact, traveled a great distance. Naturally, the powerful swells that occasionally reach Japan also originate from distant seas.
The most widely accepted theory regarding the origin of surfing suggests that ancient Polynesian peoples, in the region that is now Hawaii, rode waves on boards after returning from fishing. While not definitively known, rudimentary forms likely existed around 400 AD. The practice spread throughout Polynesia, and ancient myths often feature tales of wave riding. If this is true, humanity was enjoying the thrill of riding waves approximately 1600 years ago.
After a long journey from those ancient times, modern surfing as a sport is said to have arrived in Japan in the early 1960s. By the early 70s, several Japanese surfboard manufacturers emerged in Chiba and Shonan, gradually embedding surfing culture into the nation. However, dedicated wetsuit manufacturers for surfers did not yet exist. During colder months, surfers relied on imported wetsuits or those made from 3mm neoprene by diving suit manufacturers. The variety was limited, and surfers had to endure the cold by layering up and tolerating restricted movement – a challenging era.
Surfer Yasumori Tokura—A Kind-Hearted Luminary of Japan's Surfing Wetsuit Scene
It was amidst this landscape that DOVE wetsuits were born in 1975. The founder was Yasumori Tokura, a legend in the surfing world, who discovered and became captivated by surfing in the 1960s. At the time, he traveled extensively, seeking out the best waves in Hawaii and Japan, primarily around his home base of Shonan, forging deep connections with local surfers.
“However, as I reached the age of 25, I felt I was at a turning point in my life as a surfer. I wanted to make a living through surfing with my friends, but I didn't want to create conflict with the seniors who had supported me up to that point.”
That's why he chose the path of a wetsuit manufacturer, rather than a surfboard factory or surf shop. Specifically, he aimed to create wetsuits exclusively for surfing, pursuing the functionality and design that surfers themselves desired.
Japan is not a tropical paradise like Hawaii or Bali; wetsuits are essential when the weather turns cold. Beyond providing warmth, wetsuits also serve to protect the body. In essence, they are a surfer's second skin. Now, 37 years after its founding, Mr. Tokura reflects:
“DOVE's ability to endure for over 30 years is entirely thanks to the blessings of the waves, a gift from the Earth. It is because of this world of joy found in the approaching waves, in a small corner of the world's oceans. Encountering the waves belongs to a realm of nature far beyond human will.”
DOVE is hailed as the finest wetsuit manufacturer, a reputation built on the understanding and appreciation of its spirit by surfers.
DOVE
The Excellence of DOVE: A Manufacturer Revered as the Apex (Part 2)
A Look Inside DOVE's Hiratsuka Headquarters and Factory: Experiencing a Custom Order!
There is a film based on the true story of a young man who embarked on a solo circumnavigation of the globe in a 24-foot yacht named 'DOVE,' completing a five-year voyage of 56,000 nautical miles. This film is the inspiration behind the name DOVE wetsuits. Just as the yacht 'DOVE' was a partner on an epic journey, the company aspired for their wetsuits to be the ultimate companion for surfers riding waves worldwide. This aspiration has become a reality, with their wetsuits cherished by surfers across the globe.
Along the Sagami River, which flows into the sea at Hiratsuka, numerous factories are situated. DOVE wetsuits are located a short distance north of Route 1. The first floor houses the factory, while the second floor contains the headquarters and design rooms.
Mr. Toshimichi Nakajima, who has been with DOVE for over 20 years, warmly welcomed our team. Mr. Nakajima is, of course, a dedicated surfer himself. He surfs at Kugenuma before work every day and spends his weekends immersed in the waves. His lean physique, seemingly untouched by middle-age spread, and his life lived in harmony with the ocean, radiate a remarkably calm aura. For those working in the city, it's an enviably stress-free atmosphere.
“Many models that DOVE pioneered have now become industry standards. For example, the short-sleeve, long-leg 'Seagull' and the short-sleeve, short-leg 'Turtle Suit.' These were originally DOVE's proprietary models, completed in 1977.”
From the entrance to the second floor, DOVE's offices resemble a surfing museum, adorned with various archives: vintage wetsuits, old boards, trophies, and photographs. As mentioned, DOVE's contributions to the surfing world are numerous. The company's surf team has featured a succession of legendary professional surfers, including Hiromichi Soeda, Takuji Aota, Takao Kuga, Misao Tako, Junichi Yanagisawa, and Nobumasa Imasu, each leaving their mark on an era.
Mr. Tokura also introduced the thruster fin system to Japan. Furthermore, he was a pioneer in surf filmmaking. 'Asian Paradise,' filmed during a surf trip to the Nias Islands, featured surfers Hiromichi Soeda, Misao Tako, Takefumi Ichikawa, and Yasumori Tokura, along with Mr. Ishii, the editor of 'Surfing Classics.' In Oahu's North Shore, they established 'DOVE HOUSE,' and numerous iconic North Shore shots featuring DOVE team surfers graced the pages of surf magazines. Tokura can also be credited with pioneering hardcore surf trips to unexplored territories.
Naturally, DOVE has consistently led the surfing wetsuit industry in design, pattern making, fabric development, and technological innovation.
“We meticulously select our materials, but all DOVE wetsuits are produced in-house at this factory. Each one is custom-made to precise measurements. This process combines cutting-edge technology with skilled human craftsmanship. Computers are used for pattern making, while gluing and sewing are done by hand. The sewing machines are specialized for wetsuits, with the needle moving horizontally. This blind stitch requires exceptional skill. This woman, for instance, has been honing her craft for over a decade.”
Watching the process, each step is a testament to meticulous work, truly embodying the realm of artisanal skill.
DOVE wetsuits can be purchased at surf shops nationwide. I had the opportunity to experience a custom order firsthand with Mr. Nakajima taking my measurements. I opted for a classic long john style. Using a tape measure and a special tool for inseam measurements, he efficiently recorded the figures on the order sheet. The number of measurement points is extensive, contributing to the exceptional fit. I chose the MX-S model for its thermal properties. The chest logo embroidery was done in DOVE's signature green. Customization fees are waived, as are the charges for folded cuffs on the wrists and ankles; otherwise, they are cut straight.
*A super material woven from ultra-fine hollow nylon yarn through a special process, achieving a high-dimensional fusion of lightness and elasticity by incorporating a large amount of air. It further enhances warmth with a short-pile brushed interior.
Upon receiving the product, it comes with a "User Registration Guide" that includes a serial number. Registering online allows for a one-year warranty, and repairs and maintenance can be handled through dealers.
The ability to perform partial repairs is also a significant advantage.
DOVE—Japan's premier wetsuit manufacturer. Visiting the factory and hearing Mr. Nakajima's explanations confirmed that the title of 'Japan's finest' is well-earned. This is a testament to the technology and heritage that Japan should preserve.
DOVE Wetsuits
Tel. 0463-23-3171
http://www.dovewet.com
DOVE | A Special Feature
A 60th Birthday Surf Tour
A Surf Trip to Indonesia's Mentawai Islands!
To commemorate his 60th birthday, DOVE founder Yasumori Tokura embarked on a surf trip to the Mentawai Islands, an archipelago off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. What magic did a bright red vest conjure? Here, we present a sequence of tube-riding photos and comments from Mr. Tokura himself.
A Milestone in 44 Years of Surfing Life, and a New Beginning
On April 19, 2009, marking a significant milestone in my life, I celebrated my 60th birthday with a tour in my beloved Mentawai.
On the actual day, the 19th, wearing a red vest with a golden DOVE mark for my sixtieth birthday celebration, I felt an incredible surge of power and experienced a cascade of happy events. This bright red vest worked like magic, allowing me to perfectly execute clean barrels without touching the wave. The spits seemed to sing 'Happy Birthday' to me.
I was deeply moved, feeling this was a memorable wave, a gift from the heavens.
The entire day was filled with divine occurrences.
Reaching this milestone, I truly felt the joy of being a surfer, and it ignited a sense of embarking on a new chapter.
Turning sixty, I reflected on my life. I started surfing at 16 in Yugawara's Yoshohama. For the past 44 years, I've dedicated my business and my life to surfing, without a single break.
In Mentawai, my friends supported me, allowing me to etch unforgettable memories.
I am deeply grateful to my family, everyone at the company, our riders, and friends around the world for enabling me to reach this milestone.