The Big Boys of the Underwater World

Whose names come to mind when you think about scuba gear? We profile three industry heavyweights.

- Emmanuel Lucien Anguille

Scubapro, Mares, Beuchat – it doesn’t matter if you’re a new diver or seasoned pro, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with such names. These three scuba brands have certainly come a long way and are steeped in history, but how much do you really know about the makers behind your favourite fins and wetsuits? Covering everything from iconic equipment to R&D processes, we chat with these brand representatives about the past, present, and future.

WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES THE BRAND FACES?

Our challenge is to keep up with scuba divers’ ever-changing needs. The dive world evolves very fast. I remember the period of time where we had to find a way to make our equipment as light as possible due to airline weight restrictions (which weren’t that strict in the past!). That was tough but we managed to do it anyway.

TELL US ABOUT BEUCHAT’S MOST ICONIC PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.

Beuchat invented the isothermic wetsuit in 1953, so that’s what we’re known for. Our brand sets the benchmark for wetsuits and our most iconic item is the Focea Comfort. When we developed it our objective was simple: create a beautifully designed, highly stretchable wetsuit that would provide the right fit and keep divers warm—in other words, the best wetsuit ever.

WHAT’S THE BRAND’S R&D PROCESS LIKE?