Photo: Manera
Dane Reynolds has a new sponsor. The beloved Ventura-based surfer just joined the French wetsuit brand Manera, according to a press release from the company. While the release itself was light on details, it does raise questions as to the status of rival wetsuit brand Buell, which had previously sponsored Reynolds.
“I thought it was cool to align with Manera as a small family owned business that supports surf shops, which I think are the core of each surf community,” said Reynolds in a promotional video. “As a shop owner, it just made sense for me and their dedication to that I feel is real important.“
Reynolds’ previous partnership with Buell began in 2020, with Dane co-designing and launching a line of suits. The first result of the partnership, the DR1, release in 2021, with the followup DR2 releasing in 2022. Just last year, it was reported that he had signed a five-year extension with the brand, which the Manera announcement would seem to preclude.
What’s more, Reynolds may not be the only surfer to be making an exit from the brand’s roster. In a recent video from Jamie O’Brien, the other Buell roster member was spotted in an unfamiliar wetsuit. When fellow YouTuber Ben Gravy asked what it was, JOB answered “Not a Buell,” and when pressed for a followup added that it was a “secret.” From the logo, the wetsuit appears to be made by North Shore-based spearfishing and freediving lifestyle brand Waihana, which has yet to announce any sort of partnership with the surfer.
Editor’s Note: We reached out to Buell for comment but have yet to hear back.
