Murillo Caldas on Neoprene Tech and Innovation at Mormaii

Joining Mormaii and developing diving wetsuits

As an avid user of Mormaii gear in his diving operations, Murillo approached founder Morongo in the 2000s to suggest ergonomic improvements to the suits. That initiative led to an immediate invitation to lead the brand's product development division, modernizing diving wetsuits for operations spanning from Fernando de Noronha to Bonito.

Origins of the open-water line and moving away from triathlon

Originally designed under the triathlon label, rubber wetsuits eventually earned their own dedicated open-water category at Mormaii. Murillo explains that this shift addressed swimmers' specific needs for shoulder mobility and stroke rotation, while avoiding confusion over how suits are used across different disciplines.

Technology, thickness, and neoprene wetsuit construction

Suit engineering evolved to combine multiple neoprene densities within a single model, such as the 5-3-1 design, which features 5 mm in the hips for lift and 1 mm at the extremities for greater flexibility and easier transitions. Murillo also notes that production costs reflect the skilled craftsmanship required for panel assembly and gluing.

Growth of open-water swimming and gear awareness

The expansion of marathon swimming events has democratized wetsuit use among amateur swimmers. The hosts emphasize that wetsuits provide crucial thermal safety and buoyancy benefits for recreational athletes, while also recounting humorous customer-support stories about proper gear usage.

Release cycles, prototyping, and athlete testing

At Mormaii, swimming and diving product launches do not follow a rigid fashion calendar; they are driven by real technical innovations and continuous prototyping. Practical field tests involve physical education professionals and local athletes in southern Brazil, undergoing iterative adjustments before reaching retail shelves.

Swimming equipment and accessory development

Beyond wetsuits, Mormaii expanded its lineup to include training paddles, center snorkels, goggles, and the domestically produced Storm fin. Murillo describes the engineering hurdles of balancing stiffness and flexibility, as well as hands-on visits to manufacturing hubs to ensure strict sealing and material standards for goggles.

Criteria for building the Mormaii athlete team

Building the brand's ambassador roster prioritizes human values, out-of-water character, and long-term mutual alignment over immediate podium finishes. Storied athletes like Leonardo de Deus, Allan do Carmo, and Betina Lorscheitter built their sports careers in close partnership with the brand from early on.

Event sponsorships and international expansion into Portugal

The brand maintains a long-standing partnership with the Ilhabela Channel Crossing and recently expanded its global footprint by sponsoring open-water events in Portugal. This European strategy aims to test the reception of technical suits in competitions featuring dozens of nationalities.

How neoprene works and behind the scenes in Garopaba

Murillo demystifies the physics of neoprene, explaining that thermal insulation comes from micro air bubbles trapped in the rubber combined with a thin layer of body-warmed water against the skin. Production remains centered at Mormaii’s own factory in Garopaba, Santa Catarina, where raw materials are laminated, cut, and stitched under strict in-house quality control.

An open invitation to coaches, sports insights, and future projects

In closing, Murillo invites coaches and sports training groups to tour the factory facilities in Santa Catarina to see the industrial processes firsthand. He also teases upcoming wetsuit testing sessions for future open-water crossings and the ongoing development of next-generation aquatic technologies.