Creative Design: Graduate

The Crosscurrent Racing Suit: A Solution for Professional Stand-Up Paddleboard Racers Participating in the 80-Mile Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis

---

Abstract

The Crosscurrent Racing Suit is a performance garment engineered for elite female stand-up paddleboard (SUP) athletes competing in The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, an 80-mile open ocean endurance race. Addressing the unique damands of the event, the suit integrates three key performance criteria: ventilation, compression, and storage. Informed by surveys of professional SUP athletes, the design responds to challenges such as prolonged exertion, temperature fluctuations, and limited gear access. Aesthetic and functional features include mesh ventilation zones, compressive paneling, reflective elements, and strategically placed storage pockets. Developed through extensive research, over 70 digital sketches and 30 prototypes, the suit was refined using athlete feedback and advance garment construction methods. Made from 4-way stretch nylon/spandex blends, the garment provides anatomical precision and sustained comfort. As the first performance suit tailored to female SUP racers, this suit advances functional apparel design and addresses the gap in water-based endurance sportswear. 

Keywords: Crosscurrent Racing Suit, Ventilation, Compression, Storage, SUP

How to Cite:

Passke, J., (2025) “The Crosscurrent Racing Suit: A Solution for Professional Stand-Up Paddleboard Racers Participating in the 80-Mile Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21748