February 7, 2007
XCEL Voted Hottest Wetsuit Brand in UK, Ireland

HALEIWA, OAHU, HAWAII - February 7, 2007 - XCEL has been nominated for the hottest wetsuit brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland as part of Boardsport Source magazine's recent retail survey.

XCEL garnered the most mentions from independent surf shops across the United Kingdom and in Ireland, who were asked to name the most "in-vogue" wetsuit brand and the one most demanded by clients.

Over 100 total retailers throughout Europe were interviewed as part of Boardsport Source magazine's survey to gain insight into the 2006 surf season. Boardsport Source is distributed throughout the European board sports industry and is published in three languages.

In addition, XCEL placed third in "hottest wetsuit brand" mentions among independent retailers in France.

"XCEL wetsuits work - and our customers recognize that and tell their friends," says Steve Daniel, owner of Steve Daniel Sports, XCEL's UK distributor since 2002. "We've worked very hard to communicate our message of function, fit, and quality."

"This survey shows that we've achieved excellent penetration as a wetsuit brand in Europe," notes Ed D'Ascoli, XCEL's president and founder. "It is great to see XCEL so well-recognized by retailers, and to hear from those retailers that customers are specifically asking for XCEL."

Continues Steve Daniel, "XCEL suits keep you warm in the coldest of conditions while allowing total freedom of movement. We have many customers stoked with XCEL products."

XCEL continues to expand its market base "wherever there is both cold water and an active water sports industry," notes D'Ascoli. "Europe is an ideal market for XCEL, given the predominantly cold conditions and very dedicated water enthusiasts. Our goal is to keep them warm, comfortable, and having fun year-round."

To learn more about XCEL Wetsuits, please visit http://www.xcelwetsuits.com. For information on becoming an authorized XCEL dealer, please e-mail info@xcelwetsuits.com.

About XCEL
Founded in 1982, XCEL is a global independent wetsuit brand distributed throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Headquartered on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, XCEL's core wetsuit business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Since 1986 XCEL has produced the annual XCEL Pro surf contest, a 4-Star Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series event.

In addition to its North Shore office, XCEL operates two retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse / repair facility in California. XCEL's primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and UV protection. To learn more about XCEL, please visit http://www.xcelwetsuits.com