Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawai'i – July 26, 2007 — Xcel Wetsuits (Xcel) continues to raise awareness for sun protection and skin cancer prevention thanks to a successful May initiative, "Xcel Against Skin Cancer."

Xcel furthered ongoing efforts to bring attention to the importance of effective UV protection – an especially resonant point among residents and visitors of Hawaii, where the sun shines strong nearly 365 days a year.

The promotion, in honor of "Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month," resulted in Xcel raising over $1,000 for cancer research, donating a portion of its UV Protection performance gear sales to the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii (CRCH). Proceeds were generated at both Xcel retail stores on Oahu: Xcel at Ward Centre, and the Xcel Haleiwa Factory Outlet.

"We are proud to partner with our friends at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii," says Ed
D'Ascoli, Xcel president and founder. "The goal of Xcel UV Protection performance gear is to offer effective sun protection for all activities, while making our youth aware that protecting yourself from the sun is so easy – and essential – to do."
Continues D'Ascoli, "Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to effective UV Protection garments and sunscreens. These products result from careful research that helps us all understand the full importance of avoiding skin damage."

"On behalf of our faculty and staff, we thank Xcel for their generosity," says Dr. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel, director of the CRCH. "Contributions such as these are essential to the success of our mission. Such support not only enhances our research efforts, but demonstrates Xcel's appreciation for the value of the CRCH to our community."

For more on Xcel UV Protection performance gear, visit or call an Xcel store location, or check out www.xcelwetsuits.com. Xcel retail stores on Oahu are located at Ward Centre (1200 Ala Moana Boulevard; on Auahi Street) and in Haleiwa, at 66-590 Kamehameha Highway.
Photo: Xcel Wetsuits presents the "Xcel Against Skin Cancer" donation to the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii. Pictured left to right are Marshall Marumoto (vice president, Xcel); Dr. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel (director, CRCH); Rick Humphreys (chairman, Friends of the CRCH); Karen D'Ascoli (retail manager, Xcel); Adelia Chung (board member, Friends of the CRCH); and Ed D'Ascoli (president, Xcel).

About Xcel Wetsuits
Founded in 1982, Xcel Wetsuits (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 wetsuits business focuses on the cutting edge of material and design development. Xcel's primary markets include surf, dive, wakeboard, paddle, and sun (UV protection).
In addition to its North Shore office, Xcel operates two retail stores on Oahu and a warehouse/repair facility in California. To learn more about Xcel, please visit www.xcelwetsuits.com.