With a range of properties, from its flexibility and durability to weather, UV, ozone and temperature resistance, rubber products are used across a range of applications in the leisure industry.

Certain rubber materials are better suited to applications across the leisure industry, like in camping and caravanning, sports and fitness and amusements and recreation, because it improves safety, absorbs shock and vibration, provides grip and comfort and supports hygiene and maintenance.

At Aquaseal Rubber, we support numerous industries with a range of bespoke rubber products, including different sectors within the leisure industry. Our rubber for leisure applications is designed, manufactured, supplied and installed to meet safety standards and ensure maximum performance.

Rubber materials used in the leisure industry

The uses of rubber in the leisure industry are broad, so different rubber materials are better suited to particular applications, whether they need to be strong but versatile or used for shock absorption and insulation.

Since there are several benefits of choosing bespoke rubber products for your leisure applications, working with Aquaseal Rubber means you can be confident that your rubber products will be designed and manufactured to your exact, bespoke requirements.

A range of rubber materials are used across the leisure industry, including caravan rubber, like EPDM and neoprene for rubber seals, sports rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for gym equipment and flooring, and rubber for amusements, like silicone for theme park ride seals and EPDM for safety in children’s outdoor playgrounds.

Rubber for camping and caravanning

Rubber is an extremely important material in camping equipment and caravans or motorhomes.

Rubber products are used primarily for rubber seals in this sector. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM, is weather, UV and ozone resistant, meaning it is perfect for use when you spot signs your caravan seals need replacing or if you are looking to expand the lifespan of your caravan.

Rubber hoses and tubing are found in caravans and in camping equipment since they are responsible for the safe transportation and storage of fuels and other fluids. Polyurethane is a common choice for this application because it is durable and chemical resistant, making it safe for drinking water.

Silicone is a type of food grade rubber, meaning it is food safe and can be used in camping and caravanning foodware because it is resistant to extreme temperatures whilst being both durable yet flexible.

For those who prefer camping in a tent over caravanning, rubber materials like natural rubber are found in tent peg caps and rubber mallet heads because it offers excellent grip and elasticity and good shock absorption.

Rubber for sports and fitness

In the sports and fitness sector of the leisure industry, rubber is used in workout spaces, fitness equipment and protective sportswear.

Styrene-butadiene rubber is most commonly used in gym flooring because it has good slip resistance, excellent shock and impact absorption and is highly durable under heavy weights.

Neoprene is used in supports for knees, elbows, ankles and wrists because it provides compression and support, retains body heat to help muscles and joints stay warm and it is flexible enough to allow movement whilst offering stability. Due to its water resistance and thermal insulation, neoprene is also used in water sports fitness, for wetsuits for swimming, surfing and other open-water fitness.

Natural rubber is found in several applications in sports and fitness because of its range of suitable properties and the ability to mix it with synthetic rubber through the synthetic rubber production process to create a more bespoke product. Natural rubber is used in resistance bands, exercise balls and grips on dumbbells and bars because it of its elasticity, high grip and comfort to touch. It is also found in shoe soles for trainers, sport shoes and indoor sports footwear because it absorbs shock when walking or running and has good traction and flexibility.

Rubber for amusements and recreation

Rubber materials are used across the amusements and recreation sector to prevent injury, increase safety and limit wear.

EPDM, because of its weather resistance, dominates the outdoor space. Therefore, it is found in safety surfacing in outdoor playgrounds, ride platform surfaces, padding and protective covers and seals in theme park rides and in rubber seals and rubber gaskets to prevent water ingress and ensure long-lasting performance in wet environments.

In theme parks, silicone rubber is used because of its temperature resistance, ability to maintain flexibility over time and elasticity under constant movement, and its shock-absorbing features. This material is found in rubber seals and gaskets, electrical insulation, padding and protective covers and specialist use is implemented in shock and vibration damping.

Natural rubber can be used on its own or mixed with some of the different types of synthetic rubber to enhance safety in the amusements and recreation sector. For example, natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber can be used in playground safety surfacing for better impact absorption and consistent performance year-round, for indoor play mats and soft play to maintain soft cushioning and less surface breakdown, and in trampolines and bounce applications to ensure controlled elasticity and reduced risk of sudden snapping.

Sponge rubber applications can also be used in theme park rides, with expanded sponge used for head protection through cushioning and body protection in safety bar protectors.

Aquaseal creates custom rubber for leisure applications

At Aquaseal Rubber, we are proud to work with clients who operate across numerous sectors of the leisure industry, and across other industries. By collaborating closely with our customers, regardless of where they are based in the world, we ensure their bespoke needs are met and that each rubber product is designed, manufactured, delivered and installed – if necessary – with care and to the exact specifications of each application.

The uses of rubber in the leisure industry are essential for safety, comfort and long-lasting performance. Our team can produce any type of rubber to meet your bespoke rubber for leisure specifications.

Choosing Aquaseal Rubber for your bespoke rubber for leisure products

Whether you operate within the camping and caravanning sector, the sports and fitness sector or the amusements and recreation sector, Aquaseal Rubber are bespoke rubber manufacturing experts who can support your project to the highest standard.

From helping you understand the properties of natural and synthetic rubber to finding the rubber materials best suited to your application, we are here to help. Contact us to see how we can collaborate on your bespoke rubber for leisure projects.