A wetsuit is an essential piece of your scuba diving, snorkeling or watersports equipment. The primary function of the wetsuit is to keep you warm. Other benefits include protection from the sun, abrasions, stinging marine life and corals. Wetsuits also provide protection from equipment by working as a layer of cushioning. The positive buoyancy provided by a wetsuit can benefit Snorkelers, surfers and swimmers alike.
Since water absorbs body heat 25 times faster than air a full wetsuit is a great way to insulate your body and keep you warm longer. Fullsuits also provide you the most protection since you legs and arms are covered, unlike a shorty that only covers to above the knee.
Choosing A Wetsuit
Wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses and selecting one depends on the temperature of the water you will be diving or surfing in. Fullsuits can be layering for increased warmth. Adding a jacket, shorty, vest or combination of will extend the temperature range of a specific suit thus allowing you to stay warm longer.
Adding a beanie or hood (even in "warmer" temperatures) will significantly improve your comfort since most of your body heat escapes through your head. Boots and gloves are also important, for both warmth and protection. When combined together hoods, boots and gloves account for about 30% - 40% of your thermal protection.
Everybody has their own personal preference and comfort level. What is "freezing" to one person is "just right" to another. Duration and depth are also important factors to consider. High workload dives will greatly affect environmental needs. The longer your exposure, the cooler your body will become. Water temperatures drop the deeper you go and wetsuits become thinner as the gas bubbles are compressed.
Wetsuit Buyers Guide | Wetsuit Accessories Guide
Evo Wetsuit Size Chart | O Neill Wetsuit Size Chart
0 Items
Previous
