Water sports enthusiasts frequently wear wetsuits. The suit acts as a form of protection for the skin and functions as an insulator to keep the body warm while in the water. Wetsuits come in a range of styles and sizes and are rated for different water temperatures. With the correct rating and a proper fit, a wetsuit will keep a person comfortable while diving, snorkeling or surfing.
Function
The adventure sports website 360Guide states that wetsuits trap a thin layer of water between the skin of the wearer and the suit itself. This acts as an insulating layer to help the body conserve heat. A proper-fitting wetsuit will not allow cold water to enter and displace the warm water trapped between the suit and the skin. The thickness of the neoprene itself also acts as an insulating agent.
Materials
Wetsuits are typically made of neoprene, which comes in various thicknesses. According to its manufacturer, DuPont, neoprene is a synthetic rubber featuring several different properties, including resistance to damage from flexing or twisting, physical toughness and resistance to degradation from sunlight or the elements. This makes neoprene the perfect material for constructing wetsuits. Neoprene comes in a range of colors and thicknesses to suit different wetsuit styles and ratings. Wetsuits also have heavy-duty corrosion resistant zippers, usually made of plastic.
Construction
To construct a wetsuit, the manufacturer first cuts the neoprene to specific patterns, depending upon the size of the suit being made. The manufacturer then assembles these parts using stitching, gluing, taping or heat-sealing to construct the finished suit. Each piece is then tested for it integrity and durability.
Styles
Wetsuits come in different styles. Some suits are two-piece ensembles with bottom and top, while others consist of a single-piece jumpsuit. Other options include sleeveless, short sleeves and longsleeves, which extended down to the wrists. Shorties are short-pant wetsuits that are often used for surfing.
Ratings
Different wetsuits are rated for different water temperatures. According to Scuba.com, warm-water wetsuits are rated for 75 F to 85 F water, while temperate-water wetsuits handle 60 F to 75 F water. Cold-water wetsuits can handle 45 F to 60 F water temperatures.
Fit
For a wetsuit to work properly, it must fit snugly. A loose-fitting wetsuit will not insulate you properly and will fail to keep you warm. As water temperatures get colder, fit becomes increasingly important. Frequently, off-the-rack wetsuits do not fit perfectly and require alterations.
Accessories
Accessories for wetsuits include the hood, boots and gloves. These are particularly important in cold weather diving, and divers should ensure that their accessories fit properly. Other accessories include special hangers for wetsuits, heaters and repair and maintenance kits.
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