Wet Suits, Keeping Divers Warm Down Under

Wet suits (also known as “exposure suits”) are what keep a diver’s body temperature at a comfortable level. When a diver enters the water, their body temperature (which is about 98.6° F or 37° C) starts to drop. This is because water conducts heat away much better than air. So, if a diver wants that “warm, fuzzy feeling” while diving, they wear an exposure suit. In addition to keeping divers warm, a good exposure suit also protects divers from cuts, abrasions, and stings that sometimes happen during a dive. Brushing against certain types of coral can cause a mild skin irritation on bare skin. These skin irritations normally will not occur when divers are wearing a good exposure suit

How a Wet Suit Works

A good exposure suit relies on two things to make it work properly. The thickness of the neoprene and a good fit.

Exposure suits are made from a synthetic material filled with gas bubbles called neoprene. Neoprene dive suits come in thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 9mm. Unfortunately suits in the 6mm to 9mm range sometimes feel bulky and hard to put on and take off.

Exposure suits rely on trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and the body. This thin layer of water gradually becomes warm. If the suit fits badly, the water flows more freely between the suit and the body. This chills rather than insulates the diver.

Types of Wet Suits

1. The temperature of the water they are diving in.

2. Their body mass (body fat or no body fat, muscular or not muscular).

3. Type of diving activity

The colder the water, the more insulation a body needs. Your body size and mass also determines how much insulation you need. A larger diver will need less insulation than a smaller diver. A diver who is muscular will need less insulation than a larger diver. Your level of activity is a good way to determine how much insulation you need. The more active you are during a dive the more heat your body generates. This means you will stay warmer during the dive.

DIVESKINS AND SHORTIES

In warm, tropical waters, most people will not need any thermal insulation. But it is a good idea to wear a dive skin or shortie wet suit to help prevent your equipment from rubbing against your skin. These types of dive suits also give protection from the sun before and after a dive and provide protection against stings and scrapes.

FULL-LENGTH WETSUITS

The most commonly found exposure suit is a full-length suit. This type of suit is one piece and covers the entire body from the neck to the ankles and wrists. They come in varying thicknesses from 2-9mm. This type of suit not only offers more thermal protection but also offers added protection against stings and scrapes.

SEMI-DRY SUITS

Semi-dry suits are one of the most versatile suits a diver can have. Though intended for colder waters, where they are worn with a hood and gloves, semi-dry suits can even be worn in warm Mediterranean seas. Like normal neoprene dive suits, semi-dry suits work by trapping a thin layer of water between the body and the suit. The difference is a semi-dry suit has better seals at the wrists, ankles, and neck. This helps stop water from flushing through the suit and allows trapped water to warm up. Semi-dry suits come in thicknesses ranging from7-9mm. Some semi-dry suits are designed to be used in layers. These are commonly called a “Farmer John Suit”. They consist of a bib-overall style base layer with a jacket that looks like a shortie with long sleeves and a hood.

DRY SUITS

If you are looking for the best thermal protection and you do not like a damp body after a dive, then a dry suit is the way to go. Because dry suits are designed to be air tight, they use trapped air, not water, as an insulating barrier. Because dry suits offer the ultimate thermal protection, they are by far the most expensive dive suit to buy.

To add additional warmth and protection to your wet suit, you may want to consider these accessories: separate hoods, gloves, jackets, and booties.

WET SUIT THICKNESS

There are guide lines for the type and thickness of suit needed in different conditions. Every diver’s comfort level is different. Some divers may prefer a lighter suit while other divers are more comfortable with a thicker neoprene. Being comfortable is important in having a good dive.

TEMPERATURE and SUIT THICKNESS*

76°-86° 1/16"(1.6mm)neoprene or lycra

69°-84° 1/8" (3mm)neoprene

64°-77° 3/16 (5mm)neoprene

49°-75° 1/4" (6.5mm)neoprene

33°-66° 3/8" (9.5mm)neoprene,dry suit

*Based on manufacturers recommendation

Maintaining Your Wet Suit

A simple maintenance routine is the key to prolonging the life of your wet suit.

1. Rinse you dive suit in fresh, clean water after every dive. This will remove salt and debris, which can cause it to rot.

2. Let your suit dry in the open air, out of the direct sun light.

3. Once your suit is dry, place it on a wide hanger in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.

4. Periodically wash your suit with a special wet suit shampoo. This helps maintain the suppleness of the neoprene and prevent mildew.

5. Lubricate zippers occasionally to prevent degradation of metal or plastic.

Additional maintenance for dry suits.

6. Always store your dry suit rolled up in bag, away from heat and ozone-producing machines, such as hot water heaters.

7. Have the valves and zippers on your dry suit inspected annually by a qualified repair technician to ensure proper function.

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