Choosing an correct wetsuit thickness is necessary because the thickness of a wetsuit determine how much heat the wetsuit retains. Water removes heat from the human body twenty-five times more fast than air removes heat from the human body, so the thickness of the wetsuit must be matched to the temperature of the water. If a person choose a wetsuit that is too thin for the water temperature, the person will lose body heat quick.
If a person chooses a wetsuit that is too thick for the water temperature, the thick wetsuits may restrict the movement of the person. Wetsuits functions by trapping a thin layer of water between the skin of a person and the neoprene material of the wetsuit. The body warms this trapped layer of water, and the warmed water provide thermal insulation for the body.
How to Choose and Care for a Wetsuit
Thicker neoprene provides more insulation because thicker neoprene creates a more effectiv thermal barrier, but thicker neoprene also adds more bulk to the wetsuit. Additionally, thicker neoprene can make the wetsuit harder to move in, so a person must balance the need for warmth with the need for mobility. Water temperature is the most important factor for choosing a wetsuit, but air temperature isnt a reliable indicator of water temperature.
For example, a person may experience a warm air temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but the water temperature may be as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the water temperature is much colder than the air temperature, a person must select a wetsuit based off the water temperature to prevent the person from lose core heat. A 1mm wetsuit is appropriate for warm water, but a 6/5mm wetsuit is necessary for near freezing water.
Different activities require different wetsuit thickness and styles. A surfer need a wetsuit that allows for flexibility so the surfer can perform movements like duck-diving and popping up. A surfer may use a 2mm wetsuit in warm water, but a surfer may need a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit in cold water.
Scuba diver often use extra layers of clothing because water becomes colder as a diver descends to greater depths. Triathletes often use sleek wetsuits starting at 2mm because triathletes want to reduce bulk to increase speed. Kayakers and kitesurfers often use a 3mm wetsuit because wind chill can decrease the perceived temperature.
Wetsuit styles provides different levels of coverage for the body. A full suit covers the body from the neck to the ankles, and a full suit is useful in cold water because a full suit prevents heat from escaping through the skin. Shorties has short sleeves and short legs, and shorties are suitable for warm water where a person wants sun exposure on the shoulders.
Spring suits have long arms and short legs, and spring suits are suitable for intermediate water temperatures. Farmer johns are sleeveless bib style suits that are used for layering, and hooded full suits provide extra protection for the head in very cold water. Dry suits provide complete waterproofing, and people use dry suits in arctic conditions where the temperature is below freeze.
The construction of the seams in a wetsuit affects how much water enters the wetsuit. Flatlock stitches are used in water temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit because flatlock stitches are comfortable and allow for breathability. Blind-stitched seams are used in colder water because blind-stitched seams are designed to block water from entering the suit.
In extreme cold, a person should use a wetsuit with taped interiors because taped interiors provides the maximum amount of protection against water entry. The fit of the wetsuit is also a critical factor for maintaining warmth. A snug wetsuit is better than a baggy wetsuit because a baggy wetsuit allows water to move freely inside the wetsuit, and moving water will chill the body.
A person should also consider personal factors such as cold tolerance and the duration of the activity. Because extremities like the hands and feet loses heat quickly, a person should use accessories such as hoods and booties to maintain body heat. A person must care for a wetsuit correctly to ensure the wetsuit last a long time.
A person should rinse the wetsuit with fresh water after every use to remove salt and sand. Salt and sand can damage the neoprene material if the salt and sand isnt removed. A person should dry the wetsuit in the shade with the suit turned inside out, but a person should never dry the wetsuit in the sun because the sun can crack the neoprene.
A person should store the wetsuit flat or on a wide hanger, but a person should avoid using thin wire hangers because thin wire hangers can crease the wetsuit. Finally, a person should avoid using hot water to rinse the wetsuit because hot water can loosen the glue used in the wetsuit construction.
