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Wetsuits are specially made for surfing, but you can also use them for other water sports such as diving. But what exactly is a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is a thin, waterproof, flexible clothing fabric made to retain your body heat and protect you from the cold and sharp objects in the water. It is made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber-like material.
In this article I will tell you all about wetsuits and how they work.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 What is a wet suit?
- 2 wet suit vs dry suit
- 3 What do you use a wetsuit for?
- 4 Is a wetsuit really necessary?
- 5 What should you wear under a wetsuit?
- 6 What should you pay attention to when buying a wetsuit?
- 7 How do you know if your wetsuit fits?
- 8 Is wetsuit waterproof?
- 9 How long does a wetsuit last?
- 10 What types of wetsuits are there?
- 11 How does a wetsuit feel?
- 12 Can you swim faster with a wetsuit?
- 13 Conclusion
What is a wet suit?
A wetsuit is a type of surf suit or diving suit that provides extra protection for the body during surfing, kite surfing, wave surfing, diving, canyoning and other water sports. It is made of neoprene, a popular material known for its insulating properties and flexibility.
How does a wetsuit work?
A wetsuit protects the body by keeping a layer of water between the suit and the skin. This water is warmed by body heat, so that the body loses less heat and remains protected against the cold. The neoprene material is thin and flexible, but has a small amount of air trapped inside that enhances the warming effect.
Why is a wetsuit important?
A wetsuit is important because it protects the body against injuries from rocks, coral and other obstacles in the water. In addition, it also protects against hypothermia and keeps the body warm while surfing or diving in cold water.
wet suit vs dry suit
Wet suit vs dry suit: what's the difference?
When paddling in cold water, it's important to keep yourself warm and dry. A wetsuit and a dry suit are both intended to maintain your body temperature, but there are some important differences between the two.
Wetsuits: Primarily intended for surfing and swimming
Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm as you move through the water. They are tight, form-fitting suits that provide an extra layer of insulation and retain your body heat. Wetsuits are primarily for surfing and swimming and provide extra buoyancy to help you stay afloat.
Dry suits: designed for longer sessions in cold water
Drysuits are designed for longer cold water sessions such as whitewater rafting and kayaking. They are built with a solid, waterproof layer that keeps you completely dry. Drysuits have seals around the wrists and ankles to prevent water from entering the suit.
Advantages of a dry suit
The biggest advantage of a dry suit is that you stay completely dry, even if you fall into the water. This means that your body temperature is maintained better and that you can enjoy your whitewater adventures for longer. Drysuits also offer more freedom of movement than wetsuits, making it easier to paddle and maneuver.
Which one should you choose?
If you only surf or swim occasionally, a wetsuit is fine. But if you plan to go kayaking or whitewater rafting on a regular basis, a dry suit is a better choice. It is more expensive, but it offers more protection and comfort during longer sessions in cold water. If you have the budget, we recommend investing in a good drysuit.
What do you use a wetsuit for?
Examples of water sports where you need a wetsuit
There are many water sports that require wearing a wetsuit. Below you will find a number of examples:
- Diving: A wetsuit is essential for divers to keep warm and protect themselves from injury.
- Surfing: Surfers often wear a wetsuit to protect themselves from the cold and the abrasiveness of the saltwater.
- Canyoning: canyoning is a difficult sport where you walk through a canyon and sometimes have to swim. A wetsuit is necessary to protect yourself against the cold and injuries.
- Swimming: Some swimmers wear a wetsuit to release energy and regulate their body temperature.
Is a wetsuit really necessary?
Is a wetsuit really necessary?
As a water sports enthusiast, you may wonder if you really need a wetsuit. The answer is: it depends. Below you will find more information to help you decide.
What are the differences between wetsuits?
There are different types of wetsuits, depending on the type of water sport you practice and the water temperature. Here are some of the main differences:
- Thickness: Wetsuits come in different thicknesses, from 2mm to 7mm. The colder the water, the thicker the wetsuit should be.
- Type of suit: There are different types of wetsuits, such as surf suits and diving suits. These are designed for different water sports and offer different levels of protection.
- Gender: There are wetsuits for women and men, which are designed to fit different body shapes.
- Quality: There are high performance wetsuits and standard wetsuits. Seasoned divers and surfers are likely to opt for a high-performance wetsuit, while occasional boaters may opt for a standard wetsuit.
When should you wear a wetsuit?
It is wise to wear a wetsuit if:
- The water is colder than 20 degrees Celsius.
- You go surfing or swimming in fish-rich waters where you sail past the coast.
- It is early in the season, when the water is still cold.
- You doubt whether you need a wetsuit.
What should you wear under a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is a type of surf suit or diving suit worn to protect the body from the cold water while surfing or diving. But what should you actually wear under a wetsuit? Here are some helpful tips to follow:
Extra protection
A wetsuit already offers protection against the cold water, but it does not hurt to wear extra protection. This way you can wear an extra layer of clothing, such as a thermal shirt or pants.
Full suit
If you want to wear a full outfit under your wetsuit, it is best to wear thin clothing that does not offer too much resistance. For example, think of leggings and a thin shirt. Make sure that these garments fit well on your body to prevent air from getting between your body and the wetsuit.
Repeatable steps
Putting on a wetsuit can be quite difficult, but with a number of handy tricks it becomes a lot easier. Here is an example of how to put on a wetsuit:
1. Just put on socks to make putting on the wetsuit less difficult.
2. Lubricate yourself with Vaseline to make putting on the wetsuit easier.
3. Put on the wetsuit from the bottom and slowly roll it up.
4. Repeat for the other side.
5. Raise the wetsuit to your waist and pull up the sleeves.
6. Repeat for the other arm.
7. Pull the wetsuit further up and make sure it fits well on your body.
8. From now on you can repeat these steps when you put on your wetsuit.
What should you pay attention to when buying a wetsuit?
How do you know if your wetsuit fits?
Watch out for growth
If you are going to buy a wetsuit, it is important to make sure that you do not leave too much room for growth. A wetsuit must fit tightly to your body to work properly. If you leave too much space, the warming effect of the protective layer between your body and the outside of the wetsuit will not work as well.
Test the fit
If you have bought a wetsuit, it is important to test whether it fits properly. First, stand in a full ankle deep water and put on the wetsuit. Make sure you pull the wetsuit up properly so that there is no space left between the wetsuit and your body. If the wetsuit fits properly, you will find that it fits effortlessly on the tightest parts of your body.
The different fits
There are different types of wetsuits, each with their own fit. There are one-piece wetsuits and two-piece wetsuits. A one-piece wetsuit fits tightly to your entire body, while a two-piece wetsuit consists of pants and a jacket that are worn separately. It is important to choose the fit of the wetsuit that best suits your body.
Is wetsuit waterproof?
Wetsuits are designed to provide extra protection against water and keep you warm while in the water. But are they also waterproof? The answer is no, wetsuits are not 100% waterproof.
How is water prevented in a wetsuit?
Although a wetsuit is not waterproof, there are various constructions and techniques that are used to prevent too much water from entering your wetsuit. Here are some of the most common:
- Flatlock Stitching Techniques: These are used to join the panels of the wetsuit together. They are not as strong as other stitching techniques, but they are more comfortable and allow less water to pass through.
- Overlock Stitching Techniques: These are used to finish the edges of the panels and prevent them from fraying. They are stronger than flatlock stitching techniques and allow less water to pass through.
- Taping: This is a process of applying a thin layer of neoprene tape over the seams of the wetsuit to prevent water from penetrating through the seams. This is a cost-effective way to prevent leaks.
- Seals: These are additional seals that are applied to the inside of the wetsuit to prevent water from penetrating through the sleeves and legs of the wetsuit.
- Double seams: These are applied to the outside of the wetsuit and are the strongest stitching technique. They are more durable than flatlock and overlock stitching techniques and allow less water to pass through.
What to do if your wetsuit is damaged?
If your wetsuit is damaged, it is important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Here is a checklist of what to do if your wetsuit is damaged:
- Clean the damaged part of the wetsuit with fresh water and let it dry.
- Check the damaged part for cracks, holes or thin spots.
- If it is a small hole or tear, you can easily repair it with neoprene tape.
- If it is a larger tear, you will need to have the wetsuit re-stitched or repaired by a professional.
- Be careful when repairing thin spots, as you can easily damage the wetsuit further.
- Don't wait too long to repair your wetsuit, otherwise the damage can get worse.
How long does a wetsuit last?
The life of a wetsuit
A wetsuit is made of neoprene, a material that is resistant to water and is slightly stretchy. However, a wetsuit will wear out over time and function less well. How long a wetsuit lasts depends on several factors, such as:
- The intensity of use: if you use your wetsuit intensively, it will wear out faster than if you use it occasionally.
- The water temperature: if you swim in cold water, your wetsuit will endure more than if you swim in warmer water.
- The quality of the suit: a cheap wetsuit will generally not last as long as a more expensive, official suit.
- The way you maintain the suit: if you take good care of your wetsuit, it will last longer than if you don't take care of it properly.
How can you make your wetsuit last longer?
There are a number of things you can do to make your wetsuit last longer:
- Always rinse your wetsuit well with fresh water after use. Salt water and other substances can attack the neoprene.
- Hang your wetsuit in a well-ventilated area to dry. Do not let it hang out in the sun as this can damage the neoprene.
- Wash your wetsuit occasionally with baby shampoo or another mild cleaner to remove odors.
- Store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
If you take good care of your wetsuit, it will last longer and you will not have to buy a new suit so quickly.
What types of wetsuits are there?
shorty wetsuit
A shorty wetsuit is a wetsuit with short sleeves and short legs. This type of wetsuit is perfect for conditions where the water is not too cold, such as in spring or on a tropical island. A shorty wetsuit offers protection against injuries and insulates the skin against the cold wind.
full wet suit
A full wetsuit is a wetsuit with long sleeves and long legs. This type of wetsuit offers protection against the cold wind and insulates the skin against the cold. A full wetsuit is perfect for colder conditions and offers more protection than a shorty wetsuit.
How does a wetsuit feel?
Neoprene material
Wetsuits are made of neoprene material, a thin layer of rubber with small air bubbles on the inside. This material retains a small amount of body heat, so you don't lose too much heat, although some models are better designed to retain heat than others.
Fit
A good fit is the most important aspect of a wetsuit. It is important that the suit fits your body, but it should not be too tight. If it's too tight, it can restrict blood flow and make it difficult to move. If it is too loose, too much water can flow into the suit, making you cold.
Flexibility
A good wetsuit should also be flexible so that you can move freely while surfing, diving or canyoning. It is important to choose a suit that is specifically designed for the activity you will be doing, as different activities have different demands on the suit's flexibility.
Sustainability
A good wetsuit should also be durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to choose a suit that is made of quality materials and is well designed to last.
Entry systems
There are several entry systems available for wetsuits, including back, front and side zips. It's important to choose a system that works best for you and is easy to use.
Temperature
Most wetsuits are designed to be used in certain temperatures. It is important to choose a suit that is suitable for the temperatures in which you will be surfing, diving or canyoning. Factors such as water depth and body temperature can also contribute to choosing the right suit.
Shape and preference
The shape of your body also plays an important role when choosing a wetsuit. Everyone has a different body type and it is important to choose a suit that fits your body well. It is also important to consider personal preferences, such as color and style.
Basically, a wetsuit should fit like a second skin on your body to prevent heat loss and protect you from injury. A good fit, flexibility, durability and entry systems are important aspects to pay attention to when choosing a wetsuit. It is also important to consider the temperature and shape of your body when making your choice.
Can you swim faster with a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is not only meant to keep you warm when swimming in cold water, but it can also improve your swimming performance. Below you can read how a wetsuit can help you swim faster.
One Drop
A wetsuit offers buoyancy, so that your body is higher in the water. This makes you go flatter through the water and you are more streamlined. This can result in a time advantage of a few seconds per meter.
Protection and flexibility
A wetsuit protects you against the cold and protects your skin against harmful UV radiation. In addition, a wetsuit is flexible, so that you can move more easily and experience less resistance while swimming.
Triathlon and competitions
In triathlon competitions, wearing a wetsuit is mandatory if the water temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius. In other competitions, wearing a wetsuit can be determined individually. So it may be that some swimmers swim without a wetsuit, while others wear one.
Maintenance and protection
A wetsuit is sensitive to damage, so it is important to take good care of it. Cut your nails before putting on the wetsuit and use gloves if necessary to prevent damage. Carefully put on and take off the wetsuit and do not leave it in the sun for too long. Check the wetsuit regularly for damage and repair it if necessary.
Is a wetsuit suitable for breaststroke?
A wetsuit is especially suitable for the front crawl and backstroke, as these swimming strokes benefit more from the buoyancy and streamline of the wetsuit. The breaststroke movement requires a different type of wetsuit, because this swimming stroke requires more freedom of movement.
Conclusion
A wetsuit is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the cold during water sports. You stay warm and can last longer sessions.
