Wet Suits
The wetsuit is the accessory that symbolizes today’s scuba diving, along with fins and a tank. They have come a long way since their earlier days of suit pioneers like the O’Neill brothers and their Santa Cruz surf suits to being made from a combination of neoprene rubber and synthetic fabrics. Wetsuits today contain a combination of a wide variety of fabric weaves, designs, colors, and different types of material densities. There are loads of brands to choose from, each offering their own unique properties on one of the most important parts of the scuba divers outfit, especially if diving in temperate or moderately deep waters is planned.
Wetsuits and It’s History
Wetsuits were first made from rubber skins and were worn to keep in heat and for skin protection. More advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction traps air and water to be heated better than simple rubber. These more advanced suits were made possible by early designs of the rubber suits. However, although neoprene is more flexible, the earlier versions of wetsuits made from it were easy to rip and very hard to put on, putting it on often required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. As several generations passed, new breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands added a whole new layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface which increases strength and durability.
Combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials are used in modern wetsuits to replace the nylon sheeting. Brands such as the Pinnacle Aquatic lines feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural merino wool which increases durability, warmth, and reduces odors. Layers of thicker material are also used in these modern suits to protect the sensitive neck and spine areas, and contain reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads.
The Way They Work
There is one basic principle of the wetsuit; water flows into small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit where it is trapped, it is then warmed up by the body heat and energy of the diver. This layer of warm water then acts as a thermal suit by keeping the cold water from getting to the skin. Wetsuits are actually designed to let water come into contact with the skin, unlike the dry suits which are sealed to keep water out. When temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees, the average dive temperature, wetsuits are preferably used because there are hardly any intense temperatures for the body to be protected from. Dry suits are used for low exceedingly low temperatures to protect the body from potential freezing.
Types of West Suits
Besides the well known full suit, there are many different types of wetsuits available. The Shorty suits do not cover the entire leg and arm areas but only the torso. These suits are best for warm water conditions. The “Farmer Johns” has a thickened “pants” layer that goes up around the shoulders, but doesn’t cover the arms; this type is good for surfing applications where knee protection is important. Now there are specialized “thin suits” for competition swimming and light dive applications. These suits offer streamlining and abrasion protection more than they do temperature control.
Wetsuit Hoods
Since over 25% of body heat is lost through the head, hoods are a very important accessory to a full wetsuit. Hoods are often made of similar materials to a wetsuit, but are somewhat thicker to prevent loss of heat around such a sensitive area. Most hoods have long “bibs” that tuck within the neck of the wet suit to protect against a gush of cold water down the neck.
Booties
Even though some wetsuits commonly have built-in feet, most use separate booties. These booties are drawn up over the legs of the wetsuit. To facilitate standing or pushing off against the bottom of rough surfaces booties are usually reinforced and corrugated.
The Gloves
Gloves are another important accessory and are not only meant to protect against cold water but they must also stop sharp coral and rocks from injuring the skin. In order to help in handling other gears and objects underwater, gloves often have textured fingertips.
Conclusion
Ever since its early primitive rubber casing days in the early 1950s, the wetsuit has come a long way. Wetsuits will continue advance and offer divers many new options for their diving experience with new materials and special computer-aided designs.
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