Diving suit. How to choose the best scuba wetsuit?

The diving suit is a special outfit used for water sports. Examples of disciplines in which competitors use the properties of the suits are sailing, windsurfing, open water swimming, water skiing and diving. The diving suit is part of the basic set of diving equipment.

Depending on the purpose, the suits differ in parameters. In this article we will show you what is a good diving suit and how to choose the right one.

Diving wetsuit: why do I need one?

The main task of diving suits is to maintain the thermal comfort of a person in the aquatic environment. The suits are made of different materials, but most of the time it is neoprene. This material is completely impermeable to air and liquids.

A man who has dressed in a well-fitting suit can endure much longer in the water. Wearing suits prevents the appearance of hypothermic symptoms. While swimming, there is a layer of water underneath the neoprene layer, it warms up the human being and therefore helps maintain the proper temperature. Although the material is waterproof, the liquid is poured through the holes for the hands, feet and head.

In addition to maintaining thermal comfort, the suits provide smooth buoyancy for users. Adding buoyancy is useful in many sports and increases safety. The wetsuit protects against accidental injury.

Let’s summarize again – what the diving suit gives:

• Provides the body with adequate thermal comfort and protects against hypothermia – even when diving in a warm sea or lake, we must be aware that after some time our body will cool down. This not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to health consequences such as colds, sore throats, pneumonia and even hypothermia,
• Protects the body against animals living in the water – our presence in water can cause some animals to be concerned. It may happen that they do not manage to hide and a careless diver touches jellyfish, for example. A burn can be painful, so diving in a suit protects us from such adventures.
• Protects the skin against UV radiation – water and sun are a way for a beautiful tan. However, lack of proper protection can lead to skin burns – especially if we deal with places where the climate is hot and the sun rages mercilessly. While in and on the water, the diving suit will protect our body from excessive sun. It is a perfect protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation,
• Protects the body from scratches – wet skin is more susceptible to injuries and abrasions, so using a suit is a good way to protect yourself from minor wounds.

The use of wetsuit for water sports has many advantages and is recommended for every water sport. Try to avoid diving in the same swimming suit and always wear a wetsuit.

Diving suits – what are the types and how do they differ?

There are many types of overalls. Different divisions are used, for example, due to operation, material or construction.

Division by material:

• Single Lined – neoprene foam, lined with nylon inside. They are warmer than Double Lined. They are harder to put on and take off, and it is easier to damage the suit.
• Double Lined – both inside and outside foams have nylon. This solution ensures more comfortable dressing and longer durability of the suit.

Division by activity:

• Semi-dry – these are overalls that strongly limit the exchange of water between the suit and the body. The overalls have additional taped seams, sealed zippers and are made of a thick layer of neoprene. This type of suit is suitable for diving in cold waters.
• Wet – they fill faster with water than semi-dry, the vast majority of overalls belong to this group.

Division by construction:

• Long – suits with long legs and sleeves. The best foam for diving in various waters, because it covers a large area of ​​the body and insulates well.
• Short – suits with short legs and sleeves. Such suits are suitable for use in warm waters.
• Short Arm – foams with short sleeves and long legs.
• Long Arm – foam with long sleeves and short legs.
• Two-part foams – used less and less, the “bottom” and “top” are worn separately.

Diving suit – what to buy?

If you want to buy your own diving suit, there are several factors to consider. Based on these tips you will choose the perfect suit.

The size of the diving suit

The suits are produced in very different sizes. Diving suits for both child and adult are available in stores. You must remember that the suit must be fitted, otherwise it will not fulfill its functions. An overly tight suit limits the user’s movements, thereby causing rapid fatigue.

Too big suit won’t keep thermal comfort. The choice is important, as is the case when we choose fins for diving. The size must be chosen so that the use is comfortable.

Type of diving suit

It all depends where you’ll dive the most. If you plan warm water, then you will choose a thinner and more lightweight suit. If you plan to dive in cold water then maybe a better suit will be thicker. Also remember that there is no universal model that will be equally good in high and low temperature waters.

Lock type

We can distinguish overalls with a zipper on the back and a zipper on the chest. The choice depends on your preference, so it is worth testing both solutions before buying.

Neoprene Thickness

The thickness of neoprene is a very important parameter, proving the thermal insulation properties of the suit. The more millimeters the suit has, the more warm the suit. The thickness of the suit is from 3 mm to as much as 7 mm.

The 3 mm neoprene foam is only suitable for use in waters with a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. The 5 mm suit will be suitable for swimming in water at a temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius.

The thickest suits are made of 7 mm thick neoprene. These are diving suits in cold water with a temperature of 10-15 degrees Celsius. This thickness ensures good insulation of the body. People diving in even colder waters use additional neoprene warmers or dry suits.

The suit must be adapted to the temperature of the water in which it will be used. The thickness and type of construction should be chosen. The suit should be adapted to the activity that will be performed in it. The swimming learning suit does not have to be as warm as the one used for deep dives. Each suit should be tried on before buying.

Snorkeling suit

Snorkeling is an increasingly popular form of active recreation. Although you can snorkel anywhere, this sport is associated with warm waters. If you plan to swim in high temperature water, then the short, thin suit will be the best choice.

The snorkeling suit should not be too thick, because neoprene provides high buoyancy, making it difficult to go down to the bottom.

Diving suit – summary

A diving suit is an important part of the equipment. He will serve you long if you choose him well. Therefore, before buying, consult with colleagues or with your diving instructor.

They will certainly advise you on how to choose the right suit for you. You can also ask at your local diving equipment store. We invite you to Costa Rica Divers, where we will advise you and answer all your questions.