Discover the Purpose of a Wetsuit: Choose the Perfect One

A wetsuit, a garment typically made from neoprene, is a vital piece of equipment for various water-based activities. It is specifically designed to retain your body heat, thereby keeping you warm in cold water environments.

In this blog post, we shall delve into the fundamental purpose of a wetsuit, its core features, and the science behind how it helps maintain your body temperature. We’ll also touch on the various types of wetsuits available and offer tips on how to choose the perfect one for your needs.

Strap in for an insightful dive into the world of wetsuits.

History of the Wetsuit

The origins of the wetsuit can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when physicist Hugh Bradner, working at the University of California, Berkeley, sought a solution to keep divers warm in frigid waters. Bradner’s ingenious invention, made of neoprene, a newly discovered synthetic rubber, held a thin layer of water close to the skin, which the body would warm, thereby creating an insulating layer.

Over the years, the wetsuit has seen considerable evolution to enhance its function and comfort. In the 1970s, the introduction of the ‘blind stitch’ technique allowed for watertight seams, improving the warmth factor. The late 1990s brought about the use of superstretch neoprene, providing improved flexibility and fit.

In recent years, advancements in materials science have led to the development of thermally insulated and eco-friendly wetsuits. This continual progress underscores the wetsuit’s pivotal role in making water sports more accessible and enjoyable.

Benefits of Wearing a Wetsuit

The benefits of wearing a wetsuit extend beyond just warmth.

1. First and foremost, wetsuits enhance your buoyancy in the water. The foam neoprene used in the construction of wetsuits increases your body’s buoyant force, helping you float more easily and swim more efficiently. This is especially beneficial for open water swimming where currents can be unpredictable and strong.
2. The wetsuits offer protection against harsh environmental conditions. While the primary function of a wetsuit is to keep you warm, it also shields you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, jellyfish stings, and abrasive impacts against rocks or other underwater objects.
3. The added safety during water sports and activities cannot be understated. In addition to providing buoyancy which helps prevent fatigue and drowning, the wetsuit also creates a barrier against cold water shock, an abrupt drop in body temperature that can lead to hypothermia. This makes wetsuits an essential piece of safety gear in your water sport adventures.
4. A wetsuit does more than just keeping swimmers warm; it can significantly improve swimming performance. The buoyancy provided by the wetsuit can alter a swimmer’s position in the water for the better. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to maintain an optimal horizontal position while swimming. With the added buoyancy, swimmers find their legs and hips lifted, reducing drag and thereby increasing swimming efficiency and speed. Furthermore, the wetsuit provides a compression effect, promoting blood circulation and aiding in muscle efficiency. So not only does a wetsuit keep you warm and safe, it may also give you the edge to swim faster and more efficiently.

How Wetsuits Work?

Wetsuits are masterpieces of material science and thoughtful design. At the heart of every wetsuit is neoprene, a synthetic rubber that exhibits a high degree of flexibility and insulation properties. Neoprene creates thousands of tiny air pockets that provide an insulating layer, trapping body heat and reducing heat loss.

The magic of the wetsuit lies in its unique design principle based on the concept of ‘trapped water’. Contrary to what you might think, wetsuits are not meant to keep you completely dry. Instead, a thin layer of water enters between your body and the wetsuit. Your body heats this water, which then serves as an added layer of insulation. The wetsuit’s snug fit and the water-resistant properties of neoprene ensure that this warmed water stays put, keeping you warm in return.

Over the years, the design of wetsuits has seen significant improvements, including the implementation of thermal linings that wick away moisture, thus enhancing the insulation. Moreover, wetsuit seams are crafted for both durability and to minimize water seepage, with techniques such as blindstitching, gluing, and taping. This results in a suit that efficiently retains your body heat, enabling prolonged exposure to cold water environments.

So whether you’re surfing, diving, or partaking in any water-based activity, the wetsuit acts as your personal heater, allowing you the freedom to explore the aquatic world in comfort.

Types of Wetsuits

Wetsuits come in a variety of designs, each tailored to a specific water sport or activity.

The Full Suit or Steamer covers the entire body, arms and legs, providing maximum thermal protection and is suitable for cold water conditions.

The Spring Suit has short sleeves and legs, designed for moderate to warm water temperatures.

Long John or Jane wetsuits lack sleeves but cover the full length of the legs, offering core warmth while allowing unrestricted arm movement, excellent for paddling sports. Short John or Jane suits are similar but with short legs, ideal for warm water activities where minimal coverage is sufficient.

The thickness of the wetsuit is a crucial consideration. Indicated in millimeters (mm), it often comes in a two or three number format such as 3/2mm or 5/4/3mm. The first number represents the thickness around the torso for core warmth, while the subsequent numbers indicate the thickness of the material used in the arms and legs for flexibility. A 3/2mm wetsuit, for example, has a 3mm thick torso and 2mm thick arms and legs.

Fit is another significant factor to consider when choosing a wetsuit. A well-fitted wetsuit should feel like a second skin – snug but not constrictive, with no excess room around the torso, arms, or legs. It should not have gaping at the neck or back which can let cold water in. A poorly fitting wetsuit can lead to chafing and reduced insulation, undermining the very purpose of a wetsuit. It’s always advisable to try on several styles and sizes to find the best fit for your body shape and the activity you’ll be undertaking.

How to Choose Best Wetsuits?

Choosing the right wetsuit involves several key considerations, each vital to maximize comfort and thermal protection.

1. The activity you’ll be participating in will determine the style of the wetsuit. For example, a full suit is ideal for diving or surfing in colder waters, while a Short John or Jane is more appropriate for warm water activities that require less coverage.
2. The water and air temperatures of your destination will define your wetsuit’s ideal thickness. Always research the average conditions of your location at the specific time of year you plan to engage in water activities. This information will guide you in selecting the correct thickness, ensuring optimal balance between warmth and flexibility.
3. The fit of the wetsuit is paramount. It should be snug without restricting movement, and there should be no excess material or gaping that could let in water. Remember, a wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the suit, which your body then heats, providing insulation. A loose fit will allow too much water to enter, preventing your body from adequately warming it, thus defeating the purpose of a wetsuit.

Considering the style, thickness, and fit while choosing a wetsuit will ensure comfort, warmth, and flexibility, maximizing your enjoyment and performance in the water.

Final

In summary, selecting the right wetsuit significantly enhances your water activity experience, offering thermal protection and flexibility adapted to various aquatic environments. Your chosen activity, destination’s climate, and personal comfort dictate the appropriate style, thickness, and fit of the wetsuit.

Remember, the primary purpose of a wetsuit is to maintain your body’s warmth in colder waters by trapping and heating a thin layer of water between your body and the suit. A well-fitting suit ensures this mechanism works effectively. The right wetsuit not only maximizes your performance but also ensures you enjoy your water adventures in comfort and safety.

In essence, a proper wetsuit is not a luxury, but a necessity for any avid water enthusiast.