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 and other synthetic materials replaced nylon sheeting in modern wetsuits. Brands such as Pinnacle Aquatics featured combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increase durability, warmth and reduce odors. To protect sensitive spine and neck areas, and have reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads, these modern wetsuits used layers of thicker materials.
How It Works
Water flows into the small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit where it is trapped and warmed by the body heat and exertions of the diver. The layer of warm water keeps the cold water from reaching the divers body by acting as a thermos bottle. The wetsuits are designed to let water come in contact with the skin. This is in contrast to the dry suit which keeps all water out. Wetsuits are usually used in waters whose temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees. Dry suits are used in waters whose temperatures are much lower.
Wet Suit Types
Besides the well-known full suit, there are many other different types of wetsuits. One particular wetsuit, "Shorty" suits, have full torsos but dont cover the entire arm and leg areas. These are good for warm water conditions because its main purpose is for maintaining body heat at great depths. Another suit, the "Farmer John" style, which has a thickened pants layer that goes up around the shoulder but does not cover the arms. This is a good type for surfing purposes where knee protection is important. Another addition to these suits is the now specialized "thin suits" for competitive swimming and light dive purposes. These suits do more than just temperature control as they offer streamlining and abrasion protection.
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.
Wetsuit Booties
Even though some wetsuits have integrated feet, most use separate booties that are drawn up over the legs of the wetsuit. These are usually corrugated and reinforced to allow divers to stand or push off against rough surfaces.
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.
Wrap Up
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. - 15438
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 and other synthetic materials replaced nylon sheeting in modern wetsuits. Brands such as Pinnacle Aquatics featured combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increase durability, warmth and reduce odors. To protect sensitive spine and neck areas, and have reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads, these modern wetsuits used layers of thicker materials.
How It Works
Water flows into the small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit where it is trapped and warmed by the body heat and exertions of the diver. The layer of warm water keeps the cold water from reaching the divers body by acting as a thermos bottle. The wetsuits are designed to let water come in contact with the skin. This is in contrast to the dry suit which keeps all water out. Wetsuits are usually used in waters whose temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees. Dry suits are used in waters whose temperatures are much lower.
Wet Suit Types
Besides the well-known full suit, there are many other different types of wetsuits. One particular wetsuit, "Shorty" suits, have full torsos but dont cover the entire arm and leg areas. These are good for warm water conditions because its main purpose is for maintaining body heat at great depths. Another suit, the "Farmer John" style, which has a thickened pants layer that goes up around the shoulder but does not cover the arms. This is a good type for surfing purposes where knee protection is important. Another addition to these suits is the now specialized "thin suits" for competitive swimming and light dive purposes. These suits do more than just temperature control as they offer streamlining and abrasion protection.
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.
Wetsuit Booties
Even though some wetsuits have integrated feet, most use separate booties that are drawn up over the legs of the wetsuit. These are usually corrugated and reinforced to allow divers to stand or push off against rough surfaces.
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.
Wrap Up
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. - 15438
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a keen interest in Scuba Diving for several years. For additional information on wet suits, check his online website now.
