Diving suits are designed to insulate the diver from the chilly temperatures of the depths. Consequently, some wetsuits perform the dual function of protection and serve as the first line of defense against abrasion from corals, jellyfish stings and extreme exposure to the sun when cruising warm water environments. Wetsuits come in different styles, designs and sizes to match a diver’s fit and preference. But instead of confusing the reader with the materials and stitching that goes into the manufacture of a wetsuit, allow us to give you an overview of its functionality along with a few tips on the selection and maintenance of this important piece of scuba gear.

How does the wetsuit keep the diver warm? Made of synthetic rubber foam called neoprene, the scuba gear traps a thin film of water between the garment and the pores of the skin upon descent. With the confined water consequently warmed by body heat, key to its insulation properties is the wetsuit’s snug fit over the arms and below the thighs. Otherwise, a loose wetsuit will accumulate excessive amounts of water in said areas, displace body heat and defeat the purpose of insulation.

How thick should the wetsuit be? Wetsuits are primarily categorized in terms of the millimeter dimension of its torso and limb sections which ranges from 2 mm to 9 mm. The thicker the wetsuit, the better insulation it can provide. Nonetheless, thicker wetsuits (6 mm up) have the tendency to be bulky to restrict movement and affect diver comfort.

scuba diving hoodies conditions, particularly climate and water temperature, should be the major consideration in the purchase of this scuba gear. As benchmark, use a 2 mm thick wetsuit when diving water temperatures above 70 degree Fahrenheit. Meanwhile use the thicker wetsuits (3 to 5 mm) for dive vacations in temperate and freshwater locations where temperatures cold drop to as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

I’m a beginner, what type of wetsuit should I buy? Again, the dive profile of the location matters in the selection of this scuba gear item. Shorties are fit for use in tropical waters while full suits are required when diving waters with chilly temperatures. Farmer Johns can be used in warm water environments but it would be good practice to wear it over a skinsuit if the diver succumbs to cold easily. The advantage of pairing a wetsuit with a skinsuit (as undergarment) is the benefit of easy donning. The neoprene material easily slips into the lycra fibers of the skinsuit when directly donned over the body.

What about using a skin suit instead? The skinsuit only protects the body from abrasion and does not offer insulation. Said scuba gear [http://www.scubasuppliers.com] is best used in tropical waters.

How do I clean the wetsuit after the dive? Proper care and maintenance should be expended on the wetsuit in order to extend its serviceable life. Dip and hand wash the garment in a tub filled with an enzyme based cleaner to rid perspiration, odors and also urine from the garment. Also apply a desalter to remove traces of salt sticking on the material. After rinsing, allow the wetsuit to dry under the heat of the sun but be careful not to store it under direct sunlight when storing.