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You’ve probably thought of wetsuits in the past as being unnecessary for your needs, and maybe even a little funny looking. However, wetsuits can be of great use to you, even if you’re just learning how to dive, or you’re an expert on the surf. Wetsuits have numerous advantages for swimmers to take advantage of, including: Additional flotation Reduced drag in the water Extra warmth in colder waters But there are tons of wetsuits out there and many different styles. How can you know which is the best for your needs? Read on.
Additional flotation
Reduced drag in the water
Extra warmth in colder waters But there are tons of wetsuits out there and many different styles.
But there are tons of wetsuits out there and many different styles. How can you know which is the best for your needs? Read on.
Before you determine which wetsuit you need, it is useful to understand how a wetsuit actually works. A wetsuit traps a thin layer of water between your body and the wetsuit material, letting your body warm the water to a comfortable temperature. The thicker your wetsuit, the longer and warmer your body will remain in the water.
To keep your body warm and dry, many wetsuits are made with a material called neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic, elastic rubber with excellent insulation properties. The thicker the neoprene in a wetsuit, the warmer you’ll be in the water. The neoprene in a wetsuit traps the water between the suit and the skin while body heat warms the water, reducing heat loss in cold water. Buoyant and lightweight, neoprene can also be used as a protective cover because of its resistance to abrasive textures.
In the water, your movements shouldn’t be restricted. A wetsuit that is too snug will make it hard to swim properly. Your wetsuit should fit comfortable against your skin, without restricting arm, leg or body movements, but snug enough that water can’t easily get in. Each wetsuit manufacturer has their own standard sizing for wetsuits, which may vary between companies.
Each wetsuit has its own kind of seam, each with its own set of pluses and minuses:
The zippers on your wetsuit can vary as well, which determines how you get in and out of the suit itself:
Now that you know what to look for when choosing your wetsuit, you are ready to pick the right one for you. However, there are many types out there. Choose the one that suits your needs!