Q: What thickness wetsuit do I need?

Wetsuits come in various thicknesses , and the best choice for you will depend on what you intend to be doing while wearing them. In general, the thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it will keep you, but the less agility or mobility it will allow. A surfer, for instance, might prefer a 3/2 ( 3mm in the torso and 2mm in the limbs) wetsuit for greater flexibility, while a diver going into deep, cold waters might be better off with a thicker 5/3 suit.

Question 1

What thickness wetsuit do I need?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuits come in various thicknesses, and the best choice for you will depend on what you intend to be doing while wearing them. In general, the thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it will keep you, but the less agility or mobility it will allow. A surfer, for instance, might prefer a 3/2 (3mm in the torso and 2mm in the limbs) wetsuit for greater flexibility, while a diver going into deep, cold waters might be better off with a thicker 5/3 suit.

Question 2

How to buy a wetsuit?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuits can be ordered online or at any sporting supply outlet. However, you will need to consider a few things before making your purchase, such as what you intend to use it for, what size fits you, the quality you require, and what you’re willing to spend. First-time buyers should go out and try wetsuits on so that they get one that fits them properly.

Question 3

Why are most wetsuits black?

Accepted Answer

The most important reason for most wetsuits being black is that this color is the most efficient at protecting wearers from the harmful effects of Ultra-Violet rays (UV rays). Black is the most effective photon absorber, which makes it an excellent shield against these rays. Black will also absorb and retain heat from the sun, which will go a long way in boosting the wetsuit’s heat-retaining qualities. It is, finally, a neutral color that very few people would mind wearing for whatever reasons.

Question 4

How tight should a wetsuit be?

Accepted Answer

A wetsuit should fit snugly to minimize water flow in and out of the suit while in the water. This replacement of the small amount of water held within the suit (between your skin and the suit) is known as flushing, and it severely diminishes the wetsuit’s ability to keep you warm. On the other hand, it should not be too tight as this may constrict your breathing or even lead to acute cardiac failure in extreme cases. A well-fitting suit will not have any gaps or bagginess – it should feel like a second skin.

Question 5

What are wetsuits made of?

Accepted Answer

Most wetsuits are made of a type of synthetic rubber known as closed-cell foam neoprene while some others are made of open cell neoprene. Neoprene is put through a process known as foaming, which results in the tiny pockets of nitrogen gas found in it and gives it its ability to prevent or minimize heat loss and provide buoyancy. This material will usually be sandwiched between thin sheets of durable material such as lycra (spandex).

Question 6

How much is a wetsuit?

Accepted Answer

Depending on numerous factors, wetsuit prices range broadly. At the low end, $75 suits are available, while at the high end, you might find suits that cost up to $500. The factors that go into determining wetsuit prices include the particular wetsuit’s size, style, insulation, thickness, materials used, flexibility, brand, and its intended purpose. Don’t hesitate to consult with someone with experience should you have any trouble navigating your way here, as a bad wetsuit can severely dampen your experience out on the water.

Question 7

How does a wetsuit work?

Accepted Answer

Wetsuits are made of a material containing tiny bubbles of nitrogen gas, which plays the most critical role in providing insulation that prevents heat loss. Nitrogen, just as most gases, is a poor conductor of heat compared to solids and liquids.
In addition to this quality, the fact that these bubbles are so tiny makes them even more efficient at trapping heat in much the same way that feathers or fabrics achieve this by minimizing convectional heat loss. A small amount of water will be trapped between the wearer and the wetsuit itself, but this will warm up quickly to reach your body temperature.

Question 8

What is a wetsuit?

Accepted Answer

This is a garment people wear when they want to engage in wet activities such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, diving, etc. They are highly effective in keeping us warm in cold waters. Still, they also serve the purpose of protecting us against sun exposure (harmful UV rays), stings from certain marine organisms, and potential scrapes or abrasions that are a big concern for divers. Standard wetsuits fall into two main categories. The full suit, or steamer, extends to the wearer’s wrists and ankles. The short suit, or Spring suit, cuts off at one’s elbows and above the knees.

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