WETSUITS
A wetsuit keeps you warm by insulating the thin layer of water
between your body and the suit. Your own body heat warms this
water which results in you staying warm for a longer period of
time.
Wet suits should fit snugly so the least amount of water as
possible circulates. Water circulating carries body heat away
and results in rapid cooling.
For warm water diving a thin suit or shorty may be all that
required. For cold water a thicker suit, hood, boots and gloves
make all the difference in the world. Some wet suits come in
a Farmer John style pants which looks like overalls and
adds neoprene thickness and therefore warmth to a divers
thoracic area.
Most wet suits come with some form of knee pads.Knee pads which
add considerable life to most suits. Material options such as
nylon coated neoprene or plush lining make sliding into the suit
a bit easier. Below you will find a wide variety of wet suit
manufacturers. I would recommend comparing all options as well
as price before deciding on which suit to purchase. Many full
service dive shops have rental wet suits which is a good way to
test the suit in the planned environment before purchase. This
way you know if that stock size fits and if the suit will keep
you warm enough.
