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.
History of Wetsuits
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.
Modern wetsuits use combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials to replace nylon sheeting. Some brands, such as the Pinnacle Aquatics lines, feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increased durability, warmth and to reduce odors. These modern suits also use layers of thicker materials 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.
The Way They Work
There is one basic principle of the wetsuit; water flows into small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit where it is trapped, it is then warmed up by the body heat and energy of the diver. This layer of warm water then acts as a thermal suit by keeping the cold water from getting to the skin. Wetsuits are actually designed to let water come into contact with the skin, unlike the dry suits which are sealed to keep water out. When temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees, the average dive temperature, wetsuits are preferably used because there are hardly any intense temperatures for the body to be protected from. Dry suits are used for low exceedingly low temperatures to protect the body from potential freezing.
Types of West Suits
Besides the well known full suit, there are many different types of wetsuits available. The Shorty suits do not cover the entire leg and arm areas but only the torso. These suits are best for warm water conditions. The "Farmer Johns" has a thickened "pants" layer that goes up around the shoulders, but doesn't cover the arms; this type is good for surfing applications where knee protection is important. Now there are specialized "thin suits" for competition swimming and light dive applications. These suits offer streamlining and abrasion protection more than they do temperature control.
Wetsuit Hoods
Over 25% of body heat is lost through the head; this is why hoods are a very important accessory to a full wetsuit. The same materials that make up the wetsuit are often used to make the hoods, but the hoods are thicker to prevent loss of heat around the head. To protect against a gush of cold water down the beck most hoods have long bibs that tuck within the neck of the wet suit.
The 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
The last important accessory. Gloves must not only protect against cold water, but also must stop sharp coral and rocks from damaging the skin. Gloves often have textured fingertips to help in handling gear or other objects during a dive.
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. - 15266
History of Wetsuits
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.
Modern wetsuits use combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials to replace nylon sheeting. Some brands, such as the Pinnacle Aquatics lines, feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increased durability, warmth and to reduce odors. These modern suits also use layers of thicker materials 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.
The Way They Work
There is one basic principle of the wetsuit; water flows into small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit where it is trapped, it is then warmed up by the body heat and energy of the diver. This layer of warm water then acts as a thermal suit by keeping the cold water from getting to the skin. Wetsuits are actually designed to let water come into contact with the skin, unlike the dry suits which are sealed to keep water out. When temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees, the average dive temperature, wetsuits are preferably used because there are hardly any intense temperatures for the body to be protected from. Dry suits are used for low exceedingly low temperatures to protect the body from potential freezing.
Types of West Suits
Besides the well known full suit, there are many different types of wetsuits available. The Shorty suits do not cover the entire leg and arm areas but only the torso. These suits are best for warm water conditions. The "Farmer Johns" has a thickened "pants" layer that goes up around the shoulders, but doesn't cover the arms; this type is good for surfing applications where knee protection is important. Now there are specialized "thin suits" for competition swimming and light dive applications. These suits offer streamlining and abrasion protection more than they do temperature control.
Wetsuit Hoods
Over 25% of body heat is lost through the head; this is why hoods are a very important accessory to a full wetsuit. The same materials that make up the wetsuit are often used to make the hoods, but the hoods are thicker to prevent loss of heat around the head. To protect against a gush of cold water down the beck most hoods have long bibs that tuck within the neck of the wet suit.
The 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
The last important accessory. Gloves must not only protect against cold water, but also must stop sharp coral and rocks from damaging the skin. Gloves often have textured fingertips to help in handling gear or other objects during a dive.
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. - 15266
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a keen interest in Scuba Diving for many years. For more information on wet suits, check his online website now.
