The Purpose of Wetsuits In Diving
If you are new to the sport of diving, you may be curious about the purpose of a wetsuit. A wetsuit of some type is a critical component of most diving excursions. While many people equate a wetsuit with the idea of providing insulation, the ability of a wetsuit to provide abrasion protection and buoyancy should not be overlooked. Let us examine these three benefits of a wetsuit.
1) Insulation
Wetsuits provide insulation to varying degrees depending on their length, thickness and composition. They provide warmth not by trapping water out, but by locking in a thin layer of water between the skin and the neoprene material that is part of their composition. Since the neoprene also helps to protect against the environment, the thicker the wetsuit the warmer it will be. Depending on location, even in the height of summer prolonged exposure to the water can cause hypothermia. Wetsuits are not always required to provide protection from the cold. If you go diving in the Bahamas during the summer months of June to September, for instance, you will find both the air and water temperature to be a quite pleasant 80 degrees.
2) Abrasion Protection
Anyone who has experienced an underwater encounter with coral can appreciate the value of abrasion protection. A wetsuit can prevent your skin from being scratched or even cut by unintentional rubbing against coral, rocks or plants. The thicker the wetsuit, the greater the protection. Shorty wetsuits, which leave the bottom of the leg exposed, may offer adequate insulation for your dive but fail to provide the needed abrasion protection.
3) Buoyancy
Another advantage of wetsuits is their ability to help keep you afloat. The neoprene in wetsuits contains tiny air bubbles that increase buoyancy. Imagine yourself diving in the Bahamas in crystal clear waters. Since you will want to focus on the beauty surrounding you, your hope is to float effortlessly through the water as you take in the sights. When wearing a wetsuit, swimming requires less effort and allows you to be more relaxed in the water. However, in no way should a weak swimmer consider a wetsuit as a flotation device or life preserver.
If you choose to dive, there is no question that a wetsuit is a must have piece of equipment. Be sure to do your homework before you make a purchase. You will want to carefully consider the thickness, length, stitching and flexibility of the suit. Consider where you will be diving. Diving in the Bahamas will likely call for a different suit than you would wear on the British seaside. Keep in mind that no matter where you dive you will probably have more fun in a wetsuit. It can help to keep you warm, safe and afloat!