The accessory that most symbolizes today's scuba diver, apart from the fins, mask and tank, is the wetsuit. Wetsuits are usually made of a combination of neoprene rubber and synthetic fabrics. They have come a long way since the early days of suit pioneers such as the O'Neill Brothers Santa Cruz surf suits. The make-up of today's wetsuits has evolved into a wide variety of fabric weaves, designs, colors and types of material densities. With the many brands that each offers their unique take on each part of the divers dress, consumers are spoiled for choice.
History
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.
Combinations of Lycra and other synthetic materials replaced nylon sheeting in modern wetsuits. Brands such as Pinnacle Aquatics featured combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increase durability, warmth and reduce odors. 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, these modern wetsuits used layers of thicker materials.
How It Works
The basic principle of the wetsuit is simple; water flows into the small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit, where it is trapped and warmed by the body heat and exertions of the diver. This layer of warm water acts as a thermos bottle, keeping the colder water from reaching the diver's body. Wetsuits are designed to let water actually come in contact with the skin, as opposed to dry suits, which are sealed to keep water out. Wetsuits are generally employed when temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees-typical temperate dive ranges, while dry suits are used for lower temperatures all the way down to freezing.
Wet Suit Types
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.
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.
Wetsuit 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.
Wetsuit Gloves
Gloves are another important accessory and are not only meant to protect against cold water but they must also stop sharp coral and rocks from injuring the skin. In order to help in handling other gears and objects underwater, gloves often have textured fingertips.
Conclusion
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. - 16004
History
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.
Combinations of Lycra and other synthetic materials replaced nylon sheeting in modern wetsuits. Brands such as Pinnacle Aquatics featured combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increase durability, warmth and reduce odors. 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, these modern wetsuits used layers of thicker materials.
How It Works
The basic principle of the wetsuit is simple; water flows into the small pores of the neoprene foam of the suit, where it is trapped and warmed by the body heat and exertions of the diver. This layer of warm water acts as a thermos bottle, keeping the colder water from reaching the diver's body. Wetsuits are designed to let water actually come in contact with the skin, as opposed to dry suits, which are sealed to keep water out. Wetsuits are generally employed when temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees-typical temperate dive ranges, while dry suits are used for lower temperatures all the way down to freezing.
Wet Suit Types
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.
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.
Wetsuit 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.
Wetsuit Gloves
Gloves are another important accessory and are not only meant to protect against cold water but they must also stop sharp coral and rocks from injuring the skin. In order to help in handling other gears and objects underwater, gloves often have textured fingertips.
Conclusion
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. - 16004
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a keen interest in Scuba Diving for many years. For additional information on wet suits, check his online site now.
