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.
Wetsuits and It's History
The first wetsuits were essentially rubber skins that were worn to keep in heat and protect the skin. These primitive suits gave way to more advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction allowed air and water to be trapped and heated better than mere rubber. Even though neoprene was more flexible, these early wetsuits were easy to tear and very hard to put on; often dressing required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. Several generations passed, with breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands adding a layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface to increase 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.
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.
Different Types of Wet Suits
There are many different types of wetsuits besides the well-known full suit. "Shorty" suits have full torsos, but do not cover the entire leg and arm areas. These suits are good for warm water conditions, where the main issue is maintaining body heat at greater depths. The "Farmer John" style (now less popular than in the late 80s when it was invented) 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. In addition, there are now 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
The hood is the next important accessory to a full wetsuit. Its important because over 25% of body heat is lost through the head. They are often made of similar materials to a wetsuit but are thicker to prevent loss of heat around such a sensitive area. Most of the hoods have long bibs that tuck within the neck of the wetsuit to protect against a gush of cold water down the neck.
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.
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
Since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950s, wetsuits have come a long way. With the rise in technology and new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer divers of the 21st century new options for their diving experience. - 16004
Wetsuits and It's History
The first wetsuits were essentially rubber skins that were worn to keep in heat and protect the skin. These primitive suits gave way to more advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction allowed air and water to be trapped and heated better than mere rubber. Even though neoprene was more flexible, these early wetsuits were easy to tear and very hard to put on; often dressing required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. Several generations passed, with breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands adding a layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface to increase 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.
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.
Different Types of Wet Suits
There are many different types of wetsuits besides the well-known full suit. "Shorty" suits have full torsos, but do not cover the entire leg and arm areas. These suits are good for warm water conditions, where the main issue is maintaining body heat at greater depths. The "Farmer John" style (now less popular than in the late 80s when it was invented) 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. In addition, there are now 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
The hood is the next important accessory to a full wetsuit. Its important because over 25% of body heat is lost through the head. They are often made of similar materials to a wetsuit but are thicker to prevent loss of heat around such a sensitive area. Most of the hoods have long bibs that tuck within the neck of the wetsuit to protect against a gush of cold water down the neck.
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.
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
Since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950s, wetsuits have come a long way. With the rise in technology and new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer divers of the 21st century new options for their diving experience. - 16004
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a marked interest in Scuba Diving for several years. For additional information on wet suits, check his online site today.
