Wetsuits For All Seasons
How Does A Wetsuit Work?
A wetsuit is a very
clever invention designed to keep you warm even in the coldest of waters. The
very first wetsuit was invent was by Jack O’Neill a surfer from California that
wanted to surf in the winter months when the water got colder. His passion for
the water led to the very first two-piece wetsuits, which he stitched together
from pieces of neoprene. From that
day the evolution of the wetsuit began and today the technology that goes into
these wetsuits is unbelievable with every brand trying to make the warmest and
lightest wetsuits possible.
Wetsuits works by
trapping the water between the neoprene and your body and warming that water to
your body temperature. That trapped water then remains at that constant
temperature for up to 4 hours depending on the water temp. Some features have
enhanced the warmth by having very high quality neoprene that is so flexible
that it moulds to you body shape and the better it fits the warmer you will be
as there is no room for water to enter and sit making you cold. Even to the
point where some wetsuits have air neoprene, which is small bubbles of air in
the wetsuit and as air is a better conductor of heat it keeps you warmer for
longer. Another addition is the smooth skin chest panel ,which basically stops
cold winds from blowing through the wetsuit. This is great for sports such as
kitesurfing and windsurfing. So recent additions have also included thermal
lining on the chest and kidney areas. This acts in a very similar way to
thermal underwear but inside the wetsuit. It again traps warm body heat and
reflects that back onto the crucial areas such as the chest and kidneys. Some
designs have taken the wetsuit to a whole new level including the invention
from Rip Curl in the Flash Dry lining. This is a combed back thermal layering
that is featured throughout the Flash Bomb wetsuit and keeps your entire body
as warm as possible. It also boasts that it dry’s in 15 minutes but that really
depends on the outside air temp that you are drying the wetsuit in.
Back Zip or Chest Zip Wetsuits
A revolution has taken
place over the last few years where by chest zip entry system wetsuits are
becoming more popular than the traditional back zip versions. This is due to
the wetsuit then becoming far more flexible without the restriction on the back
zip. The only problem with a chest zip is they are far more difficult to get on
and off but after you have done this a few times you learn the way best to get
in and out.
Winter or Summer Wetsuit?
Summer
When it comes to
getting a wetsuit for use in your water sport the first thing you need to
consider is what time of year you will be using the suit?
As if you are thinking
of using it in the summer months in either the UK or Europe then a 3/2 full is
going to be the most cost effective way to purchase. As you will get far more
use from a 3mm full in the months from April till December. The wetsuit is 3mm
of neoprene in the body and 2mm on the arms, which is enough to keep you warm from
about 15c up to 23c. Over that temperature you should buy a shortie 2mm wetsuit,
this has short arms and legs so you have complete freedom of movement but stay
warm if there is a slight chill. Even if the water gets warmer than that such
as 24c plus then a neoprene vest and a pair of shorts is really all you need
even on the cooler of days.
Winter
Winter is where your
wetsuit really does need to be good, and it is worth spending the extra money
to stay as warm as possible. Most winter wetsuits are 5mm or in the harshest of
conditions 6mm on the body and 3mm on the arms. Things like thermal lining
become a real benefit when the water is a cold 5c and below. It’s not only a wetsuit you need when
in these cold waters as you will also need wetsuit boots, gloves and hood. A
good idea is to have 5mm boots, 3mm gloves and a 3mm hood. Having all these
additions will make sure that your feet and hands stay warm as there is nothing
worse than freezing cold hands and feet. The hood is vital as well as most of your
body heat is lost through your head region so keeping this warm will keep you
in the water for longer. A lot of people don’t like wearing hoods as it can
make you feel restricted but if you can bear it then it will make the world of
difference. Some really good brands to check out for winter is O’Neill for
entry level at £130 to Psycho and Pyrotech at the £250 to £300 mark. Rip Curl
offer the Omega at £99 to the Flash bomb at £300 mark. Where the technology has
come on so much you really can stay warm in cold water and have so much fun. No
need for you to hide in the winter anymore so get out there and have some fun.
Hope this article has
been helpful to you and for any further advice please feel free to contact us.
