Next to fins, mask and a tank, the accessory that most symbolizes today's scuba diver is a wetsuit. Usually made of a combination of neoprene rubber and synthetic fabrics, wetsuits have come a long way since the early days of suit pioneers like the O'Neill brothers and their Santa Cruz "surf suits". Today's wetsuits combine a wide variety of fabric weaves, designs, colors, and types of material densities. There are many, many brands, each offering its own unique take on one of the most essential parts of the diver's dress, especially if you're planning to dive in temperate or moderately deep waters.
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.
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
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. The layer of warm water keeps the cold water from reaching the divers body by acting as a thermos bottle. The wetsuits are designed to let water come in contact with the skin. This is in contrast to the dry suit which keeps all water out. Wetsuits are usually used in waters whose temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees. Dry suits are used in waters whose temperatures are much lower.
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.
The Hoods
Since over 25% of body heat is lost through the head, hoods are a very important accessory to a full wetsuit. Hoods are often made of similar materials to a wetsuit, but are somewhat thicker to prevent loss of heat around such a sensitive area. Most hoods have long "bibs" that tuck within the neck of the wet suit to protect against a gush of cold water down the neck.
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
Another important addition is the Gloves. They must not only protect against cold water but must also stop sharp coral and rocks from damaging the skin. Diving gloves also have textured fingertips to help in handling gear or other objects during a dive.
Conclusion
As you can see, wetsuits have come a long way since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950's. With new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer the divers of the 21st century many new options for their diving experience. - 15995
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.
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
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. The layer of warm water keeps the cold water from reaching the divers body by acting as a thermos bottle. The wetsuits are designed to let water come in contact with the skin. This is in contrast to the dry suit which keeps all water out. Wetsuits are usually used in waters whose temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees. Dry suits are used in waters whose temperatures are much lower.
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.
The Hoods
Since over 25% of body heat is lost through the head, hoods are a very important accessory to a full wetsuit. Hoods are often made of similar materials to a wetsuit, but are somewhat thicker to prevent loss of heat around such a sensitive area. Most hoods have long "bibs" that tuck within the neck of the wet suit to protect against a gush of cold water down the neck.
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
Another important addition is the Gloves. They must not only protect against cold water but must also stop sharp coral and rocks from damaging the skin. Diving gloves also have textured fingertips to help in handling gear or other objects during a dive.
Conclusion
As you can see, wetsuits have come a long way since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950's. With new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer the divers of the 21st century many new options for their diving experience. - 15995
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a keen interest in Scuba Diving for several years. For more information on wet suits, visit his online website now.
