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.
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.
The Way They Work
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.
Different Types of Wet Suits
Besides the well-known full suit, there are many other different types of wetsuits. One particular wetsuit, "Shorty" suits, have full torsos but dont cover the entire arm and leg areas. These are good for warm water conditions because its main purpose is for maintaining body heat at great depths. Another suit, the "Farmer John" style, which has a thickened pants layer that goes up around the shoulder but does not cover the arms. This is a good type for surfing purposes where knee protection is important. Another addition to these suits is the now specialized "thin suits" for competitive swimming and light dive purposes. These suits do more than just temperature control as they offer streamlining and abrasion protection.
The 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.
Booties
Even though some wetsuits commonly have built-in feet, most use separate booties. These booties are drawn up over the legs of the wetsuit. To facilitate standing or pushing off against the bottom of rough surfaces booties are usually reinforced and corrugated.
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.
Wrap Up
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.
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.
The Way They Work
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.
Different Types of Wet Suits
Besides the well-known full suit, there are many other different types of wetsuits. One particular wetsuit, "Shorty" suits, have full torsos but dont cover the entire arm and leg areas. These are good for warm water conditions because its main purpose is for maintaining body heat at great depths. Another suit, the "Farmer John" style, which has a thickened pants layer that goes up around the shoulder but does not cover the arms. This is a good type for surfing purposes where knee protection is important. Another addition to these suits is the now specialized "thin suits" for competitive swimming and light dive purposes. These suits do more than just temperature control as they offer streamlining and abrasion protection.
The 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.
Booties
Even though some wetsuits commonly have built-in feet, most use separate booties. These booties are drawn up over the legs of the wetsuit. To facilitate standing or pushing off against the bottom of rough surfaces booties are usually reinforced and corrugated.
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.
Wrap Up
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.
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a keen interest in Scuba Diving for several years. For more information on wet suits, check his online site today.
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