The best guide to your first scuba diving wetsuit.
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The best guide to your first scuba diving wetsuit
If you are a wanting to become a scuba diver, the best guide to your first scuba diving wetsuit is the best way to start to find the right wetsuit for your needs, understanding what kind of diving you will be doing and in what conditions..
What should I consider when choosing my wetsuit?
Choosing your wetsuit
There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing a wetsuit for scuba divers such as: water temperature, windchill factor, insulation level, activity level (diving or snorkelling), and personal preference. When considering these different factors there are three types of suits that can be chosen from which include semi-dry suits, drysuits and wet/dry suits..
If you’ve ever been shivering on a cold beach, and thought it was unfair that the person next to you wearing only their bathing suit is still comfortable in this chilly water, then rejoice! This may be because they are wearing a wetsuit. A wetsuit works by trapping an insulating layer of water right next to your skin which keeps heat close by. The downside of this method is that for every 10-degree drop under 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius), there’s about 3 times as much energy required so if the temperature falls below 50°F or 10°C these can make swimming more difficult than usual since now we need even more work just with our arms alone; not being able to use our powerful leg muscles makes us
Having a wet suit is key to going for long swims in the cold water. When you first put on your wetsuit, it may feel very tight and difficult to move around but once up at temperature, these suits are quite comfortable! Made of neoprene with good quality materials that last time so invest wisely!
The synthetic neoprene suits are cheaper and have a shorter working life. They also don’t keep you warm for long, can rip easily so it’s unlikely to last too long, and they’re not buoyant which will make the wearer more likely to sink underwater if they end up in water or get trapped under something that sinks like debris from an oil spill.
There is a big difference between wearing one of these cheap suit versus real rubber – but hey! Who doesn’t love saving money?
Which type of wetsuit?
Full-length Wetsuit
Full-length steamer suits are similar to shorty wet suit, but with full-length arms and legs. They offer more warmth as well as added abrasion protection from cuts when diving near wrecks because of the extra material on your limbs.
Where you intend to dive will largely dictate the type of wetsuit you will buy. Eventually of course you may have more than one suit if you dive throughout the year, or in different regions of the world.
Shorty wetsuits
A short arm and leg length are perfect when you’re diving deeper or longer, as this will help to keep the cold off of your body. In warm water, though it’s better to have something just on top of the suit so that there are no restrictions on mobility. Read more
Thickness of the wetsuit
The thickness of a wet suit will have an effect on how the wearer moves. Thinner suits are more flexible but less warm and buoyant than thicker ones, which is why there’s such a thing as drysuits–to keep you warmer in cold water for longer periods of time!
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best wetsuit. Some of them include:
The thickness and buoyancy of a wetsuit are the most important factors to keep in mind. Typically, the thicker the suit, the warmer it is.
You can choose a wetsuit based on the water temperature. If you’re going in really cold water, go for something with a thicker neoprene that will keep you warmer. In warmer waters, thinner suits are fine and they save weight.
In general terms
- 1-3mm wetsuits are ideal for the far east, such as the Philippines
- 4-5mm wetsuits are ideal for UK Spring and Autumn
- 6-7mm wetsuits are ideal for UK summer
The fitting of your wetsuit
A wetsuit should be snug, but comfortably tight. Wearing a quality suit can make it tough to get in and out of the suit so when trying one on. I think its inevitable you will need help putting it on the first time.
A wet suit needs to fit tightly against the skin without restricting movement – ideally with no air bubbles showing as this indicates there is too much room between the fabric and wearer.
Zips on your wetsuit
The zip on a scuba suit is longer than that of the surface suits. The reason for this difference in style is because it makes dressing easier and quicker to do, especially as you are underwater with limited movement (surface suits have shorter zips due to their need to stretch). In order to make up for these limitations though, neoprene panels at the base of zipper-less back part can be made long enough so they will extend when needed instead.
If you are looking for more in depth information on zips go here for more
Metal or Plastic – Metal zips are the strongest, but susceptible to corrosion if not dried properly. Plastic zips are less robust and impervious to corrosive elements like water; however they may be difficult for some individuals with mobility issues or arthritis because of their stiffness. Our best advice is always go for a well-known zip such as YKK since it’s easy enough on your hands that you can manage even in cold weather conditions! Ankle zips make getting into thick suits much easier by making room around your ankles.
Front or back – While most wetsuits once had back zips, front-zipping suits are becoming more common. You can choose the zipper location:
Or Zipperless – Some divers are using zipper-less suits too. These have been designed with freediving in mind, so they’re not always more expensive than a standard scuba suit.
Titanium lining
Titanium Lining – This new addition to the neoprene of modern wetsuits is titanium covering. To see it, stretch your suit inside out and you will be able to get an almost metallic reflection on the material. The metal helps stop heat loss by bouncing it back towards your body instead of letting all that warmth escape into cold air! Not only does this help reduce heat loss but also reheats water within the suit as reflected light creates a second-degree effect from up close or afar
Types of stitches on your wetsuit
There are three types of stitching that you can choose from for your wetsuit. Overlock and flat stitches work great in warm water, but they do not keep the wearer as dry when it is cold out. If you plan on being in colder climates or will be staying outside longer than expected during rainstorms then we recommend blind stitched seams with seam tape to prevent any leakage through the seams while keeping their warmth intact!
How much should I pay for the wetsuit
The cost of a wetsuit should be based on multiple factors including the quality, thickness, and durability. It’s important to know that you get what you pay for when choosing your first suit as it will keep you warm longer than an inexpensive one might. For beginners I would suggest spending around £100-£200 so that they can have more longevity in their purchase.
You must look at the size charts included with the wetsuits of choice.
To help you choose the wetsuit you want just put in what you are looking for:-
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