A wetsuit is the uniform for a scuba diver, keeping them warm and protected under the water. Are you a certified scuba diver looking to invest in their gear? One of the most daunting aspects of scuba diving to most is picking the right gear and accessories.
When choosing the right wetsuit for scuba diving there are a few factors to consider: where you will be diving, how often you will be diving, thickness of the suit, overall fit and length.
Fit
How it fits is vital, it needs to be fitted to the body to not allow too much water in but also not too tight that it restricts movement or breathing. The right one will fit like a glove in all the right places. They are also specifically designed for each gender.
Thickness of neoprene
The thickness will depend on where you want to dive. As a general rule of thumb, 7mm are used for water between 10-18℃, 5 mm for 16-24℃ and 1 to 3 mm or a shorty for above 25℃. For cold water diving, consider a semi-dry or dry-suit. Thinner wetsuits offer less buoyancy and increased mobility, but are less warm for longer dives. Many have thinner neoprene on the arms and legs for increased mobility. In warmer conditions, most divers choose to wear some form of exposure suit to protect themselves from coral and marine life.
Quality of neoprene
The quality of the neoprene will determine how long the wetsuit can be used before wear and tear. Try to avoid chemically blown wetsuits as these usually wear out faster. A gas blown neoprene wetsuit is usually more durable.
Style
There are numerous wetsuit styles depending on your preference including: Farmer John/Jane, shorty, full-length, semi-dry suits or dry suits. The Famer John/Jane style is a two piece, the bottom part is full legs and a sleeveless top, the second is a jacket. A semi-dry suit has no water circulating inside with seals at the neck, wrists and ankles. They are effective in cooler waters as you stay waterproof and warm throughout the dive. A dry suit is perfect for cold dives as it keeps the water entirely dry and they can wear thermal protection underneath. Full-length wetsuits cover the full legs and arms, while the shorty only covers half the arms like a t-shirt and is short-length.
Price
The price is determined by the quality of materials used, brand, thickness, design and more. The average price is between $50 and $600 US Dollars. While buying a wetsuit is a significant investment, being comfortable on all future dives is worth it.
Do some research and try out different models in the water throughout the year. Having a proper fitting and suitable wetsuit will keep you warm and satisfied, allowing you to be in the water as much as possible.