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

Wetsuits were first made from rubber skins and were worn to keep in heat and for skin protection. More advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction traps air and water to be heated better than simple rubber. These more advanced suits were made possible by early designs of the rubber suits. However, although neoprene is more flexible, the earlier versions of wetsuits made from it were easy to rip and very hard to put on, putting it on often required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. As several generations passed, new breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands added a whole new layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface which increases strength and durability.

Combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials are used in modern wetsuits to replace the nylon sheeting. Brands such as the Pinnacle Aquatic lines feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural merino wool which increases durability, warmth, and reduces odors. Layers of thicker material are also used in these modern suits to protect the sensitive neck and spine areas, and contain reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads.

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.

Types of West Suits

There are many different types of wetsuits besides the well-known full suit. "Shorty" suits have full torsos, but do not cover the entire leg and arm areas. These suits are good for warm water conditions, where the main issue is maintaining body heat at greater depths. The "Farmer John" style (now less popular than in the late 80s when it was invented) 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. In addition, there are now 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

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.

Wetsuit 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.

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.

Conclusion

Since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950s, wetsuits have come a long way. With the rise in technology and new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer divers of the 21st century new options for their diving experience.