Among the inconveniences that those who practice a water sport find, is the cold that can be encountered in certain seasons of the year, or also when the practice of the same sport requires a weather condition that is harsh; you do not know what to choose: a wetsuit or a dry suit? Continue reading this article for a guide.
You should know that the body loses heat much faster when it is in the water than when it is out of it and for this reason it is very important to buy suits that are suitable when doing water activities such as diving; In this type of practice, for it to be really pleasant, you have to avoid suffering from the heat and not let the cold go by.
Neoprene or a dry suit
Most of the water sportsmen go for the option of a wetsuit made of neoprene, as it provides good results and the costs are not so high, they are sold in different thicknesses, for which the temperature of the air and that of the water is which should help us determine what is best.
The difference between a wetsuit and a dry suit is that the latter would not let water pass in and would also protect you from getting air, which undoubtedly translates into a decrease in the sensation of cold, in addition It will allow you to have more freedom in your movements and you can combine them with lira or with the same neoprene in case it does not have the lining made to withstand body heat.
Which wetsuit to use – an example
If you are in the Mediterranean with a hot climate of 20 degrees centigrade, it will be fine to use a lira suit or a wetsuit that is short, can be between 1 and 2 ml thick, will not be expensive and will protect you from the cold, when you reach seasons that oscillate between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, you should opt for a suit that is long, approximately 3/2 thick both in the arms and in the chest and legs and for temperatures that drop below 15 degrees Celsius, that is, in winter, a long 4/3-thick wetsuit should be worn; remember that this example was based on the Mediterranean where the weather hardly drops below 12 degrees, but if you are in another place where there may be harsher weather conditions.
Neoprene ranges
It is important to know that these suits offer several ranges and the higher the better; those that are of a high range can be differentiated by their finishes and seams that will offer you greater resistance and also better heat retention; also look at its elasticity, it will be very important since it will allow you to be more comfortable in your movements and with more amplitude.
When to wear a dry suit
You must use this type of suit when there are very harsh weather conditions and the weather is very cold, 15 degrees Celsius and below, because this suit can become a bit bulky, so it is not recommended for all situations, unless that you are very cold or if you are going to spend a considerable number of hours in the water.
What are dry suits like?
These types of suits are usually made with nylon fabrics which are characterized by being quite elastic or also polyester to seek more resistance.
How are the wetsuits
This material is a type of rubber that is flexible and synthetic, it was invented in 1930 and has a very good insulating capacity, it has nitrogen bubbles stored in it, which are what allow the skin to isolate itself from the water, causing the speed with which the water, so to speak, steals the heat from the body to reduce; Thanks to this, with this suit you can spend more time in the water without getting too cold.
This suit also helps as a protector against chafing or even against some animals such as jellyfish or bumps with some rocks.
Dry suit drawback
People who have studied these suits say that the drawback of the dry suit is that if there is an accident and there is a cut or opening in the suit, water can enter without being able to get out, which will cause you to sink in case that you are unconscious.
Tips
- Remember to use life jackets in marine sports activities.
- If you can ask a professional what is best for you, a dry suit or a wetsuit, great.