| Because the right exposure suit is an invaluable piece | | | | from squeezing the suit against the body. Because |
| of scuba gear, there are three things a diver needs | | | | the suit is loose-fitting, the air can move around inside |
| to consider when choosing a scuba diving wet suit. | | | | the suit. This can shift buoyancy to the legs and turn |
| Types of Scuba Diving Wet Suits | | | | the diver upside down. Because of this, it is best to |
| A divers personal comfort requirements will vary. It is | | | | take an orientation course before diving with a |
| best to take various suit options, possibly layering | | | | dry-suit. |
| these to get the best protection. Most divers will | | | | The Importance of a Good Fitting Wet Suit |
| decide on a suit that will suffice in a variety of | | | | A scuba diving wet suit keeps a diver warm by |
| temperatures. | | | | trapping a thin layer of water between the diver's |
| - Skin Suits: In warm waters, a diver may not need | | | | body and the wet suit. This water gradually becomes |
| thermal protection, but a thin suit will help prevent | | | | warm and acts as an insulator. A wet suit that fits |
| equipment from rubbing the skin and protect against | | | | close to the body gives a diver better insulation while |
| stings and scraps. The thinnest suits are made of | | | | diving. |
| Lycra and are made from 0.5 mm neoprene. Lycra | | | | A dive suit that fits properly should be easy to put |
| suits are also good to wear as a base layer under a | | | | on and follow the shape of a diver's body. This will |
| heavier suit for added warmth. | | | | keep water from flowing freely between the suit |
| - Shorties Suits: A shortie wet suit provides a little | | | | and the body. A suit that fits poorly will chill rather |
| more thermal protection than a skin. Because they | | | | than warm the diver. |
| leave the arms and legs exposed, they do not | | | | A good wet suit will have efficient seals at the neck, |
| provide protection against stings and scraps. | | | | wrists and ankles. Good seals will stop water from |
| - Full-Length Suits: A full length wet suit is the choice | | | | flushing through the suit and allow the trapped water |
| of most divers. These suits give a diver more | | | | to warm up. |
| thermal protection on the arms and legs and provide | | | | How to Maintain a Wet Suit |
| better protection against scraps and stings. Full-length | | | | - Properly maintaining a wet suit will help insure the |
| scuba diving wet suits are made from 2-8 mm | | | | comfort and thermal protection of the suit. |
| neoprene. | | | | - Rinse the wet suit after every dive to remove salt |
| - Semi-Dry Suits: Semi-dry suits are normally worn in | | | | and debris. This will help to prevent the suit from |
| colder waters, but can be worn in warm waters like | | | | rotting. |
| the Mediterranean Sea. When worn in cold waters, | | | | - Periodically wash the suit with a special wet suit |
| divers will also wear a hood and gloves with a | | | | shampoo. This will keep the neoprene supple and |
| semi-dry suit. These suits are made of 9 mm | | | | prevent mildew. |
| neoprene and can be worn in layers. Divers know this | | | | - Zippers should be coated regularly with wax or zip |
| style as a farmer john wet suit. It consists of a | | | | slip. This will keep them lubricated and help prevent |
| coverall-style base layer with a long sleeve shortie | | | | corrosion. |
| worn over the base layer. | | | | - Place the suit on a hanger to dry. Do not place the |
| - Dry-Suits: Dry-suits are designed to keep divers | | | | suit in direct sunlight while drying. |
| warm when they are diving in extremely cold | | | | - Once the suit is dry, store it in a cool, dry place on |
| conditions like under ice. Dry-suits are loose-fitting and | | | | the hanger. |
| divers will often wear a thermal under suit with a dry | | | | Following a simple maintenance regimen will help |
| suit for added insulation. Dry-suits use air that can be | | | | prolong the life of the wet suit. |
| injected by the diver to keep the water pressure | | | | |