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
The first wetsuits were essentially rubber skins that were worn to keep in heat and protect the skin. These primitive suits gave way to more advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction allowed air and water to be trapped and heated better than mere rubber. Even though neoprene was more flexible, these early wetsuits were easy to tear and very hard to put on; often dressing required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. Several generations passed, with breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands adding a layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface to increase strength and durability.
Modern wetsuits use combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials to replace nylon sheeting. Some brands, such as the Pinnacle Aquatics lines, feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increased durability, warmth and to reduce odors. These modern suits also use layers of thicker materials to protect sensitive spine and neck areas, and have reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads.
The Way They Work
The basic principle of the wetsuit is simple; 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. This layer of warm water acts as a thermos bottle, keeping the colder water from reaching the diver's body. Wetsuits are designed to let water actually come in contact with the skin, as opposed to dry suits, which are sealed to keep water out. Wetsuits are generally employed when temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees-typical temperate dive ranges, while dry suits are used for lower temperatures all the way down to freezing.
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
As you can see, wetsuits have come a long way since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950's. With new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer the divers of the 21st century many new options for their diving experience. - 15255
History
The first wetsuits were essentially rubber skins that were worn to keep in heat and protect the skin. These primitive suits gave way to more advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction allowed air and water to be trapped and heated better than mere rubber. Even though neoprene was more flexible, these early wetsuits were easy to tear and very hard to put on; often dressing required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. Several generations passed, with breakthrough lines such as the Sharkskin and Turtleskin brands adding a layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and a textured surface to increase strength and durability.
Modern wetsuits use combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials to replace nylon sheeting. Some brands, such as the Pinnacle Aquatics lines, feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural Merino wool to increased durability, warmth and to reduce odors. These modern suits also use layers of thicker materials to protect sensitive spine and neck areas, and have reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads.
The Way They Work
The basic principle of the wetsuit is simple; 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. This layer of warm water acts as a thermos bottle, keeping the colder water from reaching the diver's body. Wetsuits are designed to let water actually come in contact with the skin, as opposed to dry suits, which are sealed to keep water out. Wetsuits are generally employed when temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees-typical temperate dive ranges, while dry suits are used for lower temperatures all the way down to freezing.
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
As you can see, wetsuits have come a long way since the early primitive rubber casings of the early 1950's. With new materials and special computer-aided designs, wetsuits will continue to improve and offer the divers of the 21st century many new options for their diving experience. - 15255
About the Author:
Ed J Price has had a marked interest in Scuba Diving for several years. For additional information on wet suits, visit his online site today.
