Wetsuits
Water Sports Protective Apparel
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A wetsuit will not keep you totally dry. Some water will seep in
through the seams, zipper, and bodily extremities; and this water will be
trapped in your suit and gradually warmed by your body temperature.
Each type of wetsuit seam construction – overlock, flat stitch, and
blind stitch – is designed for comfortable use at a different water
temperature range. Blind stitch construction is usually favored by
modern wetsuit makers. Blind stitch seams lay flat and are sewn
with curved needles so that the stitching does not completely penetrate
the neoprene layer.
Wetsuit materials have improved in quality over the years, becoming
warmer, more flexible, and more durable. Wetsuit thickness is
measured in millimeters; the optimal thickness depends on the water
temperature, and the thickness in the torso area is often greater than
around the arms and shoulders. Typically, water temperatures
around 50 degrees Fahrenheit require a 7 mm diving wetsuit or a 5 mm
surfing wetsuit. Temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit require
a 5 mm diving wetsuit or a 3 mm surfing wetsuit. Thicker wetsuits
generally keep their wearers warmer in cold water, but they tend to be
less flexible and restrict their wearers' freedom of movement.
Real cold water? Add booties. Arctic air? Get gloves and a hood.
The three primary types of wetsuits are springsuits, fullsuits, and long johns. A springsuit, or shortie, covers its wearer's torso and thighs. It may have either short or long sleeves for its wearer's arms. A fullsuit, or steamer, covers its wearer's torso, legs, and arms, while a long john wetsuit covers only its wearer's torso and legs. In California, when the water is cold and the air is warm, a long john wetsuit is often the most comfortable choice. Wetsuit booties, gloves, and hoods are sometimes worn to provide extra warmth and protection from the elements.
Another popular wetsuit shape is the vest, which can be layered over a fullsuit for additional thermal protection. In Florida or Hawaii, a simple wetsuit vest may suffice to keep you warm in the water.
Shop for Wetsuits
- Becker Surfboards - Wetsuits
BeckerSurf caters to all your surfing gear and surfwear needs in one easy stop. Find a broad selection of O'Neill wetsuits, including spring suits, rash guards, and women's wetsuits.
www.BeckerSurf.com - Overtons > Wetsuits
This leading watersports dealer offers a broad selection of men's wetsuits, women's wetsuits, and junior wetsuits.
www.Overtons.com
Wetsuit Manufacturers
- O'Neill
Wetsuits, drysuits, rash guards, booties, hoods, gloves, and accessories.
www.ONeill.com - Body Glove
Full suits, spring suits, and accessories for surfing, diving, and general watersports.
www.BodyGlove.com - Henderson USA
Leading innovator of wetsuits, boots, gloves, and hoods for scuba divers.
www.HendersonUSA.com - Xcel Wetsuits
Offers a wide range of fullsuits and springsuits for surfers, as well as wetsuits for divers.
www.XcelWetsuits.com - NRS
Neoprene wetsuits for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and sea kayaking.
www.NRSWeb.com - Bare Wetsuits
Full and shorty wetsuits, drysuits, and accessories for cold water and warm water diving.
www.Bare-Wetsuits.com - Exceed Wetsuits
This Florida firm features wetsuits and rash guards for surfing, diving, and wakeboarding.
www.ExceedWetsuits.com - Jet Pilot
Offers a line of surfing wetsuits, vests, Lycra shirts, and accessories.
www.JetPilot.com - Rip Curl International
Leading manufacturer of wetsuits, surf wear, board shorts, surfboards, wakeboards, and accessories.
www.RipCurl.com - Quintana Roo
Offers a complete line of wetsuits and equipment for triathletes.
www.RooWorld.com
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