Selecting the Right Wet Suit

Diving wet suits, made of synthetic rubber, are required for divers to have a safer experience underwater, though, water sports enthusiasts also wear them when windsurfing and white-water rafting, too. Wet suits not only provide warmth but also protection from skin cuts and grazes. Wet suits also control buoyancy underwater. Descending to or ascending from the depths of the sea should not be too fast since the human body is not used to high or low temperature. There are different styles of wet suits in terms of thickness and quality so you selecting the right one may give you a headache.

Thickness of a wet suit should definitely be considered since the thicker the suit, the warmer it will keep the wearer while discovering the ocean floor with low temperatures. Venturing cold waters between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius may need a 4-3 full suit, which is 4 millimetres thick around the body and 3 millimetres thick around the arms and legs. Wet suits may also be a full suit that extends to the wrist and ankles and some are called "shorty" or spring suit that has short sleeves for the arms and legs. A wet suit that is popularly used by divers to be slipped under a full wet suit for warmth is called a long john or farmer john/jane, which is sleeveless but extends to the ankles.

However, the most important factor in choosing the right wet suit is proper fit. Too tight – can cause blackouts to the wearer if constricted at the neck; too loose – water circulating over diver's skin robs body heat. Some divers prefer wets suits that are custom-made rather than bought ready to wear.