Not all wetsuits are designed to withstand the same type of movement. Some are built for heavy use of the knees and shoulders while others are more restrictive in the joint areas. The panels that a wetsuit is made from are stitched and glued together, creating more flexibility. Panels that come together in high motion areas can cause additional chafing, which can be very uncomfortable.
Wetsuits are not dry suits. They are not there to keep all the water out and give you a bone dry session. In fact, the water that enters your wetsuit will warm up and then act as a secondary insulator against the cold. Whether you need a thick suit, a short suit, a skin suit, or a diving suit, you will probably want to buy more than just one suit to get you through all of your temperature related issues.
The point of a wetsuit is to help keep you warm in cooler water. Perhaps you want to extend a surfing season or a windsurfing season. Each sport would actually require different flexibility in different areas. Sitting and riding on a jet ski does not require the same type of flexibility that a more active sport would. Thus, it’s important that you buy the wetsuit that will help you retain the flexible movements you will need.
Remember that wearing a suit is not necessarily just a spring and fall endeavor. Many water enthusiasts up north need some sort of suit all year long. Sometimes southern destinations require nothing more than a shorty in February. Every variable factor comes into play when choosing the right suit.
The different styles offer you different ways to protect your body from the cold. A full suit covers you from wrist to ankle and may even come with a well fitted hood. For additional protection you can certainly add gloves and boots in order to keep all of the exposed skin covered and warmer for your sessions. Wear what is comfortable and appropriate for you and the water temperature.
For lighter protection a shorty often offers the best summer time protection. The core stays covered and well protected while the legs and arms remain free for movement and to resist overheating. A three quarter sleeve can be found on a shorty, and your tolerance for restriction will determine whether this is a good choice for you.
The long legged but sleeveless options are referred to as “Johns” or “Janes.” These suits are good for many different sports, but most people find them to be a great spring or fall suit. Their sleeveless design allows you to choose between going free and using a secondary wetsuit “shirt” to start your day. You can remove the secondary covering as the day warms up.
Wetsuits come in different weights, with each weight providing more protection. A skinsuit, which isn’t really a wetsuit, is the lightest form you can buy. It’s not meant for heavy duty protection. The weight of a wetsuit is measured in millimeters. Thus, a 3 to 5 mm suit may be good for early fall protection in temperate climates but isn’t likely to provide ample protection for winter conditions. Buying the right suit is imperative. Cold water and cold air can cause hypothermia, which can lead to death in a short period of time. Playing in the water in cold temperatures with an ill fitted or ill protective suit can end up being dangerous.
Clement writes for the wetsuit information site where you can find out everything you need to know about buying wetsuits. Just check this complete wetsuit guide for instance.
Tags: Diving, Exercise, fitness, Games & Recreation, Games & Recreation, recreation, shopping, Sports, Surfing, water sports, Wetsuits
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