Gone are the days when it was possible only on TV to watch handsome men in wetsuits flying boards with a sail. It wasn't even the board that was the issue, but the wetsuit, which was too difficult to buy in Soviet times. Now there is a huge selection of wetsuits for various sports and water recreation. Therefore, another question often arises: how to choose the right wetsuit?
Instructions
Step 1
Decide what exactly you need a wetsuit for: scuba diving (diving), spearfishing, surfing (kiteboarding, wakeboarding) or jet skiing. This is important because different activities involve choosing a particular type of wetsuit.
Step 2
Please note that for surfing (kiteboarding, wakeboarding) there are 3 types of wetsuits: dry, semi-dry and wet. Dry - for extremely cold water (below 10 ° C). They maximally isolate the skin of the body from contact with water, while protecting it from the wind. This allows the suit to remain dry both inside and out, since sweat is removed through the micropores of the membrane, not allowing water to pass inside, since these micropores are extremely small. Warmth is retained by the jacket that is worn on the body under the wetsuit. Semi-dry - for water from 10 to 18 ° C, made of neoprene with a thickness of 3, 4 and 5 mm. Outside there is usually a rubberized layer. Water can get inside only through the loose-fitting places of the cuffs on the arms and legs. The wet ones are designed for water temperatures from 18 to 25 ° C and are made of thin (2 or 3 mm) neoprene. The principle of operation is as follows: water seeps through the seams, zippers and creates a ton of water film around the body, heating up at the same time. New water can no longer get there and displace it. Often these models have short sleeves and legs. It is best to choose models with a rubberized smooth surface, since water evaporating in the wind can greatly cool the suit and body.
Step 3
Please note: for diving, wetsuits are needed somewhat different, because the diver is not blown by the wind. He usually spends about 1 hour in the water (as much as an air cylinder allows), and then quickly undresses on the shore and can warm up. Diving suits are usually thick and tight, as durability is very demanding. It is worth paying attention to the location of the zipper lock. It is easy to unfasten the front and let in some water to cool the body, and located on the back is usually with a stand-up collar, which adds warmth, but can create a feeling of constriction in the throat. The hood saves you from pouring water over the collar, but you cannot unfasten the hood, just remove it - it is sewn on. Depending on the temperature of the water, a suit is chosen from a material of 2 - 7 mm, and at a water temperature below 18 ° C, a dry type wetsuit is better. The zippers and fasteners have a rubber lining for less water leakage.
Step 4
Be aware that for spearfishing you need a wetsuit other than the two above. The special Yamamoto neoprene is elastic and soft. It can be covered with nylon, but a suit without nylon is better for better gliding in the water, because the underwater hunter relies only on the volume and fitness of his lungs, so saving energy for movement underwater is important. Better suits with an open pore, which sticks to the body, creating a second skin effect and keeping you warm. It is good if the wetsuit has seals (tight fit on the wrists and ankles to prevent water from entering the suit). These suits can only be worn with water-diluted shampoo, but can be learned quickly with exercise. The thicker the wetsuit - from 2 mm (in warm summer) to 11 mm (when you can swim in temperate latitudes even in November) - the higher its positive buoyancy and you need to take more lead for diving. Wet suits are less restrictive.
Step 5
For all wetsuits the following requirements are the same:
- the higher the thickness in mm, the warmer the suit; - the chosen wetsuit should "sit" on the body like a second skin - tightly, but not hinder movements (for this, when choosing, try on several models not only of your size, but also a little larger and a little smaller for a correct understanding of your feelings). suit, bring your hands together behind your back, cross them on your chest, bend over - you should be comfortable. The suit should not be rubbed anywhere. - do not “buy” only on the fame of the manufacturer and the promoted brand - you have your own figure, different from all others, which means that their standards may not suit you. - it is better to choose a wetsuit with reinforced pads on the knees, elbows, chest, because when climbing a board, boat or walkway, you can get the usual scuffs of the unprotected surface of the suit in such cases.
