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The accessory that most symbolizes today’s scuba diver, apart from the fins, mask and tank, is the wetsuit. Wet suits are usually made of a combination of neoprene rubber and synthetic fabrics. They have come a long way since the early days of suit pioneers such as the O’Neill Brothers Santa Cruz surf suits. The make-up of today’s wetsuits has evolved into a wide variety of fabric weaves, designs, colors and types of material densities. With the many brands that each offers their unique take on each part of the diver’s dress, consumers are spoiled for choice.

History

Rubber skins were what the first wetsuits were made of. These were worn to keep in heat and protect the skin. They soon gave way to more advanced suits made of neoprene, whose cellular construction allowed air and water to be trapped allowing heating that was better than rubber. However, the early editions of neoprene had its downside. It became easy to tear and quite a struggle to put on. Often dressing required applying talcum powder to the inside of the suit. After several generations, breakthrough lines such as Sharkskin and Turtle skin brands added a layer of nylon sheeting to the inner suit and textured surface to increase strength and durability.

Combinations of Lycra or other synthetic materials are used in modern wetsuits to replace the nylon sheeting. Brands such as the Pinnacle Aquatic lines feature combinations of titanium weaves and natural merino wool which increases durability, warmth, and reduces odors. Layers of thicker material are also used in these modern suits to protect the sensitive neck and spine areas, and contain reinforced knee and elbow pads to protect the diver against chafing against rocks and coral heads.

How They Work

The basic principle of the wetsuit is simple; water flow 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 Wetsuits

Besides the well known full suit, there are many different types of wetsuits available. The “Shorty” suits do not cover the entire leg and arm areas but only the torso. These suits are best for warm water conditions. The “Farmer Johns” 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. Now there are specialized “thin suits” for competition swimming and light dive applications. These suits offer streamlining and abrasion protection more than they do temperature control.

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.

Booties

While some wetsuits have integrated “feet”, most use separate “booties” that are drawn up over the legs of the westsuit. Booties are usually corrugated and reinforced to allow divers to stand or push off against the bottom or rough surfaces.

Gloves

Another important addition is the Gloves. They must not only protect against cold water but must also stop sharp coral and rocks from damaging the skin. Diving gloves also have textured fingertips to help in handling gear or other objects during a dive.

As you can see, wet suits 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.