All About The Diving Suit

The fundamental objective of a diving suit is the protection against cold, limiting to the maximum the loss of heat that occurs when the diver enters a colder environment such as seawater and helping to maintain body temperature at acceptable levels . Hence, it is also known as isothermal suit. 

In addition, its use also provides a certain degree of protection against bumps, scrapes and injuries that may occur through contact with objects or sharp, stinging or stinging elements (jellyfish, certain corals, etc.).

Currently there are a large number of manufacturers that offer in the market a wide variety of models of diving suits. In its confection, combinations of materials are used: neoprene, rubber, lycra and even titanium among others.

Basically there are two types of diving suits: dry suits and wet suits.

The so-called dry suits that are used in very cold waters, have tight closures on the neck, wrists and ankles that prevent the entry of water inside and manage to keep the diver's body dry. Given these characteristics, it is possible to wear warm clothes under them, increasing the protection against the cold. 

In addition it is possible to introduce air from the tank, further improving its ability to insulate against the cold, the excess air is evacuated through a valve located at chest height.

On the other hand are the wet suits, which achieve their goal thanks to the materials used in their construction and their design. The neoprene with which they are made has internally thousands of tiny bubbles of air that serve as insulation, but also modify the buoyancy of the diver forcing to compensate this situation through the use of ballast. 

In relation to the design, it must adapt perfectly to the body of the diver, making the thin film of water that filters inside warm and act as an insulator avoiding temperature losses due to its inability to circulate and renew.

Wet suits are more economical and versatile than dry suits and of course much more widespread in the field of sports diving. They are manufactured in different thicknesses ranging from 1 to 8 millimeters, with greater thickness, greater tolerance to cold but less comfort. 

The diving suit should be comfortable and flexible, so in addition to assessing exposure to low temperatures, should also be aware of the freedom of movement, ultimately seeking an appropriate relationship between protection against cold and comfort of movement.

Typically 3mm suits are used for warm waters and 5mm suits for warm water, while lycra suits are suitable for tropical waters, where protection is sought more contact than cold. Naturally, in addition to the thickness of the materials, the quality of them also affects their performance. Some models include hood and others, ideal for heavy work, have reinforcements on elbows and knees. 

There are three models of wet suits:

The short or shorty suit, as it is also known, is very popular in tropical waters, the thickness of 3 mm is frequent, it comes with sleeves and short legs and covers the torso and the crotch. Its characteristics make it a very comfortable suit when a lot of protection against the cold is not necessary.

The integument is another wet suit model that stands out for its comfort and ease of placement. It comes in various thicknesses and your choice should be made according to the temperature of the waters in which you will dive. 

Another suit model is the two-piece suit that combines with a garment trousers, which is attached to the shoulders, and a jacket that sometimes includes crotch. It offers greater protection in the upper part of the body, which is the one that undergoes the changes of temperature more quickly. On the other hand, there is still some mobility and they require more ballast than a one-piece suit of the same thickness.

These three suit variants have a great variety of design and color combinations, although the partial inclusion of the black color, probably due to its resistance to unavoidable discoloration with use and time, makes it a practical and generalized choice. 

Finally, we must not forget that careful use and proper maintenance will prolong the life of the suit. To achieve this it is advisable not to overstretch it when it is put on or taken off, you have to rinse it with plenty of fresh water after each dip, wash it with a neutral shampoo every so often and hang it spread in a cool and dry place, especially if you do not will be used for prolonged periods. In case of being a model with closures, use wax to facilitate its operation.