Watersports

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.

Each water sport has its own requirements and therefore will not be appropriate for all suits. While surfing suits can often be interchangeable with windsurfing and kiteboarding, the different movements required for each sport will require different flexibility for each activity. It is vital that you choose the appropriate suit for the sport as well as for your body type and skill level.

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.

A full suit offers full coverage of the body, legs, and arms. You can add a hood, boots, and gloves to the ensemble in order to provide 100% protection of all exposed surfaces. While there are claims that different weights will keep you warm down to certain water and air temperatures, remember that we all have a different tolerance for the cold. What one might find reasonable another might find intolerable.

On the other hand, you might have days when all you really need is warmth for your core. A shorty or spring suit can offer you the valuable protection necessary and offer you freedom of the arms and legs. These do come with various options, so shop scrupulously. Sometimes a shorty will offer you a three quarter sleeve, but many sports have movements that can not tolerate this feeling of constriction.

You can get the full leg and core coverage you need without going all out and buying the full suit. Known as “Janes” and “Johns” these suits are the sleeveless model of a full suit. They are surprisingly effective and can be very comfortable for various activities.

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 website where you can find out everything you need to know about buying wetsuits. Just check this wetsuit buying guide for instance.