Thickness Wetsuits are available in many thicknesses from 2 millimeters (mm) to 7 mm and in many different styles. The thicker the suit, the greater the insulation, although thick suits can be bulky and awkward to wear. The most popular thickness of a wetsuit for warm water to 27ºC (80ºF) is 3 mm. In colder waters, most divers prefer a suit thickness of 7 mm or greater. Styles Shorty wetsuits (wetsuits with short sleeves and thigh-length legs) and 2 mm or 3 mm full-body suits are popular for wear in tropical temperature water. For colder water diving, some divers prefer to wear a bib overall set of pants known as a farmer john and a step-in jacket combination. They also wear a hood, booties, and gloves. You can adjust the warmth of your wetsuit by layering. For example, in the winter, you might wear a vest or a hooded vest underneath your farmer john to add insulation. In the summer, you might be able to dive without a hood. Options If you are tall, thin, very muscular, or otherwise differ from standard sizes, you might want to consider having your wetsuit custom made to your measurements. If you have a wetsuit custom-made, you can choose from a wide range of options. Options for wetsuits can include: • Zippers at the wrists and ankles to make the suit easier to put on. However, water can enter and leave the suit through the zippers, chilling you. • Knee pads to protect your knees and the suit from sharp rocks. • A spine pad to cushion the cylinder and keep the spine warmer. • Pockets inside the wetsuit to hold keys. • Sheaths built into the leg to hold a dive knife. • Attached hood for extra warmth. Talk to your NAUI Pro Center and dive instructor about the types of suits used in your area or the area in Chapter 2- Diving Equipment which you will be doing most of your diving. Their recommendations will help you select the most appropriate type of suit. Dry Suits Dry suits are preferred for colder water. Dry suits are much more expensive than wetsuits, but are well worth the cost for the increased comfort in many diving situations. A dry suit is designed to keep you dry. The suit keeps you dry by using a combination of wrist seals, a neck seal, and a waterproof zipper (figure 2-40). With some non-neoprene dry suits, you wear underwear under the suit to add insulation and keep you warm. The underwear traps air between your skin and the suit. You can layer the underwear to adjust your insulation for any water temperature. The water temperature, your body structure, and your activity level during the dive determine the amount and type of underwear that you wear beneath your dry suit. Dry suits are easier to put on than wetsuits, but it does take specialized or additional training to learn how to use them properly. Most dry suits are bulkier than Diving Equipment 39 FIGURE 2-40. DRY SUITS KEEP YOU WARMER THAN WETSUITS IN COLD WATER.
19116TC
To see the actual publication please follow the link above