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Wetsuits: An introduction

Published by Robert Thomson | January 2nd 2009 | Views:

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You have probably noticed the skintight outfits that most athletes wear, especially those in water sports. Those are wetsuits; light-weight neoprene suits that are touted to boost your performance. It doesn’t matter if you’re a swimmer, running a triathlon or just a casual surfer, a wetsuit is for you.

They are mostly made from thin closed-celled neoprene, the same material used for laptop sleeves and electrical insulators. They are waterproof, built with seams which do not leak and lined with nylon for strength and easy wearing.

Wetsuits come in many versions, with different types used in various situations. The normal wetsuit you will get at a store is a warm-water wetsuit, which are best for tropical conditions. Cold-water wetsuits are for chillier climates, with added thickness and insulation. However, they restrict mobility and are quite uncomfortable.

From the warm-water wetsuit stems three designs. First, is the full-suit, or steamer, which covers the length of the arms and legs; used by those who want extensive protection. There is also the ‘shorty’, which has short sleeves and legs, designed for those who want better mobility. Aside from that, there is the two-piece, which allows the wearer a choice between wearing either both pieces or just one. For added protection, hoods are also available.

The modern wetsuit is designed to complement the contours of your body and ultimately maximize your ability t protect swimmers by helping them retain their body heat, of which excessive loss can lead to hypothermia. The suit allows water in and eventually a layer or water will exist between the swimmer’s body and the suit. This film of water acts as an insulator; receiving heat from the body and preventing it from escaping the suit. This function is further enhanced by the presence of nitrogen gas bubbles contained in the material of the suit. As nitrogen is a low heat conductor, it will repel the heat inwards towards the body and minimizing the risk of hypothermia.

So, if you are surfing, scuba-diving or just going for a swim at the beach for a few hours, get a wetsuit. It will protect you and then some.
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