If you do not like to freeze in water sports, you can fight cold water with a suitable one wet suit protect. For different requirements different models are on the market, which have their own individual advantages and disadvantages. But which wet suit is suitable for which weather? How do I determine the optimal thickness? And where is the difference between wet, semi-dry and dry suits? We give you a small overview, so that the purchase decision is easier for you.

How does neoprene work and who should wear it?

Neoprene is a foamed, synthetic rubber. The material contains many small gas bubbles, through which it receives strong heat insulating properties. An unprotected body loses heat quickly due to wind and water. Of the wet suit protects its wearer from cooling down. Therefore, wearing a wetsuit already at an outside temperature above 20 ° C makes sense. Another positive aspect of the wetsuit is that the body is effectively protected from the sun.

Wetsuits are used in all water sports. In addition to the divers, surfers, water skiers, sailors and rafters use the second skin, which has excellent thermal insulation properties. Even triathlon swimmers and parachutists, who plan a water landing, often wear neoprene to protect them from the cold.

What types of suits are there?

There are three neoprene suit types. The wet suits (wetsuits) allow a water circulation in the suit, which is why the heat insulation is limited. Here, water can penetrate when moving through arm, leg and neck openings. They are inexpensive and can be used very versatile. However, they are not suitable for use in cold waters. Wetsuits are also available as a two-piece suit. These are easier to put on, but also have a stronger water circulation than the overalls.

In semi-dry suits, there is a layer of water between the body and the suit, which is not constantly replaced. This allows the water in the suit to warm up and also has an insulating effect. To limit circulation, these suits have leg, arm and neck openings with neoprene cuffs. They cost more than wetsuits, but can also be used more varied. Thanks to the good insulation they are suitable for all sports on the water surface. They can also be worn in the cold seasons.

The drysuit is as waterproof as it is air tight. Primarily, it is used in very cold waters. He is the most expensive variant, since he is made of high quality materials. For dry conditions the drysuit is only partially suitable due to its strong insulation. If required, it can be combined with an additional layer of clothing within the suit. Some models can also be filled with an insulating gas.

The different cuts and strengths of wetsuits

The typical material thicknesses of wetsuits are 2 – 8 mm. However, suits with a high material thickness limit the mobility of the athlete. In most cases, the neoprene on the arms and legs is not as thick as on the hull to ensure better mobility. The thicker the neoprene, the higher the buoyancy of the material in the water.

On wet suit with long sleeves and legs is also referred to as a long-arm steamer. It is ideal for air temperatures above 5 ° C and is worn in surface water sports. The material thickness is up to 6 mm, which can restrict the freedom of movement of the athlete. There are also short-arm steamer, which can be worn from an air temperature of about 18 ° C. If it is cooler, the short-sleeved steamer can be combined with a neoprene shirt.

Those who practice their water sports in high temperatures or in tropical waters will opt for a shorty. This wetsuit with short legs and sleeves is ideal for warm conditions with air temperatures from 25 ° C. It offers a pleasingly large freedom of movement with a low material thickness of max. 2 mm.

Tighten wetsuit properly

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