What is the first image that pops into your mind when you think of the word “ocean”? Is it the endless expanse of blue water or the sparkling surface glinting in the sun? Maybe it is the vibrant marine life below or the mysterious and unfathomable depth? Whatever your mental picture is, one thing is certain: the ocean can be cold, unpredictable, and challenging to the human body, and that is precisely why you need a wetsuit.
Many people do not really put great importance on wearing specific clothes when jumping into the ocean. Some of them even enter with bare upper bodies, thinking it will give them the best underwater experience. Unfortunately, most of them learn the importance of this suit rather late. If you are considering doing any water activity in the ocean for a long period of time, learn more from this article!
The difference between a swimsuit and a wetsuit
If you are just getting into water sports, swimming, and outdoor activities, you may be unaware of the difference between a wetsuit and a swimsuit. At first glance, both appear to be just clothing for the water, but in reality, they serve entirely different purposes. Understanding this distinction is the first step towards safer, more comfortable, and more efficient experiences in the water.
People use a swimsuit for easy movement and exposure. Swimsuits prioritise aesthetics and freedom rather than protection. When they say swimsuit, they usually refer to colourful bikinis, one-piece swimwear, or swimming trunks. Most of the time, people wear it even if they only intend to sunbathe on a poolside or seashore.
A wetsuit, on the other hand, is a garment that supports the human body under aquatic conditions. Aquatic environments refer to bodies of water larger than a pool, such as oceans or seas. This clothing serves its function while submerged. You do not wear this suit to cover your body. It is a tool to support your body while exploring underwater.
What is a wetsuit used for?
A wetsuit is for thermal protection for the body when it gets wet. Wearing a swimsuit in cold water may seem manageable at first, but your body will rapidly lose heat under the freezing temperature of the ocean. When that happens, your muscles will stiffen. The body will also burn energy rapidly as it tries to keep you warm. This natural response is not effective when you are continuously in cold ocean water.
This is why a diving suit is an essential gear to have when you are doing any water-based activity. This is especially true if you are planning on doing an activity that involves more action than just swimming, and a long period of time inside deep water, like diving or snorkelling. More than simply covering your body, below are some common uses for them!
Stays warm in cold water
A wetsuit can keep your body warm in cold water. This is because it is made from foamy neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material often used in diving gear, like neoprene boots. Similar to neoprene boots, it traps a thin layer of water between the suit and skin, which warms up with body heat. This helps prevent hypothermia, allowing longer and safer diving sessions in chilly conditions.
Support buoyancy
One thing that divers should pay attention to is controlling buoyancy. It is a force that makes divers or snorkelers float in water. A wetsuit offers additional support that makes it easier for divers to maintain neutral buoyancy. The garment is even more suitable for snorkellers who must stay afloat to breathe more easily through a snorkel. With the help of a diving suit, divers can reduce fatigue from trying to stay afloat throughout the session.
Protection from physical injuries
As a covering for your body, a wetsuit offers external protection and acts as a shield from the outside. When you wrap your whole body, you will have a barrier against cuts, scrapes, and stings from marine creatures such as jellyfish, sea urchins, or stingrays. It can also protect your skin from rough surfaces, coral reefs, or sharp rocks. When you protect your whole body, you reduce the risk of injuries and can enjoy a more comfortable diving experience.
Blocks harmful sun rays
Neoprene is known for its resistance to heat, ozone, and UV exposure. While sun exposure is good for getting vitamin D, it benefits you only when balanced. Exploring the ocean for a long time, however, will result in overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This can cause sunburn and, in severe cases, increase the risk of skin cancer. Fortunately, diving suits use synthetic rubber neoprene, which holds up well against UV radiation, unlike natural rubber.
Better performance
A wetsuit is flexible. Made from rubber, the garment is elastic and can stretch significantly, depending on the material quality. Unlike some materials that stiffen under cold temperatures, the neoprene material of this clothing can maintain flexibility even in sub-zero to high heat temperatures. It is also lightweight, which increases speed and minimises drag in water.
The science behind diving suits
A wetsuit will act as a protective layer to keep the body warm. How? The way it works is based on the principle of insulation, which is keeping heat from escaping or entering. Here is how it goes: when a person wearing this suit enters cold water, a thin layer of water will seep in between the skin and the suit.
After the water is inside, your body heat will warm it. This is why your body does not feel cold even though there is water inside it. It is because your body heat will quickly and naturally raise its temperature. Another detail is that the diving suit is of neoprene, which has thousands of tiny closed gas bubbles.
These bubbles will trap the warm temperature produced by your body heat, and prevent or slow down the warmth from escaping the wetsuit. The combination of warm water and the gas bubbles slows heat loss, which in turn keeps you comfortable in a long diving session and prevents hypothermia in a cold environment.
Is it okay to wear nothing under a wetsuit?
Yes, it is okay to wear nothing under a wetsuit. There are no rules stating whether you should wear something or not. The suit itself is designed to be worn directly against the skin. This is to let the suit perform at its best and deliver its purpose, which is to warm the thin layer of water that enters and eventually keep your body warm.
Most people actually wear nothing under a wetsuit, as it is better. If the suit fits perfectly against the bare skin, it can trap water easily, and your body can warm it quickly. If you add another layer of clothing, there is a possibility that it will interfere with the warming process. This can result in bad situations like shorter diving sessions or even hypothermia.
With that being said, it all still comes down to personal choice and comfort. For example, many people choose to wear swimwear, such as a bikini or swimming trunks, so they can still be covered when taking off the diving suit. Some people prefer to wear extra layers underneath for hygiene reasons, especially when they use rental suits. If you are someone who does not like the feeling of your skin rubbing against the neoprene material, you can also use a rash guard to prevent rashes.
A diving suit does not keep you dry
Despite the name and explanations of its work, many people often still ask the same question: “Does the suit keep your body dry?” or “Are they waterproof?” The answer is no. The suit cannot be dry as it cannot perform its function. A diving suit needs to let a small amount of water enter, which means it won’t keep you dry.
While some suits feature sealed seams and tight cuffs to limit water from entering, they eventually still allow water inside. All in all, you cannot stay dry when using a diving suit as it is a normal and essential part of how this clothing functions. If you want a dry body, wear a drysuit.
Wetsuit vs drysuit
Some people consider using a drysuit out of concern for their bodies getting wet. It is essential to understand the differences and characteristics between these two similar types of water clothing. Let’s start with the name. The difference between the two can already be seen from their respective names.
A wetsuit gets its name because part of how it works is by allowing water to enter and be warmed by the body. Meanwhile, a drysuit works against water to keep the body completely dry. Understanding some differences can help people choose the right suit based on their preference for one or the other!
- Waterproofing: A wetsuit is not waterproof, while a drysuit is waterproof.
- Insulation: A water sport suit uses water for insulation, but a drysuit uses air for insulation
- Fit: A wetsuit is tight-fitting, whereas a waterproof suit is loose-fitting
- Price: A Diving suit is cheaper and simpler; a drysuit is more expensive and complex
- Temperature: Wetsuit is ideal for mild and cold water, while a drysuit is best for very cold (icy) water
- Durability: A wetsuit has a shorter lifespan, whereas a protective dive suit has a longer lifespan
- Complexity: Neoprene suit is easier to use; a drysuit requires proper training before use
Do you wear shoes with a wetsuit?
Yes, you can wear footwear with a wetsuit. Actually, wearing shoes is optional and depends on the activity and environment. For example, an activity in warm water with a sandy area will make many people go barefoot for easier movement. This can happen if you are surfing.
If you are a diver, it is recommended that you use neoprene boots. These boots are commonly worn in situations where foot protection or warmth is needed. This is because a diver will usually explore cold water, walking over rocks, reefs, or shells, and may encounter some possible rough conditions.
Pack your dive gear and experience the best underwater adventure with Diving First!
Thinking of going on a diving session? Don’t forget to pack your wetsuit! From scuba diving to snorkelling, this suit can help you stay warm, protected, and comfortable in environments that would otherwise be too cold or harsh. Understanding how they work and when to use them is essential for an enjoyable dive.
If you are planning to have your first dive in tropical destinations with cold open waters, you should visit the Komodo National Park. With world-class dive sites and the breathtaking marine life, you will have the best diving experience of your life! Contact Diving First, the trusted diving centre in Komodo, for more information!