Do I Need a Wet or Dry Suit?

Wetsuits and dry suits are both used for a variety of water sports, including surfing, diving and sailing. If you are only just beginning to get into a particular sport you may not understand the difference between the two types of suit and when each one is needed. Wetsuits are somewhat more common than dry-suits and used for a range of activities in the water, whilst dry-suits are much less common, usually being reserved for specific water sports. There is a big difference between the two products and how they work to protect your body from the cold and other elements. This guide will help you choose whether you need a wetsuit or dry-suit and will help you to decide which type is better for you and the activities you take part in. A wetsuit will not keep you dry, however it will keep you warm, whilst a dry-suit will keep you dry and warm whilst in the water.

Wet or Dry?

A wetsuit works by trapping water between the skin and the suit, which is then heated by body heat. The trapped water works as a layer of insulation, keeping you warm when submerged in water. A dry suit works in a different way, by not allowing any water to penetrate the suit, keeping you warm and dry when you take part in diving, or other water sporting activities. Wetsuits have many advantages over dry-suits. They are cheaper, easier to get in and out of and can be repaired or replaced without breaking the bank. Dry-suits, however, require assistance to put on and take off, can cost four or five times the amount than a wetsuit and can be a lot heavier to wear in the water – but people who choose dry-suits often have a much more comfortable dive, due to the additional warmth and dryness of their suit.

What Suit Will I Need?

Diving

Wetsuits and dry-suits are used for diving – what you choose will depend on where you plan on diving. Those who work in water will need a thicker, more durable suit that will be more resistant to damage, well as those who dive for fun can get away with a much thinner and sleeker design. Those who work in the water for many hours will find a regular wetsuit loses its warming capability after a period of around three hours – for this reason many people who worked underwater require reinforced dry-suits that have been made from a more heavy duty material. Both wetsuits and dry-suits are used for all forms of scuba diving.

Boating

Many sailors choose to wear diving suits to help protect them from the elements, as well as the ocean itself. Most opt for dry-suits so they aren’t affected by waves, splashes or strong winds and also because a wetsuit will only work to keep the wearer warm if they are submerged in water.

Water Sports

Those who partake in activities such as surfing, body boarding, and wind surfing or kayaking may want to opt for a diving wetsuit in order to keep them warm and their bodies protected. Many people find that a dry-suit is too heavy and restrictive for water sports, so wetsuits are often a more popular choice. Remember to choose a wetsuit with “give” to ensure you are not restricted by your suit.

Emergency Suits

Ships and boats that travel through particularly cold bodies of water, for example, within the Arctic Circle will usually carry a collection of suits for emergency situations. These wet and dry suits are designed to keep the wearer warm if they need to exit the ship into cold oceans or lakes. Whatever you need a suit for, visit our online site to see our extensive range of suits for all occasions.