The Wetsuit
The wetsuit slows down the loss of heat from the
body and allows the freediver to stay in the
water longer. It also provides a protective barrier
against reef, rocks, and floating marine life.
Wetsuits come in many different styles and
thicknesses appropriate for varying water
temperatures and uses. Vest's and shorty's (short
arm's and leg's) provide the least amount of
protection and are used in warm waters where
little thermal insulation is needed. Fullsuits
come in one piece and two piece styles with
thickness varying from 1 millimeter to 7
millimeter with 1.5 mil, 3 mil and 5 mil suits
being the most popular.
Most wetsuits are typically made of open cell
neoprene with a protective layer of nylon
material on the outside. Competitive freediving
wetsuits are open cell neoprene both inside and
out providing a slick, hydrodynamic surface.
The raw open cell neoprene on the inside of the
suit requires a lubricant (soapy water mixture) to
put on. Care should be used around sharp objects
because even fingernails can cut exposed open cell neoprene when putting the suit on. In
waters below 70 degrees a hood is needed to conserve body heat. Hoods also protect the
face and neck from stinging creatures in the water.
Open cell suits are 20% warmer than closed cell suits. For example, a 5 mm open cell
suit will be as warm or warmer than a 7mm closed cell (nylon lined) suit. This is
because a closed cell wetsuit with its fabric liner holds more water against the skin
which must be heated with body temperature. The benefits include greater warmth and
comfort in a thinner wetsuit. With a thinner suit you have less flotation which requires
less lead to control buoyancy. All of these benefits equal a more enjoyable experience in
the water and is why all serious freedivers and spearfishermen prefer open cell wetsuits.