Surfers and divers wear wetsuits to stay warm in chilly waters. Wetsuits, which typically are made from a synthetic rubber called neoprene, are designed to trap a small amount of water against an individual's skin. Your body heat quickly warms this water, creating a liquid layer of insulation.
Fit Matters
For the best results a wetsuit must have a snug fit with watertight seams. Poor fitting or cheaply made wetsuits can allow for continual seepage, which prevents the water near the skin from being warmed by body heat.
Different Styles and Thicknesses
Wetsuits come in an array of sizes and thicknesses. A wetsuit can cover the entire body or just the torso. These different styles also can be combined in layers to provided added warmth.
Divers and surfers commonly wear wetsuits with a 3-millimeter thickness for water temperatures above 70 degrees. For water temperatures in the 60s or cooler, individuals often will choose to wear wetsuits with a thickness of 5 to 7 millimeters.
Added Benefits
Besides helping individuals stay warm in the water, wetsuits provide protection against jellyfish and other stinging marine critters. Wetsuits also can prevent painful cuts and scrapes from underwater rocks.
