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Wetsuits allow the
user to be exposed to far colder conditions than would otherwise be
both physically and safely manageable.
Wetsuits are made up from a
material known as neoprene, an aerated rubber material. This traps a thin
layer of water between the body and the wetsuit which warms up to the
temperature of the body giving a warm environment. All good quality
neoprene is lined with materials such as titanium which, combined with the
air pockets in the neoprene itself, then provide a thermal barrier between
the user and the elements.
There are a number
of factors which determine the type of suit which is required.
The first is the actual
environment the suit is going to be used in. The colder the environment,
the thicker the wetsuit will need to be.
Session time is also a factor
in choosing a wetsuit. A long session of use will require a thicker
wetsuit than a brief session.
The other important factor is
to take into consideration is the actual activity the suit is going to be
used for. For instance, if the suit is going to be used for surfing, the
suit needs to be both flexible and warm. Surfing requires dynamic
movements and commitment. There is nothing worse than surfing cold and
stiff. It effects both your performance and enjoyment. On the other hand,
if the suit is intended for general water use, then depending on budget, a
less specialized suit would be suitable.
The thickness of a suit is
measured in millimeters and they come in different types of neoprene. The
more expensive suits these days tend to consist of the new neoprene
typically know as Elasto, Super Stretch or Hyperstretch, which is very
supple and comfortable offering the highest level of performance.
A wetsuit should fit as
tightly as possible without being being overly uncomfortable. A
well-fitted wetsuit increases insulation and comfort in the water and lets
you surf longer. If a suit is too loose and it allows too much water to
enter, you are defeating the objective of the suit itself.
Wetsuit thickness is determined in
millimeters. Below is a guide incorporating our products to help you
decided which suit is best for you:
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