A Guide to Scuba Diving Suits
Have you ever thought about trying scuba diving? A 2020 report found that 2.59 million Americans participate in this sport. It’s key to get the right equipment and training before you take your first dive.
Do you know what to look for in the perfect scuba diving suit? Keep reading this guide to make the best choice.
Choosing the Right Scuba Diving Suits
There are several factors to consider when selecting the right type of suit. Discuss the different options with an experienced diver to make sure you get what you need.
Select Scuba Diving Products for Your Climate
There are three main types of suits used by scuba divers. These include drysuits and full- or short-length wetsuits.
Neoprene rubber wetsuits trap gas bubbles in their structure. It keeps water out and your body temperature warms these gas bubbles to insulate you.
Some wetsuits are designed to trap water between your skin and the inside of the suit. Your body warms this layer of water to keep the cold out. Divers use both types of wetsuits in warmer waters.
Drysuits are the type used when diving in cold water. They’re waterproof and seal an insulating air layer between you and the suit.
This style includes seals around the wrists and neck and water-tight zippers. Some divers also wear extra insulating undergarments to increase their warmth.
Check for Fit and Comfort
If the suit doesn’t fit right, it won’t keep you warm at depth. Try it on and make sure it doesn’t feel too tight around the neck. This can make it hard to turn your head and breathe.
Move around and try touching your toes, twisting your body, and stretching your arms. If you can’t move about easily, this can create a safety hazard.
Get the Right Thickness
Wetsuits range in thickness from 1 mm to 7 mm. Find out what the average temperature is for your diving destination and season. Then check a reference chart to match the wetsuit to the water temperature.
The Proper Way to Clean Scuba Diving Gear
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your diving suit increase its protection and longevity. After use, soak the wetsuit for 30 minutes in fresh, cold, or lukewarm water. Then turn it inside out and do the same for another 30 minutes.
You may put baking soda and/or professional wetsuit shampoo in this water. After soaking, scrub the Velcro and zippers with a toothbrush. Then rinse the inside and outside of the suit.
Never leave your suit in the sun as this can cause cracking, fading, and wear. Avoid packing your suit up before it’s completely dry to prevent mildew. Always hang it on a wetsuit-specific hanger to prevent creasing.
Do You Want to Explore Scuba Diving?
Choosing the proper scuba diving suits impacts the scuba experience. At Scuba Guru we offer scuba classes and certification for NYC residents. This includes PADI open water diving certification.
How about taking a scuba diving trip to sunken wrecks off the New Jersey coast? Our expert instructors can help you make your dreams come true. Contact us today to learn about upcoming courses and certifications.
