A wetsuit is an ‘armour’ or protective layer often used by divers, surfers, and swimmers to enable underwater activities at any time of the year. However, choosing the perfect thickness and temperature rating becomes challenging for most people. Do you want to have a fun time staying underwater? Then read on for this guide Wetsuit: 4 Questions to Consider When Choosing the Right One!
1. What to Consider when Choosing the Right Wetsuit
- Air temperature
- Your activity levels
- Your bodily sensitivity to cold
- Wind speed
2. Choosing Thickness According to Water Temperature in Fahrenheit (F)
Are you going diving, surfing, or swimming? The first thing to do before choosing a wetsuit is understanding what the temperature of the water is. You can do this by judging the climate and the weather of where you’re planning to have fun. For water that’s above 72 degrees, you won’t need a thick one, and most people would prefer to wear a rash guard wetsuit.
For water between 65-75 degrees, you’ll need a 0.5 -2/1mm thick one, which is a top with shorts without seal. For water between 62-68 degrees, you will need a 2-3/2mm thick one, and the recommended type is a spring suit or a full suit with a flatlock seam.
For water between 58-63 degrees, you will need a 3/2mm-4/3mm thick full suit and boot suit with a taped seal. For water between 52-58 degrees, you will need a 4/3m-5/4/3mm thick full suit, boots, gloves, a hood that is sealed and taped.
For water below the temperature of 43-52 degrees, you will need a 5/4mm-5/4/3mm complete suit, boots, gloves, and hood that’s taped and sealed. Water below 42 degrees will require a 6/5mm plus full suit, gloves and a locked and taped hood.
3. How Should a Wetsuit Fit?
When choosing a one ensure it perfectly fits your skin without sagging on the arms or legs. It should feel tight. Note a perfect suit should also fit perfectly on the neck. You can also wear a swimsuit underneath the wetsuit for support and protection. When buying a wetsuit online, ensure you consider the wetsuit’s measurements and aim for a perfect, and tight fit.
4. Your Checklist
After purchasing your wetsuit, ensure that there is no extra room in the torso, shoulders, groin, or knees. Note the perfect wetsuit should be a tough enough challenge for you to put on when it is dry.
Once you wear the whole suit, stretch out your arms and shoulders and confirm if the movement is partially restricted; if there is too much pressure when performing these moves, your suit is too small, and you should consider getting a better fitting one.
While wearing your new wetsuit, perform squats, and move up and down quickly. If your suit is restricting you, then it is too small. Note wetsuits above the thickness of 5/4mm would practically be partially restrictive.
