Wetsuit

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Wetsuit

A wetsuit is a garment, usually made of neoprene, which is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports, providing thermal insulation, abrasion resistance, and buoyancy. The insulation properties of a wetsuit are provided by the gas bubbles enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat.

History

The modern wetsuit was invented in the early 1950s by Hugh Bradner, a physicist at the University of California, Berkeley. Bradner's design was intended to keep divers warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and the skin, which would then be warmed by the body. This concept was further developed and commercialized by Jack O'Neill, who founded the O'Neill brand of wetsuits.

Design and Function

Wetsuits are typically made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that contains small closed cells filled with gas, usually nitrogen. The thickness of the neoprene varies depending on the intended use of the wetsuit, with thicker suits providing more insulation. Common thicknesses range from 2 mm to 7 mm.

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and the wearer's skin. The body heats this water, which provides a layer of insulation. The neoprene itself also provides insulation by trapping gas bubbles within the material.

Types of Wetsuits

There are several types of wetsuits, each designed for different water temperatures and activities:

• Fullsuit: Covers the entire body, including arms and legs. Suitable for colder water.
• Spring suit: Short sleeves and legs, suitable for warmer water.
• Shorty: Short sleeves and legs, similar to a spring suit but often used for different activities.
• Long John: Sleeveless with long legs, providing more flexibility in the arms.
• Short John: Sleeveless with short legs.

Accessories

In addition to the main wetsuit, various accessories can be used to enhance thermal protection and comfort:

• Hoods: Protect the head and neck.
• Gloves: Protect the hands.
• Boots: Protect the feet.

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance and care of a wetsuit can extend its lifespan. After use, it is recommended to rinse the wetsuit with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris. It should be dried in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the neoprene from degrading.

Related Pages

• Neoprene
• Diving suit
• Surfing
• Scuba diving
• Water sports