Comparing Dry suits And Wetsuits For Scuba Diving
Most people who are new to scuba diving often wonder which is the best diving suit to purchase. Both types are actually quite good and are highly recommended but they work well for different climatic conditions. If you are scuba diving in an extremely cold area, then you need to opt for the dry suit. A wetsuit will be the best option for you if you will be scuba diving in warm waters.
Dry suits and wet suits are a requirement when scuba diving because they act as insulators from the cold winter air, water temperatures and extreme heat thereby preventing cases of hypothermia while diving. They are also used in inland surfing sports such as wake surfing and Whitewater stand up paddle boarding. Both suits have the same function, which is to protect the diver from the cold weather conditions. The main differences between the suits lie in their materials and intended purpose. This article will be looking at the major differences between wetsuits and dry suits so you can be in a position to make the best choice.
The first suit we are going to look at is the dry suit. Dry suits are warmer than wetsuits and they are therefore recommended for extremely cold climates. Dry suits are thin and loose and you can therefore wear a lot of clothing underneath them so you can keep warm even in the iciest waters. Most dry suits are made up of either membrane or neoprene or both because both materials are waterproof. A dry suit will only be effective in keeping the cold out if you have undergarments on. A dry suit is a bit more challenging to use because there is air trapped in it. For effective use, you will need to take a special course so you can learn how to manage the buoyancy in the suit.
We will also look at the wetsuit. You should buy a wetsuit if you intend to dive or surf in cool or warm waters. Unlike the dry suits, wetsuits are fitted tightly around the body. Wetsuits are made from neoprene and the thickness of the material is wholly dependent on the kind of waters you intend to dive in. Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between the wearer and the suit. Your body will then warm the water so you can dive or surf at body temperature. Go for wetsuits during the summer and dry suits during the winter.