Wetsuit is a type of material usually used for underwater activities to keep the body warm from the cold temperature of the water. It is a clothing that is normally designed to cover the full-body of the user for protection and buoyancy. Many water-related activities such as sports and professions are mainly the focus of the wetsuits.
In scuba diving, it covers to protect the body from many physical injuries such as wounds in the outer layer of the skin, aquatic organism stings and the jarring environment underwater. It is a major equipment to keep the body warm from the effects of cold water. In some cases, a wetsuit is used for additional buoyancy because of the presence of foam materials inside the garment. Additionally, wetsuits are of utmost importance for divers who are practicing spearfishing. It gives them the advantage to camouflage in the surrounding environment of the water allowing them to stay undetected to catch their targeted fish.
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What Are The Uses Of Wetsuits?
There are many uses of wetsuits, and it depends on the activities and the environment. In sports, a wetsuit is used by surfers to protect their body from sunburns, skin wounds, and scratches. Since surfing is certainly a very extreme sport, a wetsuit can totally help surfers in many ways. Likewise, the same principles apply to scuba diving, kayaking, kite-surfing, and free-diving. Moreover, other activities such as emergency rescue in water-related environments and a wetsuit are useful. It is sometimes designed with thicker texture and light colors to be easily noticeable in times of emergency.
What Are The Different Types Of Wetsuits?
There are many types of wetsuits used in different activities such as freediving, surfing, scuba diving, and even spearfishing. The most common wetsuits are called the “closed cell wetsuits”. These are normally made of both the outside and inner materials of nylon for better insulation and weight. In activities such as scuba diving, freediving and surfing, people prefers to use a closed cell wetsuit for better experience.
In scuba diving, a closed cell wetsuit is normally used by divers because it can give many benefits for their skin and body. Moreover, scuba diving is far more intense than surfing and free diving. It requires more effort to go to a deeper location which makes the skin more susceptible to risk factors such as skin wounds and harsh deep-water environment and the effects of cold-water pressure. The closed cell wetsuit for scuba divers is made of another outer layer lining for better warmth and protection.
The other type of wetsuit is called the “open cell wetsuit”. It is made of synthetic rubber material with no fabric in the inner part of the clothing, that means it will directly touch your skin causing your body to get so warm. It is normally used in freediving and surfing.
The third type of wetsuit is called the “smooth skin wetsuit”. This type of wetsuit has no fabric in the inner part and is also made of rubber. Instead of the closed cell type that is made with fabric on the inner portion, the smooth skin type is made with cushion on the inside. Its material is more durable, comfortable and warm. However, this type of wetsuit is also fragile so it is advisable to take extra precautions when using this wetsuit to prevent destroying it.
What Are The Additional Attachments In A Wetsuit?
There are two major attachments in a wetsuit, these two are the hood and the boots. In scuba diving, the hood also has the same application with the wetsuit that protects the entire body of the diver. The hood portion will protect the neck area and the back head of the divers and will also provide enough warmth and comfort for better diving experience. The boots also play an important role in scuba diving as much as the wetsuits. This will not only add extra warmth on your feet but will also protect them when you are walking through rough environments such as corals.
Conclusion
Water-related activities are done separately and with different implications. Consequently resulting in numerous varieties of wetsuits depending on preferences and comfort. The same applications can be seen in wetsuits, and that is for protection and adaptation in underwater pursuits. Scuba diving is one of the most famous among these activities. It is definitely something that gives excitement in the hearts of those who want to explore the beauty of the water beneath the surface. Freediving is the same, it is not just for leisure but for self-expression and passion. Conclusively, the innovation of underwater equipment will always grow to keep human convenience and adaptability an evolution of human capabilities in water and a continuance of underwater passion.
Sources
- https://www.abyss.com.au/en/blog/viewpost/50/what-is-a-open-cell-wetsuit
- https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/blog/open-cell-vs-closed-cell-wetsuits/
- https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=X8q9ZjJvkH8C&redir_esc=y
- https://www.tdisdi.com/sdi-diver-news/6-key-differences-in-drysuit-vs-wetsuit/
- https://scubadiverlife.com/buying-first-scuba-diving-wetsuit/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/wetsuit/
- https://www.scubadiving.com/scuba-wetsuits