Buying your very first formal suit is a big deal! What style, cut and colour should you get? Should you spend the extra money to get it tailored? The same decisions apply to purchasing a wetsuit. There are many aspects to consider when investing in a good quality wetsuit, and the experts at Dolphin Scuba can make sure you are looking your very best for your next dive date.
Fit
This is the most important thing when buying a wetsuit. Your wetsuit should be snug and well fitted to the body in order to prevent excess water entering and becoming trapped. If this occurs due to an ill-fitting suit, you will rapidly lose body heat and be at risk of being very chilly! However, don’t go too tight as you still want to keep mobility in the water when scuba diving. Ask the team at Dolphin Scuba to check if your wetsuit is fitting correctly to avoid making the wrong size choice.
Length
Length of your wetsuit is a personal choice and is heavily dictated by the water conditions. A “Shorty” is just as it sounds – short arm and leg lengths that are ideal for sunny weather and warm water conditions. A “Steamer”, on the other hand, is full coverage and the preferred choice for scuba divers who are in the water for longer or dive during the colder months.
Thickness
Wetsuits are measured in millimetres of thickness, so you’ll be seeing a lot of 3mm, 4mm and 5mm on the product descriptions. It doesn’t seem like much, but just a couple of mill’ can make a HUGE difference to how warm you stay in the water. Rule of thumb: the colder the water the thicker the wetsuit. It’s not just water temperature you need to consider; air temperature, wind and your personal sensitivity to the cold should all be considered before purchasing a wetsuit.
Water resistance
There are some options that can allow you to stay drier in the water than others. Semi-dry wetsuits and dry suits are a good choice for scuba divers looking for a “water tight” fit. They contain inner seals that create a secure closure and prevent water from entering. These types of dive wetsuits are great for scuba diving where less mobility and greater thermal protection is required (such as freediving).
Invest in your wetsuit
A good quality wetsuit is a solid investment and is something you will get long term use out of as a diver. Dolphin Scuba are a Welshpool based dive gear shop offering a diverse range of premium scuba brands, wetsuits and exposure protection. The experienced team can get you ready to dive by making sure you pick out the correct wetsuit as well as talking you through the basic dive gear required. Our team is made up of full-time dive instructors who can assist you seven days a week or you can contact us on 9353 2488.
