Water is not mens natural environment and since we can not breathe underwater a jump into the sea is always also a bit of a jump into the unknown. Of course fear is not the reason to wear a wetsuit, there are many much better reasons, but a wetsuit will also give you some comfort.
The three most important things that a wetsuit does for you are the following - they keep you warm in the cold water, the give you extra protection against rocks, your equipment etc.. and they improve your buoyancy.
1) Protection against cold water. Cold water can cause hypothermia and at the end even death. Because water is 25 times more heat-conducting than air you can become hypothermic even in summer and at times when you actually don't think that the water is so cold. But if you stay in to long your body temperature will drop. So many times it is wise to wear a wetsuit even in the summer and in warm water, if you stay in for a long time.
How does the wetsuit keep you warm? A thin layer of water comes between your body and the wetsuit. Body heats it and the wetsuit prevents the heat from escaping further, hence you have an insulation layer. Because neoprene contains many bubbles the air in them also acts as great insulation. This of course only works if fresh cold water doesn't constantly flush your wetsuit. So your wetsuits should be tight fitting, snug.
2) Protection. Wearing a wetsuit protects your body. Although not indestructible, the neoprene material is able to dampen any blows your body might receive. And between pieces of coral tearing your suit open, instead of your skin, it is perhaps wise to wear a wetsuit.
3) Buoyancy. Aside from that, wetsuits can protect poor swimmers. Due to the buoyant nature of neoprene, it will help you float better. It is not a life-vest, but it'll help.
Especially when it comes to protection against cold the wetsuits played an important role in the popularity of water sports today. Without them these sports would only be limited to a few lucky warm places and would never grow so popular. - 22873
The three most important things that a wetsuit does for you are the following - they keep you warm in the cold water, the give you extra protection against rocks, your equipment etc.. and they improve your buoyancy.
1) Protection against cold water. Cold water can cause hypothermia and at the end even death. Because water is 25 times more heat-conducting than air you can become hypothermic even in summer and at times when you actually don't think that the water is so cold. But if you stay in to long your body temperature will drop. So many times it is wise to wear a wetsuit even in the summer and in warm water, if you stay in for a long time.
How does the wetsuit keep you warm? A thin layer of water comes between your body and the wetsuit. Body heats it and the wetsuit prevents the heat from escaping further, hence you have an insulation layer. Because neoprene contains many bubbles the air in them also acts as great insulation. This of course only works if fresh cold water doesn't constantly flush your wetsuit. So your wetsuits should be tight fitting, snug.
2) Protection. Wearing a wetsuit protects your body. Although not indestructible, the neoprene material is able to dampen any blows your body might receive. And between pieces of coral tearing your suit open, instead of your skin, it is perhaps wise to wear a wetsuit.
3) Buoyancy. Aside from that, wetsuits can protect poor swimmers. Due to the buoyant nature of neoprene, it will help you float better. It is not a life-vest, but it'll help.
Especially when it comes to protection against cold the wetsuits played an important role in the popularity of water sports today. Without them these sports would only be limited to a few lucky warm places and would never grow so popular. - 22873
About the Author:
Clement C. has been wearing wetsuits for a long time while surfing in cold ocean. If you need more information on triathlon wetsuits check out his website where he will also help you find how thick wetsuit do you need in different water temperatures and answer any other questions you might have.
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