The wetsuit is a fundamental element for diving, as it protects the body from the cold and helps to maintain a constant body temperature. Choosing the right wetsuit depends on several factors, but the most important is certainly the water temperature.
Here is a quick guide to choosing a wetsuit based on water temperature:
Hot water (above 24°C):
- 1-2mm wetsuit: ideal for tropical waters or surface diving.
- Short or sleeveless wetsuit: for greater freedom of movement.
Temperate water (18-24°C):
- 3-5mm wetsuit: offers a good balance between thermal protection and flexibility.
- 5mm two-piece wetsuit: for longer and deeper dives.
Cold water (10-18°C):
- 7mm Wetsuit: provides good thermal protection for deeper dives.
- Dry suit: completely waterproof and insulated, ideal for very cold waters.
Other factors to consider:
- Your sensitivity to cold: If you are particularly sensitive to the cold, you may need a thicker wetsuit than indicated above.
- The duration of the dive: If you plan on doing long dives, you will need a thicker wetsuit to keep your body warm.
- How often you dive: If you do multiple dives over the course of a few days you will need a thicker wetsuit.
Remember, however, that the wetsuit must be quite tight: a wetsuit that is too loose and allows for water exchange will not provide adequate thermal protection regardless of its thickness.
Here is a summary table that can help you choose a wetsuit:
