How to choose a wetsuit ?

How to choose your wetsuit

In this article, we'll look at why wetsuits are essential for diving. A classic wetsuit provides effective protection against the cold and the elements, especially in an environment where your body cools down 25 times faster than in air!

Neoprene wetsuits are often one of your first purchases, because of their comfort and hygiene benefits. However, buying a wetsuit raises many questions: what are the different types available? How do you choose according to water temperature?

Choose according to water temperature

• Waters 0 and 10°c: choose a watertight wetsuit.
• Waters between 10 and 18°c: choose a wetsuit with 7mm of neoprene or more.
• Waters between 16 and 24°c: For temperate waters, opt for a 5mm-thick neoprene suit.
• Waters over 25°c: For warm waters, opt for a 3mm-thick neoprene suit or shorty.

These values are given as a guide only. They obviously depend on how you feel, how tired you are, the duration of your dives, the sequence of your dives and the quality of your wetsuit (age, fit, cut, etc.).

The different types of wetsuits

WETSUITS

Wet suits are an essential part of scuba diving equipment. They are designed to offer thermal protection by retaining a thin layer of water between the suit and the diver's skin. Here are some key points to know about wet suits for scuba diving:

• Material: Wetsuits are generally made from neoprene, a soft, insulating rubber polymer. Neoprene thickness can vary from 0.5 to 8 millimeters, offering different levels of thermal insulation depending on diving conditions.
• How it works: Water entering the suit is heated by the diver's body heat, forming an insulating layer between the skin and the outside. This helps maintain a comfortable body temperature even in relatively cold water.
• Types: There are different types of wetsuit to suit different diving conditions. Among the most common options are full-body suits, shorty suits (suits with sleeves and short legs), and tops (suits with long sleeves and short legs).
• Closures: Wetsuits can be fitted with either back or ventral closures. Back fasteners are generally more watertight, but can be more difficult to close without assistance. Ventral fasteners are easier to use, but may be less watertight.

SEMI-DRY SUITS

Semi-tight suits, also known as semi-dry suits, are a compromise between wet suits and dry suits. They are designed to limit the circulation of water inside the suit, while offering effective thermal protection. Here are a few key points to know about semi-dry suits for scuba diving:

• Design: Semi-tight suits generally feature watertight sleeves at the wrists, neck and ankles, as well as a watertight back closure. These features help limit the entry of water into the suit, creating a thermal barrier between the diver and the aquatic environment.
• Thermal protection: Although semi-tight suits are not completely waterproof like drysuits, they offer better thermal protection than traditional wet suits. By limiting water circulation inside the suit, they reduce heat loss and keep divers warm in colder waters.
• Versatility: semi-dry suits are versatile and suitable for a range of water temperatures. They are particularly popular with recreational divers in moderate water temperatures, generally between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius.
• Closures: Semi-tight suits are generally equipped with watertight horizontal front or back closures. These fasteners guarantee a secure fit and reduce the risk of water leaking inside the suit.

WATERPROOF" CLOTHES

Drysuits are used in scuba diving to provide superior thermal protection in cold water conditions or for extended dives. Here are a few key points to know about drysuits:

• Material: Unlike wet suits, which let in a thin layer of water, drysuits are made from impermeable materials that completely prevent water from penetrating inside. Common materials include compressed neoprene and coated canvas.
• Thermal protection: drysuits offer superior thermal protection by trapping a layer of air between the suit and the diver's skin. This helps maintain a stable body temperature even in very cold water.
• Closures: drysuits are generally fitted with brass or plastic watertight closures that prevent water from penetrating inside. The most common closures are back zippers, although some models may have front or diagonal closures.

HOW TO WASH AND CARE FOR YOUR WETSUIT?

Here are the recommended steps for properly cleaning, rinsing and drying your wetsuit:

Rinse after each use: After each dive, rinse your wetsuit in fresh water to remove salt, sand and other residues. This will prevent dirt build-up and extend the life of your wetsuit.

• Deep cleaning: From time to time, it's necessary to deep clean your suit. Use a wetsuit-specific product or a mild, non-abrasive soap. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the material.
• Hand washing: Avoid putting your wetsuit in the washing machine, as this could damage it. Instead, wash by hand using lukewarm water and the recommended cleaning product. Gently rub dirty areas, then rinse thoroughly.
• Drying: After cleaning, hang your suit upside down in a cool, shady place, out of direct sunlight. Be sure to let the suit dry completely before storing. Avoid drying in the sun, as this can damage the neoprene and shorten its lifespan.
• Disinfection: You can use disinfectant products specially designed to protect neoprene. The Abyssnaut product range has been specially designed for this purpose.

How to put on a wetsuit

One of the most dreaded tasks for divers is putting on their wetsuit. It can seem like a tedious process. Fortunately, there are some simple and effective tips to make this task much easier.

• Choose the right size: a wetsuit that's too small will be difficult to put on and will restrict your movements underwater, while one that's too big will allow water to seep in, leaving you feeling unpleasantly cold.
• Use soapy water: One of the most practical tips for donning a wetsuit is to use soapy water. Pour a little water into the wetsuit before putting it on, then spread a thin layer of liquid soap over your skin.
• Step by step: Put on your wetsuit, taking your time and going step by step. Start by inserting one leg up to the knee, wedging the wetsuit firmly over the ankle. Do the same with the other leg. Next, gradually slide the suit up to the waist. Finally, pull the suit up over your chest and shoulders.
• Use accessories to help you put on your wetsuit: There are a number of accessories specially designed to help you put on your wetsuit, such as the Wetsuit Dressing Aid. These little tools can make all the difference.
• Call on a buddy: If you're having trouble putting on your wetsuit on your own, ask a buddy or friend to help you. They can help by pulling on the suit to make it slip over your body more easily.

To help you make the right choices, Diveavenue has selected its TOP 3 must-haves! 

Solo T-Pro trilaminate drysuit DIVESYSTEMS

The Solo T-Pro drysuit from DIVESYSTEMS offers an unrivalled scuba diving experience, combining comfort, performance and durability.

Made from trilaminate nylon, this suit is exceptionally lightweight and flexible, allowing you to move freely and enjoy optimum ease of movement.

The Aquasure bonded finish on the inside guarantees a perfect seal, even in the most extreme conditions.

Featuring a large diagonal zipper, crotch strap, adjustable shoulder straps and two large side cargo pockets, the Solo T-PPro offers incomparable comfort and functionality.

Cordura 1000 reinforcements at the knees, buttocks, shoulders and chest ensure enhanced resistance to abrasion and tears, for exceptional durability.

Made entirely in Italy, the Solo T-PPro is available in a wide range of standard sizes, and can also be made to measure for a perfect fit.

To help you choose your ideal size, we offer a standard size guide and a photo guide to help you determine your exact standard size or define your customization needs.

Several customization options are available! 

Beuchat Focea Comfort wet suit: dive in absolute comfort

The Beuchat Focea Comfort 6 wetsuit offers an unrivalled diving experience, combining comfort, warmth and durability.

Designed for optimum comfort, the Focea Comfort 6 features a pre-shaped anatomical cut, ultra-soft Elaskin neoprene, Flex System 2 and Free Flex Zone.

Stay warm even in the coldest waters, thanks to the Fireskin and Water Dam System (Beuchat patent) that limit water ingress.

Robust and durable, the wetsuit features Supratex 2 reinforcements in the knees, shoulders, legs and buttocks.

Made with Eco-Friendly neoprene, the Focea Comfort 6 is environmentally friendly.

The Beuchat Focea Comfort 6 wetsuit is the ideal choice for divers looking for a comfortable, warm and durable wetsuit.

Please contact our team for more information or to order your wetsuit.

To care for your wetsuit, we recommend using SEPTIONE NEOPRENE PRO Abyssnaut wetsuit disinfectant.

This disinfectant ensures complete, high-performance disinfection of your wetsuit and prolongs its life.

Available in 100 ml, 1 L and 5 L bottles.