Neoprene Wetsuits

posted by admin on Apr 27

Selecting a sleeveless wetsuit (also know as a longjohn) or a full-sleeve wetsuit will depend on a couple of factors. Arguments for opting for a sleeveless wetsuit would be:

The swimmer feels more flexibility in the shoulder area. Many swimmers feel restricted in full-sleeve wetsuits in the shoulder area. Sleeveless wetsuits will alleviate this feeling of restriction.

Training and racing swims are in warm waters. Sleeveless wetsuits can minimize any feelings of overheating.

For swimmers with short arms in proportion to their legs, the sleeves on a full-sleeve wetsuit may be too long resulting in excess space in the arms of the wetsuit. Consequently, the possibility of water pooling into the arms is more likely. If water does pool into the arms, any ballooning of water inside the arms can make it difficult to have a smooth stroke. For swimmers fitting this description, a sleeveless wetsuit can remedy this problem.

Sleeveless wetsuits will be easier to take off when transitioning from the swim to bike.

Arguments for opting for a full-sleeve wetsuit would be:

For swimmers who do not have feelings of restriction in the shoulder area, most top brand wetsuits are very technologically advanced and do a great job of making the neoprene thinner in the shoulder/underarm/latissimus dorsi area to aid with flexibility.

Training and racing swims are in colder waters. Full-sleeve wetsuits will keep the body warmer in cold waters.

Having full sleeves will result in less drag and a more hydrodynamic feel

In summary, a sleeveless wetsuit makes sense for the triathlete who is racing and training in warmer waters and who needs more flexibility in the shoulder area due to feelings of restriction when using a full-sleeve wetsuit. Also, a sleeveless wetsuit may be the answer for the swimmer who has shorter arms and can not find a full-sleeve wetsuit with short sleeves. On the contrary, a full-sleeve wetsuit is ideal for the triathlete who races and trains in predominantly colder waters and has no issues with flexibility. The final decision on whether to opt for a sleeveless or full-sleeve wetsuit is vital to the triathlete who continually strives for improvement. Making the right choice is critical and will improve the triathlete’s chance of starting off the triathlon on a positive note.

Author: Roy Lazarus

Technorati Tags: full-sleeve wetsuit, triathlon bike, triathlon training programs

posted by admin on Apr 27

In this category, the bulk of available choices in infant wet suits is all about buoyancy in the water. Since the occurrence of infant scuba divers or infant competitive swimmers is extremely rare, almost all designs center around the single most important factor for infant swimmers — keeping them afloat in the water. In the rare instance where you happen to have an infant who is also a scuba diver or a competitive swimmer you’ll probably have to purchase the smallest wet suit you can possibly find in the marketplace and then have it custom-tailored to fit your special infant.
There are individuals around, although they are few and far between, who have the tools and the skills necessary to custom design a wet suit without altering its heat-loss properties or its buoyancy which can result in a beautiful, colorful and still effective infant wet suit should someone need it. But no company is going to manufacture them, with the same input and features as an adult wet suit, for such a tiny market.
There are, however, a vast array of choices for infant wet suits depending on the cartoon character your child likes or the color patterns he might look best in. In addition, there are infant wet suits with varying degrees of buoyancy built in, depending on the swimming ability of your child.
Obviously, the Barbie Princess wet suits are for that sweet little girl in your life and those Superman ones are for the little guy who thinks he’s a superhero. The most important feature to look for when purchasing an infant wet suit is maximum swimming help. Many have built-in flotation devices while some are made out of the same materials as triathlon swim suits, only more so. Since competition is not a factor, the suits can be a bit thick and clumsy, but as long as they’re keeping that little one safely afloat, that’s all they have to do.

By: Peter Emerson

Technorati Tags: childrens wetsuits, neoprene scuba, swimming wetsuits

posted by admin on Apr 26

The wetsuit was originally designed to protect the wearer from hypothermia, a condition which the body heat drops below that which is required to maintain normal metabolism and body function, this can even occur in warmer water. The wetsuit benefits described here are based upon the insulation of the wearer, where a layer of water is trapped in the suits material, which is warmed up by the body heat and thus serves as a layer against the surrounding water. The predominant material used for this is that of neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber.

If one is participating in a sport, such as waterskiing or wake boarding, the wetsuit benefits the wearer from hard falls against the water when the skier or boarder falls. This comes in handy as the speeds that they travel at make the water feel as if they are falling onto a concrete slab. Hence with the help of the material, the wearer will enjoy a little more protection from the stinging fall than that of an individual not wearing a suit.

Scuba divers utilizing wetsuits enjoy a variety of wetsuit benefits in that they are offered a degree of protection from scraping against coral reefs when they are diving amongst the reefs. The users of these wetsuits are also protected from the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, and hence the use of sunscreen is reduced over those parts of the body that are covered by the suit.

The wetsuit benefits are not without controversy though, as those who utilize a suit in open water swimming events and triathlons believe that they enjoy a competitive advantage over those not wearing a suit. It is believed that a wetsuit benefits the wearer in terms of buoyancy and hydrodynamic curve, the later term basically meaning that the individual gets a distinct advantage from the more streamlined effect, as well as additional water forces aiding the wearer. In some triathlons the competitors are not allowed to wear a wetsuit and one should inquire as to whether this is allowed or not prior to entry in such a triathlon, as this may result in disqualification from winning any prizes in the competition.

The wetsuit normally represents an investment in ones interests, in terms of the sport or hobby that one pursues. It also provides additional benefits as described above and therefore one should ensure that proper care is taken in terms of the storage and maintenance of the item. There are a number of practices that you should follow when allowing the wetsuit to dry, such as rinsing out and hanging up correctly. One is advised to follow the instructions in washing and storing the wetsuit, as per the manufacturers instructions, in order to retain all the wetsuit benefits and features that these unique accessories offer the purchaser and wearer.

Author: Chris Kennelly

Technorati Tags: hyperstretch wetsuit, quiksilver wetsuit, triathlon wetsuit

posted by admin on Apr 26

A number of people think that any wetsuit is good for just about anything. This is farther from the truth. Wetsuits come in so many variations that the buyer needs to be mindful of the types available.

Before we delve into the types of wetsuits, we need to understand the purpose of this garment. Wetsuits are protective clothing for individuals in water environments. The purpose of the suit is to keep the body warm. In fact, it purposely traps water into the suit so that it acts like a protective layer from coldwater exposure. The suits are made of a fabric called neoprene, a synthetic rubber created by DuPont. The fabric essentially allows warmth to be trapped because of the nitrogen gas in the synthetic rubber. Because of the low thermal conductivity, heat has less chance to leave the body. However, human skin in contact with water causes heat to lose rapidly from the body.

So what should we look for in wetsuits? It all depends on what you plan to do. The sport could be water skiing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, or swimming. There are wetsuits that are made specifically for these types of activities.

Otherwise, you determine the weather and conditions of the environment and make a decision based on the wetsuit thickness. Thickness is measured by millimeters (mm), so a 1mm wetsuit will literally mean that the fabric’s thickness is 1mm. For warmer waters, that don’t cause too much loss of body heat, consider 1mm to 2mm. If the water temperature is 45 to 70 degrees, consider a thickness of 3mm to 4mm. For very cold weather below 45 degrees, one might wear a 5mm suit with a hood.

The quality of the wetsuit can be determined by the seam construction. As with any clothing, tightly woven seams are indicators of quality. Conversely, loosen seams can allow exposure to the elements, which is poor quality. The purpose of the suit is to keep all elements away from the body. A wetsuit that’s closely seemed or flushed is seal proof.

Besides neoprene, there are other fabrics. Spandex, a thin fabric that can stretch very well, can be used in tropical weather conditions. It can protect one from the effects of the sun. Thermoplastic is another fabric that’s around 1.2mm. It has a little more insulation than spandex, but it can be used very warm climates.

The important part of choosing a wetsuit is trying it on. The best suits are the one that fit snug on the body, provided that it doesn’t suffocates or limits your movement. Test the suit by flexing or moving your body parts. Once you’re in the water, the suit should be much more flexible. Learning how the suit responds to your movements will allow you to better get a feel for the product.

Wetsuits varies in size, shape, quality and flexibility. Understanding these qualities will better help you to choose the right suit. If you’re not sure which suit is right for you, consult a retailer for the advice.

Author:Michell Russel

Technorati Tags: best wetsuit brand, neoprene wetsuits, wetsuits ratings

posted by admin on Apr 26

 Being exposed to the water is continual in surfing. Even riding a wave the spray is constantly on your body. Sometimes, it feels colder than the water itself. Air carries away body warmth more easily when your skin is wet.

Wetsuits and drysuits to the rescue.

Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a special synthetic rubber that contains thousands of air pockets. That makes them lightweight, highly elastic and well insulating. They hug the body and fit reasonably well around the neck, wrists and ankles - everywhere the water might gain entrance to the inside of the wetsuit.

But wetsuits are designed to have some breathability. They work by trapping a thin layer of moisture between the skin and the wetsuit. The body easily heats that thin layer and the body and suit work together to keep it heated.

Wetsuits come in a variety of designs. Some of that variation is just for the sake of fashion. But other aspects are functional. Those encompass zippers, seams and sealing material around the openings.

The number and location of zippers is a compromise between the need to keep the wetsuit flexible and easy to enter versus keeping it well sealed from cold water entering.

Because the line along a zipper is always less flexible than the surrounding material, zippers are often not placed directly down the front midsection of the body. That would make them easier to get in and out of, but it leads to more discomfort for a surfer who is constantly leaning over or lying down to paddle, popping up and crouching.

Similar comments apply to any kind of seam. Though more flexible than a metal or even a plastic zipper, a joint where two layers of neoprene meet is always going to be less flexible than a large swatch of material. The glue is less flexible, if that’s how the seam is sealed. But even a seam created by heat sealing will have some thickening, which is less flexible. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a seam.

As a result of these issues, designers try to maximize the comfort and stretch of a suit where it is most needed. Since wetsuit design is as much art as science, and everyone has a different viewpoint on the best design. So, there are hundreds of different choices.

Drysuits are a special category, needed only by those surfers who are braving the coldest waters. Whether in the UK, Alaska, or other areas, there are waters that are consistently below 60F/15C. It’s possible to lose body heat to a dangerous extent. In most cases, that calls for a drysuit if the wearer is going to be exposed for more than a few minutes.

Drysuits, unlike wetsuits, are designed to allow no entry of water at all. They’re made from a dozen different materials, but are often a form of neoprene as well. They tend to be more flexible, but are also often used with an undersuit as well, along with booties, gloves and a hood.

Let your personal comfort and the conditions you surf in be your guide. Always wear uv protective clothing and sun protection swimwear with UPF50+ maximum cover.

Author: J Edmond Souaid

Technorati Tags: Drysuits, scuba booties, wetsuits drysuits

posted by admin on Apr 25

 Wet suits are typically a personal choice in Triathlon competitions unless you are a member of a team that mandates a definite type of suits. Nevertheless, triathlon as a whole is an individual sport which allows participants to choose their personal gears, equipments and suits.

The major gears aside, the wet suit plays one of the major roles in helping you win or lose the game. Sometimes, it creates the make or break momentum. The mile you have earned during the swim period may be lost only because your wet suit failed you.

The best wet suits are those that fit snugly into the athlete’s body. This may sound easy yet the differences are told by the unique body build the racer has. People are often fooled by the impression that the wet suit does not fit correctly when all the while, it has the proper fit saying "the suit is too tight’.

Proper fitting can’t actually be given by standard measures. However, the general rule of thumb dictates that there must never be any leaks in regions covering the neck, arms and the feet. While most wet suits work on the principle of trapping enough layer of water between the skin and the neoprene (which by the way is the typical choice of material among racers), the space must not still allow a constant flow of water.

The fit tells it all. Most racers in the triathlon don’t get the advantages of wet suits because either the suit doesn’t fit well or they don’t wear it right.

When wearing your wet suit, on practice or during the competition, it is best that you leave your socks on. This will act as a lubricant for the entrance of your feet on the holes of your suit. To prevent your toenails from snagging or stretching the neoprene, a very delicate material, you can use non-petroleum products to make the removal easier during the transition stage.

Be sure that the crotch fits snugly as this may tell the difference. Without its proper placement, the upper part of the wet suit may fit poorly. Once you are comfortable with the pants, the next thing you would want to do is to secure the upper suit. It is just a matter of pulling it and sliding your arms into the holes.

If you are using a full wet suit, you must secure to it that there is no space between your armpit and the neoprene.

Author: Low Jeremy

Technorati Tags: scuba glove, scuba sherwood, wetsuits shorts

posted by admin on Apr 25

First and foremost, a really good fitting wetsuit is the most important thing to achieve before any other factor. A crappy wetsuit that fits your body shape is always going to perform better than a bad fitting high quality wetsuit.

That aside, wetsuit manufacturers really do put a lot of research and to refine their wetsuits year on year. So this years wetsuit will always be better than last years and so on. New paneling layouts, better super stretchy neoprene, improved wetsuit entry, neck seal, hard wearing knee pads to withstand lots of duck dives, key stashs and how the panels are fitted together are what you need to look for.

One of the main features that wetsuit manufacturers love to fiddle with is of course the neoprene itself. The top wetsuit manufacturers improve the stretchiness every year, all of them branding it as their own type of stretchy neoprene - Quiksilver’s Hyperstretch, Xcel’s Ultrastretch, Billabong’s Super Flex, Rip Curl’s elastomax, Alder’s "X stretch" and on they go!

So what you need to look for in a high performance wetsuit are: good fit, high quality stretchy neoprene, seam welded neoprene joining of panels and a secure seal around the neck.

Author: David Boyd

Technorati Tags: neoprene wetsuits, rubber wetsuits, scuba tanks

posted by admin on Apr 25

 When it comes to triathlon wear , there is a wide variety of options on the market. For triathletes, the difference in attire is truly a personal choice.

Although some teams may mandate specific uniforms, the sport is generally individual, allowing each participant to choose his or her desired outfit.
When it comes to triathlon wear , the traditional material is neoprene, the same type used in wetsuits.
This is generally due to chilly water temperatures that can cause you to lose valuable time due to cold shock.

Furthermore, using a wet suit for your triathlon suit allows you to use the item for other sports, including scuba diving or surfing.

There are three main items in triathlon wear : full, sleeveless, and two-piece suits.

Again, the choice is purely personal, as each different competitor enjoys a the feel, protection, and mobility of different suits.
The full suit is a one piece suit that covers arms and legs.
This suit is the best multisport suit and can complete cover the arms and legs completely or only cover the legs to the knees and the arms to the elbows.
Sleeveless suits are a one piece suit that stops coverage at the shoulders, but continues to cover the legs to either the knees or the ankles.
Finally, two-piece suits employ mix and match system for triathlon clothes that can include long or short bottoms with long tops, short tops, or no tops at all.

If you are interested in purchasing a multisport suit, consider the difference in the neoprene.
Suits made for surfing, kayaking, or diving are made from thicker, less movable neoprene that may not be flexible enough for the demanding sport of a triathlon.
Like other clothes , choose a suit that is in the middle of the road to ensure the most usefulness.

Author: Mike Herman

Technorati Tags: diving wetsuits, scuba diving travel, scuba surf

posted by admin on Apr 24

It is inevitable that if you are active in the water with your wetsuit at some time you will get a rip or tear in the neoprene. In most cases, there is no need to panic or despair. With a few simple items, repairing a torn or damaged wetsuit is a fairly easy procedure. It may not look as good as new when you are done but the function of the wetsuit will be maintained.

A lot of times when you rub up against rocks or coral or some other rough object the surface of a wetsuit will get roughened up and expose the softer more vulnerable black neoprene below. Short term your wetsuit will work just fine this way but eventually the abraded area will grow and it may deteriorate to the point of causing a tear or hole. The best way to repair this kind of damage is to apply neoprene glue to the area. What is called neoprene glue is usually a special contact cement formulation for gluing pieces of neoprene to each other. You can usually get it where you bought your wetsuit and it is usually black or yellow in color. Aquaseal and Black Witch are two popular brands of neoprene wetsuit glue. Lay the damaged area out flat if you can and apply lots of the glue to the area. Spread the glue out with a flat wooden stick, application brush, or other spatula type tool to at least a centimeter or two past the abraded area. Try to spread it out as evenly and smoothly as you can. It is almost impossible to make it look pretty but that isn’t the goal anyway. You want to reinforce the area as best you can and still maintain the flexibility of the wetsuit. Neoprene glue is very smooth and slippery when dry. If the damaged area needs to be used for gripping with most neoprene glues, you can sprinkle a small amount of dry sand over the glue approximately 30 minutes after you apply it. This will give the area some texture for gripping. When you are done let the glue dry at least overnight. Some glues will need longer to dry so follow the directions on the glue containers label.

If the damage to the wetsuit is a simple straight cut or tear with no missing material, you can simply glue it back together using the neoprene glue. Very carefully separate the two edges of the cut and apply glue to each of the sides. Try not to increase the cut when you do this. Then hold the two edges together for a few minutes to let the glue set. With some neoprene glues, you have to let the glue air dry for a minute before pushing the two sides back together. As above, let the glue dry at least over night.

If the damage to your wetsuit involves missing material, repairs get more complicated. Most often, the best thing to do is patch the hole like you would a hole in a bicycle tire. Most dive shops have patch material or old neoprene lying around you can buy for patching. Cut a piece of neoprene patch material a few centimeters bigger than the hole, apply glue to the top edge of the hole and the underside edge of the patch and apply the patch. Sometimes you will need to fill the hole with material and glue and sew it to the edges of the hole and apply a patch over that but sewing neoprene is often not recommended. The thread usually will not stretch with the neoprene when you dive and over time the thread will cut through the wetsuit.

Author: Michael Russell

Technorati Tags: cheap wetsuits, neoprene wetsuits, wetsuits

posted by admin on Apr 24

Buying a wetsuit can be somewhat confusing. There are many different styles, thicknesses, qualities and price ranges to choose from. Trying on a wetsuit isn’t the most fun thing to do in the world either. However, it is a necessary evil if you want to keep warm on your dive. So with that in mind, here are the items you should look for when buying a wetsuit:

• Style - The first thing you will have to decide is what style of wetsuit do you want. Do you want a full wet suit or a shortie (has short arms (usually) and legs that end just above the knee)? Do you want a farmer john or jane (a two piece suit - one piece has long legs with a sleeveless top; it is usually worn with a covering jacket)? Do you need a hood? A shortie is for warm water diving and is what I wear when I need more than a skin (mine is 2mm). It does leave your arms and legs exposed to the water so you have to decide if it will be warm enough for you. A full scuba diving wet suit is probably the most common/popular and is what I see the most while diving in the Caribbean. This style is one piece and has long arms and legs. Buying a wetsuit hood is not necessary (for most people) for diving in warm water. It is more for cold water diving. I can count on one hand the number of people I have seen wearing a hood while diving in the Caribbean.
• Thickness - The thickness is probably the most important factor that will determine your comfort underwater. Choose the thickness based on the type of water and diving you will be doing. For the Caribbean, a 3mm should be sufficient for most people.
• Quality of Construction - This will determine how long that scuba diving wet suit will last. Most importantly, you need to check the seams of the wet suit. The cheapest and least strong is a glued stitch. It will sometimes have a piece of glued tape over the seams which will help with comfort. While it is adequate, it will probably give out the quickest of all the seams. Another of the basic stitches found mostly in "bargain" and "cheap" wet suits is the over-lock stitch which joins the neoprene a the seam by stitching the edges together. The ridge is on the inside of the suit which can become uncomfortable. If this seam is stretched to its limit the seam may open up and let in some water. At the other extreme of construction quality, is the blind stitch. Here the material is first glued and then stitched on one side. However, the stitch doesn’t pierce the material which would give an entry point for water. The same stitch is then done on the reverse side and interlocks with the first stitch. This gives the strongest seam. Of course, as you would guess, this type of construction is found on the more expensive scuba diving wet suit. In between, is the flatlock stitching which you will find in many warm water wet suits (mine included). The two pieces of neoprene overlap and are joined together. Unlike the over-lock stitch, the seam lays flat making it more comfortable for the diver. While water can sometimes seep through these seams when stretched, it will be much less than with an over-lock stitch. Taped seams, with any of these stitches, helps prevent water leaking through the seams. It also helps the comfort factor, making the scuba diving wet suit more comfortable against the skin.
• Neoprene - The type of neoprene your scuba diving wet suit is made of affects the quality of the suit and, of course the price. Scuba diving wetsuits are made of neoprene which is a synthetic rubber foam. The neoprene has thousands of tiny bubbles for insulation. The material is then typically laminated with a nylon based material. Once this elastic fabric dries, the neoprene becomes pliable and flexible. The type of neoprene your scuba diving wet suit is made of affects the quality of the suit and, of course the price. The highest quality neoprene is gas blown and made with thousands of little bubbles of nitrogen gas. While it will compress and eventually wear out like all neoprene, it is the most durable type of neoprene. A chemical blown wetsuit feels softer but will not be as durable.

Author: Dianne Rein

Technorati Tags: core wetsuits, rubber wetsuits, scuba diving training