Not all wetsuits are designed to withstand the same type of movement. Some are built for heavy use of the knees and shoulders while others are more restrictive in the joint areas. The panels that a wetsuit is made from are stitched and glued together, creating more flexibility. Panels that come together in high motion areas can cause additional chafing, which can be very uncomfortable.
Wetsuits are not made to keep all of the water out. As water builds inside the suit, it warms up and increases skin temperature. It also improves buoyancy and provides protection from things like stinging nettles.
Each water sport has its own requirements and therefore will not be appropriate for all suits. While surfing suits can often be interchangeable with windsurfing and kiteboarding, the different movements required for each sport will require different flexibility for each activity. It is vital that you choose the appropriate suit for the sport as well as for your body type and skill level.
Some northern climates will require a shorty even in the middle of summer. Some southern regions will require only a short or a "John" or "Jane" in the middle of winter. Each suit comes with its own weight to help you determine which suit will keep you the most comfortable the longest.
Full suits are very popular, as they come in various weights to help you choose the right one for you. It provides your entire body with coverage and can be used with hoods. If you need extra protection you can use gloves and booties to add to the set up. The thicker, or heavier, the wetsuit is the more protection from cold you will receive.
For lighter protection a shorty often offers the best summer time protection. The core stays covered and well protected while the legs and arms remain free for movement and to resist overheating. A three quarter sleeve can be found on a shorty, and your tolerance for restriction will determine whether this is a good choice for you.
You can get the full leg and core coverage you need without going all out and buying the full suit. Known as "Janes" and "Johns" these suits are the sleeveless model of a full suit. They are surprisingly effective and can be very comfortable for various activities.
You will probably need more than one style and one weight when it comes to the perfect suit. You will have days when a shorty is perfect and then there will be days when a heavy, thick full suit with a hood is called for. Having multiple options extends your season and your session options. With every suit, you have to ensure that you have chosen well and have a back up on hand. Participating in a water sport with a suit that is too light can hamper your ability to perform well and can hamper your ability to swim to safety if needed. - 31498
Wetsuits are not made to keep all of the water out. As water builds inside the suit, it warms up and increases skin temperature. It also improves buoyancy and provides protection from things like stinging nettles.
Each water sport has its own requirements and therefore will not be appropriate for all suits. While surfing suits can often be interchangeable with windsurfing and kiteboarding, the different movements required for each sport will require different flexibility for each activity. It is vital that you choose the appropriate suit for the sport as well as for your body type and skill level.
Some northern climates will require a shorty even in the middle of summer. Some southern regions will require only a short or a "John" or "Jane" in the middle of winter. Each suit comes with its own weight to help you determine which suit will keep you the most comfortable the longest.
Full suits are very popular, as they come in various weights to help you choose the right one for you. It provides your entire body with coverage and can be used with hoods. If you need extra protection you can use gloves and booties to add to the set up. The thicker, or heavier, the wetsuit is the more protection from cold you will receive.
For lighter protection a shorty often offers the best summer time protection. The core stays covered and well protected while the legs and arms remain free for movement and to resist overheating. A three quarter sleeve can be found on a shorty, and your tolerance for restriction will determine whether this is a good choice for you.
You can get the full leg and core coverage you need without going all out and buying the full suit. Known as "Janes" and "Johns" these suits are the sleeveless model of a full suit. They are surprisingly effective and can be very comfortable for various activities.
You will probably need more than one style and one weight when it comes to the perfect suit. You will have days when a shorty is perfect and then there will be days when a heavy, thick full suit with a hood is called for. Having multiple options extends your season and your session options. With every suit, you have to ensure that you have chosen well and have a back up on hand. Participating in a water sport with a suit that is too light can hamper your ability to perform well and can hamper your ability to swim to safety if needed. - 31498
About the Author:
Clement owns the wetsuit information site where you can learn everything you need to know about buying wetsuits. Just check this wetsuit buying guide for instance.
