What is a neoprene wetsuit and what is it for?
The neoprene suit is a suit made of elastic and waterproof material that protects the body from the cold preventing our body heat from escaping, it also provides us with extra flotation and protection against bumps and scratches.
Without a neoprene suit it would be impossible to navigate in certain areas or seasons of the year where the water is very cold.
Types of wetsuits:
There are several combinations of sleeves and legs, the most common are with long arms and legs and short arms and legs, but can also be found with long arms and short legs, short arms and long legs, long arms and shorts and short arms and shorts (These last two are usually used by women)
Neoprene thickness
The main thing to choose a wetsuit is its thickness, usually usually ranging between 1 and 6 millimeters and usually have different thickness in chest, back and legs and another thickness in shoulders and arms to facilitate movement and keep body areas warm. they need it most
What thickness of neoprene suit to choose?
Depending on where we are going to navigate and the water temperature we will need a thickness or another, the following relationship can serve as a guide to choose according to the water temperature:
- 21ºC or more: Swimsuit and lycra shirt
- 17ºC to 21ºC: Short suit of 2mm
- 14ºC to 17ºC: Long suit of 3 / 2mm
- 12ºC to 14ªC: 3 / 2mm or 4 / 3mm long suit with booties
- 10ºC to 12ºC: 4 / 3mm long suit with booties and neoprene gloves
- 8ºC to 10ºC: Long 5/4 / 3mm suit with booties, gloves and neoprene cap.
- 8ºC or less: 6/5 / 4mm long suit with boots, gloves and neoprene cap.