The Functioning Mechanism of a Wetsuit Explained
Updated Wetsuit Guide
Hop aboard, buds! We're dishing out the lowdown on wetsuits – the garments that keep you afloat and cosy while wading through the watery deep.
Everyone from surfers to open-water swimmers to kayakers know the drill: wetsuits are dubbed the 'insulation in action' when plunging into the icy waters of the sea, loch, or river. But just how do these rubbers eggs keep the chill away?
Neoprene Rubber: The Insulating Wonder
Neoprene – the synthetic rubber boffins cooked up in the 30s – is the secret sauce behind wetsuit magic. With a knack for keeping the cold at bay, neoprene is a stretchy, buoyant material that is both heat and cold resistant. So, how does it do its thang?
When you don your wetsuit, it traps a boundary layer of water close to your skin. Since your body warms up this water, the neoprene acts as a protective barrier, preventing the cold waters outside from making your insides shiver. Simple as that!
Neoprene Types and Grades
Neoprene has a history longer than your grandma's knitting needles. In the near 100 years since it was born, scientists have been tinkering with it and producing various kinds.
Modern-day wetsuits incorporate neoprene foam, trimmed to diverse thicknesses depending on what suiting Cinderella's frosty ball at 10° C (50°F) or a dive in more balmy climes at 18° C (64°F). You'll even find suits with thicknesses that can hike up to 8mm, you know, like a fierce polar bear's fur coat.
The Game's Afoot: Seamless Construction
From the 30s to now, neoprene innovation shows no signs of slowing down. Neoprene variants are tricked out with superior stretch and insulation properties, and new construction techniques are thought up by the minute.
Seams serve a dual purpose here. They hold the suit together and protect you from cold water leaks. But the wrong type can lead to heat loss. Consider these choices:
- GBS (Glued and Blind-Stitched): Hey, GBS might not be the most durable – but it does offer a tight seal and snug fit, minimizing cold water infiltration.
- Taped Seams: High-end suits sport taped seams, providing extra durability and enhanced warmth retention by warding off water flushing through the suit.
- External Seams: Some premium suits boast taped or external seams for that extra durability and warmth, by way of cutting down on water flushing.
Don't Skimp on Fit
The perfect fit is crucial for your wetsuit to keep you cosy. Remember, it's all about that snug hug – a tightly fitted suit allows for just enough water to trickle in via the seals around your neck, wrist, and ankles. This let-in water gets pumped back up to your body temp with barely any layer of H2O between you and the chilly outdoors – jackpot!
On the flip side, a loose fit will let in way too much water, making it harder for your body to keep the chill at bay. No thanks, we prefer to swim in a balmy, warm hug, not a vat of ice water!
Conclusion
Wetsuits are like a warm, buoyant hug from the sea. It's all about striking the right balance between warmth and flexibility, thanks to factors like thickness, neoprene quality, seam construction, and surface treatments. So, choose your wetsuit to match the water temperature and activity type to suit your water-loving adventure!
Whether you're a kayaker venturing through rapid waters or a sports enthusiast embracing the calmer seas, understanding the components of a wetsuit can enhance your experience. Gear guides recommend considering the types of neoprene, such as those with superior stretch and insulation properties, to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the construction techniques, like seamless construction and taped seams, play a vital role in retaining warmth and preventing cold water leakage.
