Can you wear a 3/2 wetsuit in 55 degree water?
In fall, when temperatures often range from 12°to 17°Celsius (55° -64°Fahrenheit), you can choose a wetsuit with a thickness of 3 mm around the core and 2 mm at the extremities, or a wetsuit with 4 mm around the core and 3 mm at the arms and legs – depending on how quickly you get cold and what kind of activity you . Wetsuits are all designed for different conditions and temperatures of water. If you wear a wetsuit too thick for the water you’re swimming in, you’ll run the risk of overheating. If you wear one too thin, you’ll be too cold!So, do you put on a wetsuit wet or dry? Totally up to you. But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry.A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck. If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”.Saltwater, if not rinsed off properly, can cause the wetsuit material to stiffen and crack over time. The salt crystals embedded within the fabric intensify the process of wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your gear. Sunlight (specifically the UV rays) also plays its part in damaging your wetsuit.Do Wetsuits Work In Very Cold Water? A lot of people will tell you that wetsuits don’t work in very cold water. That’s incorrect. Long before we had drysuits, safety-conscious paddlers wore wetsuits – even when paddling on freezing cold water.
How tight should a wetsuit be?
Ultimately wetsuits should feel relatively tight and fit snuggly to your skin – there should be no pockets of air or wrinkles when you put one on. However, they shouldn’t be so tight as to limit your range of motion or dig in uncomfortably. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your body and the suit. Additionally, the sleeves contribute to increased buoyancy, aiding in flotation and ensuring proper body position for efficient swimming strokes. On the other hand, sleeveless wetsuits provide greater freedom of movement in the arms, allowing for a more natural and unrestricted swim stroke.A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for UK summer months (June–September) when water temperatures range between 14–18°C, offering warmth and flexibility for surfing and swimming.You don’t need a wetsuit for open water swimming. However, without one in the UK, you will quickly become uncomfortably cold. So, if you are the sort of wild swimmer who dips in the water for 10-15 minutes to help support your cardiovascular system, then investing in a swim wetsuit might be counterproductive.Customers find the wetsuit to be excellent value for money and worth the extra few pounds. Customers find the wetsuit ideal for swimming in the sea and wild swimming, with one customer noting it enables unrestricted movement.What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit? The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time.
Do wetsuits lose warmth over time?
Just like with most things in life, wetsuits naturally lose warmth over time due to factors like neoprene degradation, frequent use, exposure to UV rays, and improper care. Wow — I just bought that thing last year. I couldn’t have gained that much weight. Well the truth is, you might still have your so-called “winter coat” but the cold hard fact is that most wetsuits do shrink. In fact, some of them will shrink up to 14%.In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin, but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene.Don’t leave your wetsuit in the sun to dry as this will accelerate the wear of the neoprene and lining.If the wetsuit is too thick, you may overheat and become fatigued. If the wetsuit is too thin, you may become cold and your movements may be restricted. The ideal thickness for a wetsuit depends on the water temperature and your personal tolerance for cold.
Is it okay to wear nothing under a wetsuit?
Yes, it is. Many people choose to wear nothing under their wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body, and the fewer layers underneath, the better the insulating effect. For some, this is the most comfortable option, especially during short sessions or in warm conditions. Two reasons and the same two reasons male divers wear Speedo-style briefs. You want the most hydrodynamic suit possible, which would be one-piece for women. You want next to no splash or water resistance.Men can wear swim shorts, briefs or jammers under a wetsuit. We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort.Some people do choose to wear nothing or “go commando” underneath their wetsuit – especially surfers. To some, the idea of a barrier between wetsuit and flesh is as distasteful and absurd as that of underwear to a kilt-wearing Highlands soldier.
What temperature is too cold for a wetsuit?
When the water temperature measures between 50 and 65 degrees, wetsuits are strongly encouraged, and some races may require their use. Between 65 and 78 degrees, it’s typically the athlete’s choice of whether to wear a wetsuit. Whether you’re surfing, learning how to dive, or swimming in open water, staying afloat with minimal effort is key to both safety and performance. This is where wetsuits come into play, offering not only thermal protection but also a significant boost in buoyancy.Warm Waters (Above 20°C) If you’re planning to surf, swim or dive in warm waters, you won’t need a thick wetsuit but rather something with thinner neoprene. A 2mm wetsuit is perfect for these conditions as it provides a light thermal layer for your organs to ensure they are kept at the optimal temperature.For cold water surfing, you’ll need a full-length wetsuit, often called a “steamer,” made from thick neoprene. A good quality wetsuit will have sealed seams to prevent water from entering, and will fit snugly to prevent water from flushing through the suit.For occasional dives or other water sports, you don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive high-end wetsuit, as a lower-priced basic wetsuit will serve you very well. However, if you plan to pursue your hobby for a longer period of time, you will definitely enjoy a higher-quality wetsuit more.If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up.
What is the lifespan of a wetsuit?
On average, a wetsuit lasts between 1 to 3 years, but this depends heavily on how often and how intensely you use it. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect. A wetsuit worn daily by a diving instructor may be worn out after two to three years, but less frequently used and well-maintained suits with high-quality materials can easily last 7 to 10 years.