Are FERAL Wetsuits warm?
Yamamoto neoprene absorbs very little water, making FERAL wetsuits naturally lighter, warmer, and more durable than wetsuits made with traditional neoprene. Material Quality and Warmth Retention Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models.Some wetsuits use #40 neoprene only in panels that require more stretch, such as the armpits, shoulders and arms. Wetsuits that make use of Yamamoto #40 in all panels are considered the most high-end premium surfing wetsuits available. Wetsuits that use Yamamoto #39 or #38 are considered mid or entry level wetsuits.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.Age and Wear: Do wetsuits shrink with age? Yes, as wetsuits age and undergo regular wear and tear, the neoprene material may lose elasticity, making it more prone to shrinkage.
Should you wear clothes under a wetsuit?
So along with general hygiene, wearing something under the suit will make your session on the water more enjoyable. So if you’re renting a wetsuit, use whatever you have available for you on the day, whether that’s swimming shorts, bikini, rash vest or even normal underwear. What Causes a Wetsuit to Smell? As mentioned earlier, wetsuits are made of neoprene rubber, which can absorb odors from exposure to the ocean, pool chemicals, sunscreen residue, body oils, and more. The suit’s design also creates a warm, damp environment for bacteria growth when not properly rinsed and dried.Wetsuit rash occurs when your skin becomes irritated due to the combination of moisture (water or sweat) and friction between your wetsuit and your skin. Fortunately, Body Glide® products provide a safe and effective way to form an invisible barrier and protect your skin.Use Gloves: Wetsuits can be scratched pretty easily, so make sure you take care while pulling your suit up. Trim your nails or wear gloves, and try keeping the suit inside out as much as possible while you pull it up. Ensure You’re 100% Dry: We don’t recommend putting on your wetsuit while you’re wet.Avoid Vaseline You probably know this already but just to repeat, don’t use Vaseline or other petroleum-based lubricants with your wetsuit. Most wetsuit manufacturers will tell you that doing so voids the suit’s warranty because it’s proven to degrade neoprene.
What temperature should you not wear 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. Generally, wetsuits are: Mandatory when the water temperature is below 60. F/16°C. Legal when the water temperature is between 60. F/16°C and 76. F/24. C. Optional when the water temperature is between 76. F/24. C and 83. F/28.Standard Conditions: deboer wetsuits are permitted in water temperatures up to and including 24. C (76. F). Cold Water Mandate: Our wetsuits become mandatory when temperatures drop below 16°C (60. F).A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.THE SCIENCE BEHIND WETSUIT THICKNESS Wetsuit thicknesses typically range from 2mm for summer suits to 7mm for extreme winter conditions. The ideal thickness and type of wetsuit you need depend on your location, the season, and the water temperatures you’ll be facing.
Do I need to rinse my wetsuit after every use?
Rinsing your suit after every use will help keep it fresh, but when it becomes stiff and smelly, it’s time to reach for the cleaner. The steps for cleaning your wetsuit are simple: Get a wetsuit cleaner and a tub of cool water; then stir in the cleaner. Preferably, you should wash the suit with a specific cleaning product after every 3-5 sessions. You should also avoid chemicals like chlorine. This means you shouldn’t use your wetsuit in the swimming pool or a wave pool with chlorine.Swimwear Men can use swim shorts, briefs or jammers to wear 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.Wetsuits are most commonly used when surfing in cooler water temperatures. If the water temperature drops below 65°F (18°C), wearing a wetsuit is almost essential for preventing hypothermia and keeping your muscles warm and loose.Definitely don’t hang the wetsuit by the neck|shoulders. It will stretch out the wetsuit really fast. You can gently squeeze any excess water out of the wetsuit to shorten drying time. Grit, Sand and Salt will build up in your suit over time even after a freshwater rinse.For many women, the simplest and most common choice is to wear nothing under their wetsuit. This option ensures: Maximum flexibility: No extra fabric to bunch up or restrict movement. Streamlined fit: Allows the wetsuit to conform closely to the body as it was designed for better insulation.
What are the disadvantages of wetsuits?
Cons of Using Wetsuits While wetsuits offer great insulation, they are bulkier and restrict mobility more compared to spring suits. The thicker neoprene material limits flexibility, making paddling and maneuvering slightly more challenging. Wetsuits do become more flexible when wet and will mould to the shape of your body so as we say a little space is fine. Our video walks you through how your new suit should fit. Once you have checked the knees and armpits, turn your attention to the wrist cuffs and the ankle cuffs.Wetsuits don’t actually loosen once you’re in the water, but they do tend to feel more comfortable. This is because the neoprene material softens slightly when wet, allowing it to mould more closely to your body over time.The right blend makes the difference – with modern material mixes, you can find very comfortable and elastic materials that are still very durable – although this comes at a cost. Typically, a good quality wetsuit should last at least two years, but generally around five years or more, even with heavy use.Material Quality and Warmth Retention Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models.
Is it OK to wear a wetsuit all day?
While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction. While it’s not absolutely necessary to wear something under your wetsuit, doing so can enhance comfort, warmth, and hygiene. The choice depends on personal preference, water temperature, and the type of activity you’re engaging in.While you’ll rarely see a surfer wearing a rash guard under their wetsuit, rash guards are still very commonly used and worn for sun protection. Another key reason for going commando under your wetsuit is due to the technological advances in neoprene wetsuit linings.A swimskin can be a great investment if you’re racing in warm water at a race where a wetsuit isn’t allowed. If you’re planning to race at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, for example, or any other event where wetsuits aren’t allowed, it’s a smart purchase.Some male divers would like to wear nothing underneath their wetsuits. This is a practice known as going commando. Because of the wetsuit’s tight fit, wearing anything under it can feel unpleasant at times. Wearing nothing between your wetsuit and your skin reduces the quantity of water that can enter.A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the wetsuit.