What is the Orca openwater RS1 thermal wetsuit?
The openwater rs1 thermal wetsuit is the wetsuit that provides the most thermal protection of the orca range. It features a specially developed inner lining to maximize heat retention for open water swimming. An open water swimming wetsuit is designed to keep you warm, buoyant, and protected when swimming outdoors in lakes, rivers, or the sea. They use high-grade neoprene and thermal insulation to maintain body temperature while allowing full freedom of movement.The Apex Float wetsuit is the wetsuit with the highest buoyancy in the Orca range. This wetsuit incorporates specific technologies for maximum buoyancy and correction of technique, helping swimmers who need support to maintain a hydrodynamic position in open water.Wetsuits are designed to provide thermal protection from the cold water by securing your body’s heat. Unlike dry suits, which use air and multiple under-layers to retain heat (more on that in a minute), wetsuits insulate our body’s natural heat via a thin layer of water and the suit’s material.
Are thermal wetsuits worth it?
A thermal wetsuit is designed to keep you warm in colder water. If you’re swimming in water less than 16°C a thermal wetsuit is a good option. Simply put, a thermal wetsuit is made with a thicker neoprene and has a warmer inner layer, to help retain body heat. 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. You’ll be warmer if you decide to go nude beneath your wetsuit.A suit that’s too small could cause a feeling of tightness, making it difficult to breathe and preventing you from moving your body in a way that’s comfortable for you. On the other hand, a suit that’s too big will let water in, which will negatively affect your buoyancy and body temperature.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”.If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything.
Are orca wetsuits good?
Orca was founded in New Zealand in 1992 and has since built a solid reputation as a trusted leader in the wetsuit industry. It has become a go-to brand for triathletes, surfers and open water swimmers alike. Orca are well-loved for their innovation and quality, combining modern technology with thoughtful design. Orca is one of our favourite open water swimming brands, with a great range of products designed to enable people to enjoy the ocean.
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. 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 Proteus II is the highest performing dive wetsuit on the market. Available in 3mm and 5mm, the Proteus II is often the benchmark to which other dive wetsuits are compared in terms of warmth.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.If you surf much during winter or early mornings you can get the warmer 4/3mm thickness for just a bit more than the 3/2. Wetsuits are typically made with thicker (3 or 4mm) panels at the legs and trunk, and thinner panels around the arms where more flexibility is needed.A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.
How much should I pay for a good wetsuit?
Beginners should expect to spend $80–$150 for entry-level suits, while recreational surfers and divers should budget $180–$300 for better durability and comfort. Cold-water athletes need to prepare for $400–$600 wetsuits to ensure safety and insulation, and triathletes or pro divers often invest $500–$800+. Fashion giant Dior in collaboration with Vissla released the world’s most expensive surfing wetsuit in May. The creation is said to capture the “bewitching beauty of the aquatic world through an underwater snapshot. The snazzy ensemble can be purchased for a cool $3,300 USD.
Is a 3mm wetsuit ok for winter?
However, for spring, autumn, or winter, when temperatures drop below 14°C, a thicker wetsuit (4/3mm or 5/4mm) is necessary, especially for extended water sessions. For year-round comfort, match your wetsuit thickness to the season and activity. 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.A wetsuit should keep you warm and comfortable, but not too hot. Additionally, it shouldn’t restrict your range of movement. Therefore, it is important to choose the right wetsuit thickness for the weather conditions and water temperature in which you are going to use it.Moderate Water (20-24°C/68-75°F): A 5-7mm wetsuit may be appropriate for water with moderate temperatures.Wetsuit thickness usually ranges from 2mm for hot summer days to 7mm for very cold conditions. The thickness you need depends on where you surf, the season, how easily you get cold, and how windy it is.
What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit?
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. Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between you and your suit, your body then heats that water to help keep you warm. So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently.For water temperatures ranging from 60°F to 65°F (15. C to 18. C), many swimmers will wear a wetsuit to prevent their core body temperature from dropping too quickly. For those venturing into colder waters (50°F to 59°F or 10°C to 15°C), a thicker wetsuit is required for adequate protection.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.Wetsuits A 6mm surfing wetsuit is designed for use during the coldest winter months. This thickness is one of the thickest offered by the well-known brands and these suits commonly include a hood for additional warmth.