Wetsuits for Sportswomen
Wetsuit is a close fitting apparel used in water sports usually made of synthetic rubber. It keeps the body warm by trapping water in, which provides a warm layering on being heated up by the body.
When to Use a Wetsuit
There are regulations against using a wetsuit if the water temperature is above 78 degrees. This is because wetsuits have buoyancy that helps the athlete float in water in addition to keeping the body warm. Many athletes prefer using a wetsuit for the same reason.
Why Wetsuits are Necessary
Wetsuits are necessary for the following reasons:
Buoyancy
Wetsuits are made of synthetic rubber that helps the athlete float in water.
Flexibility
The synthetic, stretchable materials in the production of wetsuits make it comfortable and allow easy movements.
Keeps the Body Warm
Wetsuits keep the body warm by trapping water between body and the suit. In cooler climates this helps keep the body warm.
Reduces Drag
The surface of a wetsuit is slippery because of the silicone treatment it is given. This minimizes the drag when moving in water.
Materials Used for Wetsuits
Synthetic rubber like neoprene is commonly used. The thicker the neoprene layer the warmer you feel. However thickness may also result in lesser flexibility. Neoprene is usually covered with thin nylon material either on one side or two sides. Aquaskins are also popular these days which uses Teflon, Lycra and neoprene.
Types of Wetsuits
There are different types of wetsuits available. They include the following:
Spring Suits
Spring suits are wetsuits which have short or long sleeves and extend only up to knee. These are ideal for warmer climates. Usually they have a thickness of 2mm.
Full Suits
Full suits are long sleeve suits that cover the whole body. They are ideal in low temperatures.
Sleeveless Suits with Long Pants
These are sleeveless wetsuits extending up to the ankle. They are ideal when the water is cold and air is warm.
Short, Sleeveless Wet Suits
These are ideal for mild climates.
Long Sleeve Tops and Shorts
These have separable tops and bottom. They often use a combination of neoprene and Lycra.
Wetsuits: Criteria of Selection
Criteria of selection involve taking into account weather conditions and nature of the sport. They include the following:
Nature of the Sport
Nature of the sport plays a major role in the selection of wetsuits. Suits that are used for triathlon and other surface sports like surfing, swimming will not be suitable for deep sea diving.
Thickness of the Wetsuit
Usually for warmer climates, wetsuits with a thickness of 2mm are ideal. For cooler climates the thickness can be 3 mm to 4 mm. In very cold temperatures it is ideal to use a 5 mm thick wetsuit.
Quality
Always look for wetsuits with tight seams. All seams should be doubly glued and reinforced with stitching or thermal tape in the inside. The neoprene should feel soft and stretchy and should be of good compression ratio, neither too high nor too low.
Fit
Ideally a wetsuit must fit snugly to the body. If it is too loose water will constantly flow in and out through the neck opening preventing it from getting warm with the body heat.
Climate
Spring suits are ideal for warm weather, Full suits with hoods and gloves must be used in low temperatures.