Advice on Wetsuits

You need a good wetsuit for scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing. You should invest in a wetsuit that fits you well, rather than renting a wetsuit when you dive. You will often have to compromise with rented wetsuits that are too large or small. Choosing a wetsuit to buy can be overwhelming when you consider the variety of options. Focus on your needs when deciding what kind to buy.

  1. Warm Water

    • If you'll be diving or surfing in warm water (75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit) in Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean or other tropical waters, look for a 1 to 3mm wetsuit. A "shorty" wetsuit will be sufficient in warm waters, but you might simply prefer to keep more skin covered with a full-body wetsuit. If you purchase a super-thin, 1/2mm or 1mm wetsuit, you can wear a "shorty" suit over it for added warmth in colder conditions.

    Temperate Water

    • If you'll be diving or surfing in temperate water (60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Red Sea, Mexico's Pacific Coast, or the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you'll need a thicker wetsuit. Look for a 4 to 6mm full-body wetsuit. Add a 4mm hooded vest for additional warmth.

    Cold Water

    • If you'll be diving in cold water (45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Great Lakes or off the coast of the Western or Northeastern United States, you'll need a much thicker, 7mm wetsuit. Look for a full-body wetsuit and supplement it with a thick (5 to 7mm) hooded vest for added warmth.

    Wetsuit Fit

    • Make sure your wetsuit fits snugly. It should be tighter than your usual clothes, but should not make movement difficult. When you enter the water, the wetsuit will loosen. If the wetsuit is loose to begin with, too much water will be able to enter the wetsuit and will prevent the suit from keeping you warm.

    Cleaning Your Wetsuit

    • You should clean your wetsuit after each use. Fill a large empty trashcan, barrel or bathtub with water and submerge the wetsuit in the water. Turn the wetsuit inside out and submerge it several more times. Insert a hose with water into the barrel or trashcan to keep the water circulating. Once you've thoroughly rinsed the wetsuit, hang it to dry. Do not hang it out in the sun, which can damage the neoprene.