A wetsuit is a thermal garment made of foamed neoprene that keeps you warm in cold water by trapping a thin layer of water against your body, which your body heat warms up.
How Wetsuits Work and Their Benefits
Thermal Insulation: Keeps body heat from escaping in cold water.
Buoyancy: Helps you float better, which is useful for swimming and surfing.
Protection: Shields your skin from sunburns, jellyfish, and sharp rocks.
Types and Thicknesses
Shorty: Short arms and legs; good for warmer water (above 72°F).
Fullsuit: Covers arms and legs completely; used for cooler water (3/2mm or 4/3mm thickness).
Springsuit: Short legs with long or short arms for transitional temperatures.
Farmer John: Sleeveless fullsuit with long legs, popular for paddling and kayaking.
Cost and Popular Options
Wetsuits typically range from $40 to over $400 depending on thickness, brand, and design quality.
If you want to find the right wetsuit, tell me:
What water sport will you be doing (surfing, diving, triathlon, paddling)?
What is the water temperature where you plan to use it?
What is your budget range?