How Does a Wetsuit Work?

Perhaps one of the most important tools used by any scuba, surfing or watersports enthusiast is their wetsuit. While you know you need one, you may not know how the wetsuit works. The purpose of a wetsuit is not only to keep the body warm while participating in various water sports, but also to protect you from UV rays, and cuts and scrapes that you might normally get while searching through the coral reefs.

Wetsuits are made of a thin synthetic rubber material commonly known as neoprene. One of the beneficial characteristics of neoprene is that it contains hundreds of microscopic nitrogen bubbles that act as an insulating layer. As expected, the thicker the material, the more insulation protection it provides. However, it is the ability of the wet suit to use the water surrounding the body that makes it one of the most efficient ways to keep the body warm. The wetsuit allows a very thin layer of water to be trapped next to the skin. As your natural body heat warms this thin layer of water, it transforms the water into yet another layer of insulation, thereby providing more heat conservation.