Articles about Windsurf, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing & Other Water Sports

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Wetsuits – Keeping your Body Warm in the Cold

by Paul Garnett

A wetsuit is truly a very helpful invention in the world of water sports as well as other activities that deal with waters. Exposure to cold temperatures especially when you are submerged in water can be risky and may lead you to a fatal condition called hypothermia.

A wetsuit is specifically designed to protect the body when exposed to low temperatures especially when submerged in waters. Body heat tends to drain faster when in water thus the risk of hypothermia is also high. To prevent this, it is advisable to wear your wetsuit when you are doing your favorite water sports – may it be surfing, wakeboarding or even recreational swimming. Wetsuits are even more recommended when doing activities submerged in water like snorkeling and scuba diving.

A wetsuit is a flexible garment worn to protect your body from the risk of hypothermia. They may come in full body suits or those that only covers the torso. The style depends largely on the temperature and on which part of the body you want protected.

Wetsuits are made of synthetic material that is flexible and waterproofed. However, the suit is not waterproofed as it protects your body by letting a small amount of water into the suit. Although minimal water enters into its openings, other parts of the suit should not allow water getting into and out of the suit. This is also why wetsuit seams should be checked and secured wisely.

The very minimal water trapped in between the suit and your body will then prevent the loss of heat from your body. It is important that you choose a wetsuit that fits you well and snugly fits your body to make sure you have a wetsuit that will effectively work to protect you.

Aside from preserving body heat, the material that makes up a wetsuit if very buoyant thus it also contributes to your buoyancy in water. When you are buoyant, you may be able to float easier and swim faster.

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