When it comes to entering cold water through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, wet and dry suits help maintain body temperatures. The suits worn into the water come in multiple sizes to find women, children, and adults. Although each serves the same purpose, dry and wet suits are different. The article of clothing comes in handy when surfing, spearfishing, wakeboarding, skurfing, water skiing, wetsuit vs drysuit kayaking, or swimming. Here is what you need to know about a wet suit vs dry suit.
What Is The Difference Between A Wet Suit And A Dry Suit
Both wetsuits and dry suits serve the purpose of insulating the body to preserve heat. However, despite their similarities, each a wetsuit and drysuit are uniquely different. Here are some of the differences between a wet suit vs dry suit.
Wet suits, like the name, implies do not keep the body dry. Instead, water penetrates, and the body becomes wet. So if you’re wondering do wetsuits keep dry, the answer is no.
Conversely, a drysuit vs wetsuit keeps the skin beneath dry. The waterproof barrier not only insulates the swimmer but avoids saturation.
Allowing the body to remain dry or wet is the primary wetsuit drysuit difference. It is essential to pick what is best for you, and that is highly dependent on the temperature of the water.
What Does A Wet Suit Do
Swimmers wear wetsuits in cold water to retain heat. A wetsuit aims to help avoid the onset of hypothermia by providing insulation of the body. Remember, a wetsuit will not keep the body dry.
Does A Wet Suite Or Dry Suit Keep You Warm In the Water
A wetsuit and a drysuit keep the swimmer warmer because of the added insulation layer above the skin’s surface thus holding heat within the suit versus allowing body heat to escape.
When comparing the dry suit vs wet suit, a drysuit keeps the body warm by means of a layer of air. The layer of air between the skin and the drysuit is heated by the warmth expelled from the swimmer. The layer of warm air in combination with remaining dry is the most effective way to avoid hypothermia.
In contrast, drysuits saturate the skin with water; however, the fresh or saltwater between the body and the suit retains heat emitted from the swimmer. The likelihood of hypothermia is reduced.
When comparing a dry suit vs wet suit, dry suites hold heat by a layer of air, and wet suits hold heat via water between the skin and suit.
When Should You Wear A Wet Suit
We recommend wearing a wetsuit when the water temperature ranges between sixty and seventy-five degrees. In situations when the water temperature exceeds 75, a wetsuit is not required when entering fresh or saltwater because the likelihood of putting your body at risk of hypothermia is significantly reduced. However, you should always remain mindful of the symptoms.
When Should You Wear A Dry Suit
When determining the right conditions to don a drysuit, the insulating layer of clothing must be worn when temperatures range between forty-five and 65 degrees.
Remember, dry or wetsuits do not prevent hypothermia. Monitor your conditions and exit the water if you feel at risk.
Are Wet Suits Easier To Put On Wet Or Dry
When donning a wetsuit, it is more simple to put on when dry. A saturated wetsuit does not allow the swimmer to slight the tight-fitting material over the skin. Allow the wetsuit to dry before dressing.
Can You Swim In A Wet Suit
When comparing swimming in a wetsuit versus a drysuit, wetsuits are best suited for swimmers. Wetsuits are tight-fitting and therefore cause the least amount of resistance. Drysuits, on the other hand, are baggy, thus causing drag and slowing the swimmer.
Although a wetsuit is designed for speed compared to dry suit swimming, never enter the water without a suit matching the temperature of the water. You will put yourself at risk for hypothermia.
Wet Suit vs Dry Suit What Do You Need
Now you can better answer whether you need a wet suit or dry suit. When it comes to entering cold waters, it is essential to wear a layer of insulation. Hypothermia is serious business and must be avoided at all costs. A wet suit vs dry suit are designed for specific temperature ranges. Remember, they are designed for multiple purposes and come in sizes to fit men, women, and children. Lastly, wetsuits and drysuits are available for purchase online.
