Wetsuits

Wetsuit FAQs

What do you wear under a wetsuit?

Many people choose not to wear anything under their wetsuits. Others prefer to wear a swimming costume or speedos, but it all depends on personal comfort. Whatever you decide is best for you, tightness is key – you don’t want clothing bunching up under your wetsuit (read: no board shorts) – and always bring anti-chafing cream.

If temperatures are cold, or your wetsuit is particularly thin, it might be a good idea to bring a rash vest or thermal lycra layers, such as cycling shorts, for extra insulation.

What wetsuit thickness do I need?

Wetsuit thickness is dependent on both air and water temperature, as well as your personal sensitivity to cold. We recommend a 5mm thickness for winter wear and 3mm for midseason. Your choice should also depend on activity, as thicker wetsuits provide better protection from scrapes.

The thicker the wetsuit, the warmer, but also the less flexible. Thus, some scuba divers prefer layers over thickness.

Do wetsuits keep you warm in the water?

Yes. The way a wetsuit works is that it catches a thin layer of water between the skin and the suit. Your body heats up this water, and the wetsuit insulates it to keep you warm.

How tight should a wetsuit be?

It is important to get a wetsuit that fits properly, otherwise it will be detrimental to your warmth and mobility. Wetsuits should fit like a second skin with no sagging or excessive bunching. If you feel a lot of pressure when stretching, however, the wetsuit is too small. Well-fitting wetsuits will be a struggle to get into, but that’s half the fun!