Because the right exposure suit is an invaluable piece of scuba gear, there are three things a diver needs to consider when choosing a scuba diving wet suit.

Types of Scuba Diving Wet Suits

A divers personal comfort requirements will vary. It is best to take various suit options, possibly layering these to get the best protection. Most divers will decide on a suit that will suffice in a variety of temperatures.

• Skin Suits: In warm waters, a diver may not need thermal protection, but a thin suit will help prevent equipment from rubbing the skin and protect against stings and scraps. The thinnest suits are made of Lycra and are made from 0.5 mm neoprene. Lycra suits are also good to wear as a base layer under a heavier suit for added warmth.

Body Glove Pro 2 Lycra Wetsuit Child The Body Glove(r) Pro 2 Lycra(r) spandex wetsuit for children features flatlock stitching and raglan sleeves for added comfort. It includes a front zip entry.

• Shorties Suits: A shortie wet suit provides a little more thermal protection than a skin. Because they leave the arms and legs exposed, they do not provide protection against stings and scraps.

• Full-Length Suits: A full length wet suit is the choice of most divers. These suits give a diver more thermal protection on the arms and legs and provide better protection against scraps and stings. Full-length scuba diving wet suits are made from 2-8 mm neoprene.

Body Glove Method 3/2mm Junior Full Wetsuit The Body Glove(r) Method 3/2mm junior full wetsuit features fairskin panels on the chest and back, flatlock stitching and superflex stretch kneepads for comfortable protection. A heavy-duty zipper and VELCRO(r) brand neck closure keeps the closure secure and easy to use.

• Semi-Dry Suits: Semi-dry suits are normally worn in colder waters, but can be worn in warm waters like the Mediterranean Sea. When worn in cold waters, divers will also wear a hood and gloves with a semi-dry suit. These suits are made of 9 mm neoprene and can be worn in layers. Divers know this style as a farmer john wet suit. It consists of a coverall-style base layer with a long sleeve shortie worn over the base layer.
• Dry-Suits: Dry-suits are designed to keep divers warm when they are diving in extremely cold conditions like under ice. Dry-suits are loose-fitting and divers will often wear a thermal under suit with a dry suit for added insulation. Dry-suits use air that can be injected by the diver to keep the water pressure from squeezing the suit against the body. Because the suit is loose-fitting, the air can move around inside the suit. This can shift buoyancy to the legs and turn the diver upside down. Because of this, it is best to take an orientation course before diving with a dry-suit.

The Importance of a Good Fitting Wet Suit

A scuba diving wet suit keeps a diver warm by trapping a thin layer of water between the diver's body and the wet suit. This water gradually becomes warm and acts as an insulator. A wet suit that fits close to the body gives a diver better insulation while diving.

A dive suit that fits properly should be easy to put on and follow the shape of a diver's body. This will keep water from flowing freely between the suit and the body. A suit that fits poorly will chill rather than warm the diver.

A good wet suit will have efficient seals at the neck, wrists and ankles. Good seals will stop water from flushing through the suit and allow the trapped water to warm up.

Childs Body Glove Crush 2 1mm Warm Water Wetsuit Shorty Childs Body Glove Crush 2 1mm Warm Water Wetsuit Shorty. Surf inspired pattern for sleek look and excellent performance Interior key pocket. p>p>

How to Maintain a Wet Suit

• Properly maintaining a wet suit will help insure the comfort and thermal protection of the suit.

• Rinse the wet suit after every dive to remove salt and debris. This will help to prevent the suit from rotting.
• Periodically wash the suit with a special wet suit shampoo. This will keep the neoprene supple and prevent mildew.
• Zippers should be coated regularly with wax or zip slip. This will keep them lubricated and help prevent corrosion.
• Place the suit on a hanger to dry. Do not place the suit in direct sunlight while drying.
• Once the suit is dry, store it in a cool, dry place on the hanger.

Following a simple maintenance regimen will help prolong the life of the wet suit.

By Jim Bray

I have been a scuba diving instructor since 1994. I have instructor ratings with PADI and NAUI. Being a dive instructor enabled me to live and work in the Caribbean for 15 years. From PADI I have received a letter of congratulations for certifying 100 or more students in 1994 and a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence.

I have taken my instructor training to the level of Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

I own and manage my own web site about scuba diving at http://www.best-scuba-diving-tips.com

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Women Gone Surfing

Whether you are a novice surfer or you've been catching waves for years, women's surf gear has evolved over the past decade. Choices for women surfers in the past were at first non-existent. Many women had to use men's surf clothing and just make do. Then women's surf gear was developed but it was just like the men's - all black with not a touch of style.

Even though records show Polynesian women riding waves as far back as 1819, surfing has mostly been thought of as a man's sport. Surfer "dudes" canvass the waves every chance they can always hoping to catch the big one. But the number of women taking up the sport has increased throughout the years and today, women from 6 to sixty are hanging ten with their peers. With the number of women surfers steadily increasing, surf gear for women recently had to play catch up.

As the demand for surf shorts, board shorts and accessories for women grew, styles and colors have evolved. The clothing had to be adjusted to properly fit a female's body. One of the most important pieces of surf clothing that has become a "must have" for women is the wet suit. Shorty wet suits help protect women surfers from the chill of unsuspecting frigid waters.

Nikita Women's Intimate Rash Guard  Straight from the art of Sweded Erik Dolk, this bold and coral printed graphic Nikita Women's Intimate Rash Guard is rooted surf clothing style and full of comfort and surf -ability. The same material as Nikita bikinis, the Nikita Rashguards will have you feeling up top as good as your suit on the bottom. Bold purple and blasts of pink with geo patterns and Nikita style.

The wet suit is made up of neoprene so a rash guard is vital. Just as its name implies, the rash guard can be a long sleeved or short sleeved top and bottom that is worn under the wet suit to prevent a rash from the suit rubbing against the skin. There is also a spray available that is used by triathletes, surfers and divers that will also prevent chafing and rashes from the suit. You spray the inside of your wet suit - sleeves, legs, neck - and it helps you get in and out of your suit more easily.

Board shorts are another popular item among women surfers. These shorts have an even broader use of color and patterns and are available for the tiniest swimmers to plus sized woman. Not just for surfing, board shorts can be used for swimming, water skiing or even just as casual wear. They are available in short short styles - 1 ½" inseams to 5" in length. If you are in the market for women's surf clothing, there is an online directory that will give you access to a selection of shops that specialize in the latest clothing and accessories for women.

Elizabeth Pepin, a surfer herself since the 80s, saw more and more women riding the waves. Looking through the popular surf magazines, she only noticed women featured if they were wearing bikinis. While she has nothing against bikinis or the women who wear them, she began taking photographs of serious women surfers. With more and more women becoming professional surfers, its nice to know they will be able to ride the wave of this exciting and growing trend. They will finally be able to compete in the water and in the surf shops.

I am a Boomer Baby, Sandra A. Greenberg, semi retired in Maui, Hawaii. I build niche websites and teach self defense for women. My articles are related to the particular web theme that I am working on. I choose my niche sites based on my personal and professional experience, and a whole lot of research. When I choose a niche site based on my personal experience, it is because I hope I can share what I have learned, and someone else can benefit from it and pass it on. I write from my heart and like to think that I live my life the same way.

By Sandra Aileen Greenberg

My Hawaii niches and water sports are close to home!
WomensSurf.com

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