For those who are used to surfing, kite-surfing or swimming in the ocean wearing nothing but swimming trunks, you should really think of getting a body glove wetsuit. This body-hugging and lightweight piece of apparel does not only protect you from the hazards of the sea, it also keeps you warm in cold waters. This is made possible by the layer of water existing between the suit and your body which acts as an insulator, retaining your body heat.

However, choosing your own wetsuit has always been a bane in the water sports community. You have to get one which has to fit snugly around your body and not be too tight that it restricts your movement.

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Neither must it be too loose that it flaps uselessly when you move around. So, for the first-time wetsuit buyers, here are a few tips on choosing wetsuits:

1) First of all, make sure you got the right place. A wetsuit isn't exactly the type of clothing you will get at a bargain bin. Go to the appropriate store to get the wetsuit for your own individual sport. If you're getting a wetsuit for surfing, go to the surf store. If you want to go scuba-diving, go to the diving store. You get the idea.

2) Next, choosing the brands. Now, you don't have to buy the most expensive brand to be assured of quality. It's better to do your homework first, by checking up the brands on Internet forums and neutral third-party review sites. When you get to the store, it won't hurt to ask the attendant for his or her opinion on the best wetsuit for you. After all, they have way much more experience than you. And try not to buy at shops which only sell one brand. They espouse the virtues of their respective brand and criticize the others. So, choose wetsuits at stores which sell multiple brands to ensure neutrality.

3) Now; trying it on. You will have to make sure that the wetsuit you choose fit you comfortably around your body. Also, the sleeve and leg openings should close down tight against your skin to prevent water flushing. There are certain areas which the suit have to be skintight, namely around the crotch, under the armpits and the shoulders. Sagging suits will be extremely uncomfortable and if you choose your wetsuit right, you'll feel as though it's a bit tight. Don't worry, that's normal.

So, for the adrenaline junkies that are getting their first wetsuit, choose well. And for those who haven't gotten a wetsuit yet, what are you waiting for?

Author: Clement C.

Clement runs a website about wetsuits where you can find answers to any questions you might have about wetsuits. Learn how to choose the right wetsuit size and how to choose the right wetsuit thickness for different water temperatures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clement_C.

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Cold water as defined here is any water temperature of 65 degrees or below. This means than any cold water wetsuit will be a fullsuit. A fullsuit covers a surfers body ankles to wrists. Fullsuit thickness is described in millimeters. A 3/2, for example, has a thickness of 3mm around the torso and 2mm around the arms and legs. Most wetsuits come with zippers in the front or back. Some have half length zippers and some are even zipperless.

The thickness of the wetsuit you choose depends primarily on the water temperature your surfing in as well as your tolerance/comfort level. In general, a 3/2 will work in water temps of 65-55 degrees, a 4/3 in 54-49 degrees, and a 5/4 in 48-43 degrees. Below that requires a 6/5 wetsuit or possibly a drysuit. Some wetsuits will have built in hoods, especially the thicker ones for colder water. Booties are optional at the high end of this temperature range and mandatory at the low end.

Popular brands of cold water wetsuits include Billabong, Oneill, Rip Curl, and Quicksilver. These brands use high quality glue, taped and stitched seams, and reinforced kneepads. A surfer who uses one regularly should expect to get 1-2 years use out of it, provided it's properly maintained. Proper maintenance includes a fresh water rinse after every use and drying on a hanger out of direct sunlight.

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Most cold water wetsuit companies will have a sizing chart for you to consult. It's a good idea to try a few different sizes on as well as several brands to find the right fit for you. Choose the right one and your wetsuit will become as indispensable to your surfing as your surfboard.

Author: Chris Warner

Chris runs Surfing Gear where you can learn more about surfing equipment and surfing wetsuits.

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Wetsuits are a piece of the equipment that you may need as a triathlete. How dose one know it they need a wetsuit? The rules for most age grouper races out there is if the water is 78 Fahrenheit or higher then no wetsuits are allowed, if you want to be eligible to win the race or your age group. When the water is under 78 you can wear a wetsuit and be eligible to win.

I personally suggest waring a wetsuit any time you can for two reasons. The first reason being that you will stay warm. When the water is in the 70's its usually alright for most people to bare. However when the air temperature is cold and your just standing around waiting for the gun to go off it can be pretty chilly even if the water is in the 70's.

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When your body is cold you are not in optimal condition to take off to a strong pace and thus may get off to a slow start. It is especially important to wear a wet suit if you get cold easy as it will help you stay warm.

The second reason to wear a wetsuit is that you will be faster. Wetsuits allow you to be more buoyant in the water. This means you have to spend less energy in floating and can transfer this into more speed swimming. If you are a strong swimmer it will help you less than a weak swimmer. If every one is waring one you should too as you will be faster and will lesson the advantage others may gain by waring a wetsuit.

What type of wetsuit should you get? You want to get a triathlon or swim specific wetsuit. These suits are designed to swim in. Swim specific wetsuits are made to fit tight and are more flexible in areas allowing for more shoulder and body rotation.

Different brands will fit you better than others so try on a few different types to get a optimal fit. When getting a wetsuit get the tightest one you can. Baggy wetsuits will fill with water which will slow you down. Extra room in wetsuits can also chafe which is never a good time.

Lastly getting a wetsuit on and off can be a mission. Here are a few tips. Lube up your arms and legs from you knee down with Body Glide. The reason you want to use Body Glide is that products with petroleum or mineral oil will break down the wetsuit material and stitching. Put socks on your feet and then pull the suit on. Waring socks will make a huge difference in the ease of slipping on your wetsuit.

The lubricant on your arms and legs will make it easier to get your wet suit off too. Taking your wetsuit off fast is a skill that needs to be developed and is best done through practice.

There you have it you now know the basics of wetsuits and weather you need one.

Author: Kerry Sullivan

Kerry Sullivan is a certified USAT, USACII, CSCS, NLP Practitioner

He coaches triathletes and races competitively. He is in the process of becoming a pro triathlete Kerry has a blog and is often sought out for optimization in triathlon on both physical and mental aspects.

For more info from the best triathlon coaches in the world go to http://www.triathlonsummit.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Sullivan

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