Wet Suits for Scuba and Snorkeling
Quality Scuba and Snorkeling Equipment from MidCoast Scuba Center - Omaha, Nebraska
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MidCoast Scuba Center is the areas authorized SCUBAPRO / UWATEC dealer. |
PROFILE STEAMER | EVER FLEX STEAMER | PROFILE SHORTY | 0.5MM PROFILE STEAMER | |
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| HYBRID RASH GUARD | HYBRID SHORTS | NOVA SCOTIA SEMI-DRY | GLOVES & BOOTS | ||
What to Know Before Purchasing Your Wet Suit
Our profile family of steamers offers a perfect blend of style and function. Available in 3mm and 5mm thickness, in men's and women's sizes.
This advanced steamer incorporates many tested features along with unparalleled comfort, stretch, and flexibility thanks to our unique EverFlex neoprene material. This steamer provides an excellent fit for a wide range of people. Our extra-comfortable Ever-Flex line gives you incomparable fit. If you're tired of the struggle to get in your suit, the Ever-Flex is for you.
Designed and cut for increased comfort, the Profile line suits can be paired in multiple combinations to fit all divers and water environments. Elegantly cut and styled, built in durable and fast drying nylon-2-sided neoprene overall, Profile suits provide maximum comfort at all levels.
An ultra thin neoprene steamer, extremely comfortable as a tropical water suit or as an extra layer under your favorite standard suit.
HYBRID T RASH GUARD and HYBRID SHORTS
Stylish
UV-rated lycra shirts with added protection neoprene on torso, to be worn as
under-layers or used as a rash guard when snorkeling or swimming.
The
newest addition to the Hybrid line, the Hybrid Shorts can be worn alone, under a
suit, or paired with Hybrid T for a great warm water combo.
The
semi-dry concept from SCUBAPRO incorporates many of the advantages of wetsuits
and dry suits in a sleek and comfortable package, to give you the best of both
worlds. NovaScotia 6.5 offers a low profile, strong sealing and protection in
the water, yet it doesn't require bulky undergarments. NovaScotia 6.5 provides
minimal water entry and maximum flexibility in more challenging diving
conditions.
Whether you are just snorkeling or heading out on a diving
adventure, at MidCoast Scuba Center you will find a wide range of quality
wetsuits to meet your environmental protection needs. Our product offering
includes the latest materials and styles from some the best brands in the
industry.
A wetsuit is an essential piece of water sports equipment. Their primary
function is to keep you warm. Secondary benefits include protection from
sunburn, abrasions, stinging marine life and corals. Wetsuits also provide
protection from equipment by working as a layer of cushioning. Snorkelers,
surfers and swimmers can also benefit from the positive buoyancy wetsuits
provide.
The human body is an awesome heat energy machine, designed to regulate a
constant body temperature in air, not water. While air is an excellent
insulator, it is important to keep in mind that water absorbs body heat 25 times
faster than air. Consider the difference between a 75F degree room and 75F
degree swimming pool. While the room is quite comfortable, you would soon become
chilled in the water.
How Do Wetsuits Work?
In order to better understand how wetsuits keep us warm it is necessary to first
understand why we get cold. Specifically, we lose body heat in two ways:
Conduction and Convention.
Conduction is the direct transfer of heat energy from molecule to molecule.
Essentially, body heat is lost through external contact with the water. Scuba
Divers also lose body heat by means of Internal Conduction. Gas (air) is cooled
as it is released from the diving cylinder. The diver is affected because the
actual air they are breathing at depth is cool.
Convection is the constant movement of water across the body. As the body heats
the water molecules around it, those molecules rise and new, colder molecules
take their place.
External excessive body heat loss underwater (Conduction) is solved by using
environmental protection (a wetsuit or drysuit) of appropriate style and
thickness to the operating temperatures of the diver (swimmer, snorkeler, etc.)
Convection is solved by a proper (snug) fit. Essentially, a wetsuit should fit
like a second skin.
Wetsuits are made from gas impregnated neoprene. Basically, millions of gas
bubbles (usually nitrogen) are surrounded by neoprene, formed into sheets and
then layered in between nylon and/or a number of other types of linings. The
bubbles provide insulation as the material itself surrounds your body. Water
flow over the body is reduced and the cooler water entering the suit is able to
be warmed.
Choosing A Wetsuit
Wetsuits are available in a variety of thickness' and styles to best suit your
in-water needs. Layering can be an essential part of your environmental
protection system. Adding a jacket, shorty, vest or combination of will extend
the operating temperature range of a specific suit. Laying may also better
address sizing issues because some materials/styles are more flexible than
others.
Additionally, since much of your body heat escapes through your head. Adding a
beanie or hood (even in "warmer" conditions) will significantly improve your
comfort. Appropriate boots and gloves are also important, for both warmth and
protection. When combined together hoods, boots and gloves account for about 30%
- 40% of your thermal protection.
Everybody has their own personal preference and individual comfort level. What
is "freezing" to one person is "just right" to another. Smaller persons (like
women and especially children) tend to get colder faster. This is primarily
because they have a greater surface area in relation to their total body mass.
Duration and depth are also an important factors to consider. High workload
dives will greatly affect thermal needs. The longer your exposure, the
cooler your body will become. Water temperatures drop the deeper you go and
wetsuits become thinner as the gas bubbles are compressed.
The following chart reflects general guidelines to exposure suit comfort zones:
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Exposure Suit Comfort Zones & Tolerances |
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| Temperate Zone | Recommended Protection | Unprotected Tolerance Times |
| Above 850 F |
Partial or no thermal protection required |
Danger of working diver overheating |
| 800 F - 850F |
Dive Skins (non-insulating UV & Abrasion Protection) 0.5mm - 2mm Wetsuit |
Diver chills in 1 - 2 hours exposure |
| 750 F - 800F |
Full 2 - 3mm wetsuits and hoods / boots / gloves / vests required by some divers |
Hypothermia in 2 - 3 hours exposure |
| 700 F - 750F | 3 - 5mm Wetsuits with hoods / boots / gloves / vests (layering becomes ideal) Dry Suits required by some or for long durations | Hypothermia in 1 1/2 hours |
| 550 - 700F | 6.5 - 7mm Wetsuits with hoods / boots / gloves / vests required (layering necessary) or Dry Suit for better protection | Hypothermia in 1 hour or less |
| 400 - 550F | 7mm+ Wetsuits with hood / gloves / boots / vest are suitable for short durations only or Dry Suit system with full undergarment | Severe Hypothermia in 1/2 hour or less |
| Below 400F | Maximum possible Dry Suit protection with highest rated undergarments required | Death would result in 1/2 hour or less |
Wetsuit Sizing
Wetsuits (and wetsuit accessories) are designed to fit snug, like a second skin.
A snug fit is necessary in order for the material to be effective in the water.
If you have never worn a wetsuit before, keep in mind it will feel quite strange
the first few times you put it on. There are also correct and incorrect ways to
put them on and take them off. Wetsuits feel very different then clothing.
Again, wetsuits fit snug, are exceptionally form fitting and you will feel a
reduced range of motion.
It is also important to remember that wetsuits, like most quality neoprene
accessories including gloves and boots, are cut for a dive position. This means,
when you are standing up straight out of the water a well fitting suit may feel
uncomfortable and even tight (compared to normal clothing) in some areas.
Quality wetsuits are tailored with slightly bent arms and knees along with
additional considerations throughout the torso for optimal in-water performance.
You may have small amounts of room at the back of the elbows, knees and
underneath the arms. This is all completely normal.
At MidCoast Scuba Center our wetsuits are specifically selected for their
features and quality in addition to being true to their corresponding size
charts. We have provided detailed size charts to help you choose the best size
for you. We carry several different brands, so be sure you are referring to the
correct size chart for the model you have selected.
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MEN'S WET SUIT SIZING |
WOMEN'S WET SUIT SIZING |
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SIZE | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | CHEST | WAIST | SIZE | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | CHEST | WAIST |
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| S | 5' 6" - 5' 9" | 130 - 150 | 36" - 38" | 29" - 31" | XS | 5' 0" - 5' 2" | 95 - 110 | 30" - 34" | 22" - 26" | |||
| M | 5' 9" - 5' 11" | 150 - 170 | 38" - 40" | 31" - 33" | S | 5' 2" - 5' 4" | 110 - 125 | 32" - 36" | 24" - 28" | |||
| MT | 5' 10" - 6 '0" | 155 - 175 | 38" - 40" | 31" - 33" | M | 5' 5" - 5' 7" | 120 - 140 | 34" - 38" | 26" - 30" | |||
| MR | 5' 9" - 5' 11" | 175 - 200 | 40" - 42" | 33" - 35" | MT | 5' 7" - 5' 9" | 125 - 145 | 34" - 38" | 26" - 30" | |||
| L | 5' 10" - 6 '0" | 170 - 195 | 40" - 42" | 33" - 35" | L | 5' 8" - 5' 10" | 140 - 160 | 38" - 42" | 28" - 32" | |||
| LR | 5' 11" - 6 '1" | 195 - 200 | 42" - 44" | 35" - 37" | XL | 5' 9" - 5' 11" | 155 - 175 | 40" - 44" | 32" - 36" | |||
| XL | 5' 11" - 6 '1" | 190 - 215 | 42" - 44" | 35" - 37" | XXL | 5' 11" - 6' 1" | 175 + | 42" - 46" | 34" - 38" | |||
| XXL | 6' 1" - 6' 3" | 215 - 235 | 44" - 46" | 38" - 40" | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| XXXL | 6' 3" - 6' 5" | 230 + | 46" - 48" | 40" - 43" | - | - | - | - | - | |||
Before choosing your size we strongly suggest the following:
Most sizing issues can be easily avoided by understanding how wetsuits are supposed to fit and selecting the suit based on accurate information.
Dressing A Wetsuit
Because wetsuits are cut to be form fitting they require different techniques
for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off).
Certain style suits are much easier to take off (and to a lesser extend put on)
with the help of a buddy so be sure have someone around when donning your suit.
Try on your new wetsuit in clean, dry place free from pet hair and dirt just in
case you need to exchange it for a different size or style. Do not use powder or
any other type of lubricant, those techniques don't work. Plus, the chemicals
they contain can damage the suit and we will not accept return of suits in this
(or any other compromised) condition. You will also be more comfortable if you
try your suit on in a cool location such as an air conditioned room.
It is not uncommon to have to "wiggle" to get the suit on and into place. Many
experienced divers joke about the various "Wetsuit Dances" seen over the years
as people gear up at the dive site. While it may initially feel silly, putting
on a proper fitting suit takes more work than the average pair of pants.
However, the comfort you will experience in the water makes it all well worth
it.
If you are donning a full suit (long legs) it is easier to begin sitting down.
Dress the suit by putting each leg (one at a time) through the ankles and
working the suit up to you knees. Some suits have skin seals at the wrists and
ankles which may make it difficult for your foot/hand to just slide through. If
you suit has skin seals, gently stretch the opening rather than fight against
the skin seal. If your suit has knee pads, work them into the right position
before pulling the suit up any further. Once the suit is up to your knees, stand
up and pull the suit over your hips. You will likely need to work the legs up so
the crotch is in the right position. Dress the arms just like you did with the
legs, one at a time, working the suit up to the elbow before putting in on the
rest of the way. Depending on the style of suit, you may need help from a buddy
to help zip it up.
Two piece suits (generally called step-ins) usually have one leg you need to
step through and the other needs to be zipped. It may be more comfortable to
start the zipper up part of the way, step through both legs and then dress the
arms.
Again, keep in mind that wetsuits feel very different then clothing especially
out of the water. They are designed for optimal in-water comfort and
performance.
Should I Wet My Suit Before Putting It On?
The trick is wet on wet or dry on dry. Meaning your skin should be dry if the
suit is dry or your skin should be wet if the suit is wet. A trick for multiple
dive (snorkeling) days is to turn your suit inside out which will allow the
inside to dry even though the outside may still be wet.
Undressing A Wetsuit
To take off your wetsuit, peel it off inside out. Do not try to step out of it
as you would with normal clothing. Open the Zipper (or have your buddy open if
for you). Work you shoulders free and then peel each arm out (turning the suit
inside out as you go) one at a time. Roll the suit down doing the same for each
leg. Depending on the style, you may need a buddy to initially pull the suit off
your shoulders. Remember, the trick is to peel the suit off, turning it inside
out as you go.
To take off a neoprene hood, start by reaching both hands inside to grab the
material at the chin and neck. Bring you chin down to your chest while
simultaneously pulling the chin/neck out with your hands. Continue to lift up
towards the top of your head keeping you chin close to your chest.
To take off a vest (or hooded vest), stretch one armhole until you can get that
elbow and arm inside. Bring that arm outside at the waist, which will pop the
vest up over your shoulder. If your vest has a hood use the steps above to take
it off and then extract your other arm.
Boots and gloves can be taken off by either pulling them off inside out, the
same way as with a wetsuit or by reaching inside the opening and pulling your
hand/foot free while holding on to the glove/boot.
Wetsuit Care and Maintenance
When properly cared for, your wetsuit will last for many dives to come. Proper
storage is essential and will significantly extend the life of your suit.
Rinse your suit in fresh water after every dive. We recommend adding a small
amount of scientifically formulated Wetsuit Shampoo to the water. It aids in
removing, salt chlorine and other organic residue and adds special neoprene
conditioners. If your suit has developed an odor, which can be caused by mold,
bacteria and hitchhiking marine life we suggest
MiraZyme Odor Eliminator. It is completely safe for your suit (and the
environment) and works quite well. Gloves, hoods and boots should be care for in
the same way.
Pay extra attention to zippers and knee pads as they are common places where
sand, dirt and salt build up. An old toothbrush is great for getting into the
small spaces without damaging the suit. We recommend using
Zip Care Solution which cleans and conditions. Plus, it also has a great
brush built in to the top.
Once your suit is clean and rinsed allow it to completely dry in-side-out. Then
turn it right-side-out to allow it to fully dry before putting it away. Store
you suit in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Excessive exposure to sunlight
(and chlorine) will cause the suit to fade.
Do not store a wetsuit folded for extended periods of time. It can actually
damage the material and decrease its insulating ability. It is best to hang your
suit up on a wide, heavy weight hanger. Narrow hangers can damage and/or distort
the shoulders, plus they are rarely strong enough. Stay away from metal hangers
(or hangers with metal parts). The metal can stain (and even damage) any part of
the suit in comes in contact with. We recommend a hanger specially designed for
wetsuits such as our
Extra Wide Wetsuit Hanger.
Considering what the average suit goes through over time, occasionally they get
damaged. Sharp coral, boat ladders and decks (just to mention a few) all have it
in for your suit. If your suit develops a small tear, wear point or hole you can
repair it with
AquaSeal. An industry "best kept secret" for long lasting equipment repairs.
A little extra care and attention go a long way to extending the life of your
investment. Proper wetsuit care will also make for easier, more pleasant gearing
up and helps to keep the material supple. Your wetsuit will thank you.
MidCoast Scuba Center Inc.
For information on any of our products, services, courses or trips please call or contact Terry Hurley using the information provided below.