Wetsuits Vs Drysuits
To keep you warm in the water whilst allowing water to get in.
Best suited to wear for a longer, in the water, activities.
Best suited for watersports in cold and inclement weather when you are predominately out of the water.
Surfing, bodyboarding, open-water swimming, SUP, paddlingboarding & wakeboarding
Kayaking, jet skiing, kitesurfing & sailing
All year round, shorty wetsuits are also available and are perfect for the summer.
Predominantly Spring, Autumn and Winter but also cold wet summer days. .
If you are taking part in watersports then you’ll probably want something comfortable to wear. Wetsuits and drysuits are both fantastic options. Whether you want to stay warm, dry, or both, these water sporting essentials will enhance your performance by keeping you in or on the water for longer. From rafting to open water swimming, and everything in between, these suits tick all the boxes. Whether you’re looking for men’s drysuits, kid’s drysuits, or women’s drysuits, there is something to suit all ages and sizes.
Just like the name suggests, there are some significant differences between drysuits and wetsuits. Essentially, wetsuits trap a layer of water between the wetsuit and the skin which your body heats up and keeps you warm, whilst drysuits are designed to keep you completely dry but you have to wear layers underneath to keep you warm.
Which suit you need entirely depends on the the activity you’ll be doing, but also the temperature of the water and also your own preferences . To make your decision a little easier, we will take a closer look at the differences between wetsuits and drysuits.
The Main Purpose of Wetsuits & Drysuits
Perhaps the biggest difference between wetsuits and drysuits are their capabilities. The main purpose of a wetsuit is to keep you warm in the water. In order to achieve this, the suit is made neoprene, a rubber like matreial that is designed to create a layer of water between your body and the wetsuit itself. This layer is then regulated by your body temperature to keep you warm for the duration of your activity. In order for this method to be successful, wetsuits have to fit tightly. This tight fit also enables you to move more comfortably through the water.
Unlike a wetsuit, where it allows water in, a dry suit is entirely waterproof. A surface drysuit is usually made from 3 or 4 layer breathable & waterproof fabric and is designed for watersport activities you undertake on the surface. Diving drysuits differ from surface drysuits and are usually made from neoprene or thick rubber. This, along with its various seals and zippers, prevents any water from getting inside. As they are looser than wetsuits, you can keep warm by wearing insulated clothing underneath.
Why Do I Need a Wetsuit?
If you are taking part in an activity that requires you to spend a long period of time in the water, then a wetsuit is the best option. They are specifically designed to let some water in which remains trapped and gets heated up by your body, keeping you warm at a variety temperatures. Because of their thermal abilities, you’ll only need to wear a thin swimsuit underneath. Depending on the time of year and the temperature of the water you will need to decide between a 3mm, 4mm or 5mm wetsuit. Although providing some buoyancy a wetsuit should never be worn instead of a buoyancy aid.
Why Do I Need a Drysuit?
Drysuits are a looser fit and allow more freedom of movement than wetsuits. They are a popular choice for kayaking, dinghy sailing and RIB driving. Whilst they don’t necessarily keep you warm, they will keep you dry. Designed to last, drysuits are made using waterproof materials. In order to stay warm, you will need to wear thermal layers underneath.
Water Sports Activities
Whilst wetsuits offer optimum performance in the water, drysuits work best for jetskiing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and sailing.
If you are surfing or bodyboarding, then a wetsuit is for you. Wetsuits are also a great choice for open water swimming, SUP boarding, and wakeboarding. Whether you’re after men’s wetsuits, women’s wetsuits, or kid’s wetsuits, you can choose from a wide range of sizes and styles.