As I Descend Go Down My Wet Suit Will

As I Descend: Go Down, My Wetsuit Will... Protect Me

The ocean's depths beckon, a siren song of mystery and adventure. But before you answer that call, ensuring your safety is paramount. A crucial element of safe and comfortable diving is your wetsuit. This isn't just any piece of clothing; it's a second skin, a thermal barrier, and a protector against the elements. So, as you descend, what will your wetsuit do? The answer is multifaceted and crucial to understanding your dive.

Understanding Your Wetsuit: More Than Just Fabric

Before delving into the specifics of a wetsuit's performance during descent, let's establish a foundational understanding of how these suits work. Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. This layer of water then warms up to your body temperature, providing insulation against the cold. The thickness of the neoprene, the type of neoprene used (such as Yamamoto or other blends), and the style of the suit (fullsuit, shortie, etc.) all significantly impact its thermal properties and overall performance.

Neoprene: The Heart of Your Protection

Neoprene, a synthetic rubber, is the core material of most wetsuits. Its cellular structure traps water, while its flexibility allows for a wide range of movement. Higher-quality neoprene, often indicated by a higher price point, tends to be more durable, flexible, and provides better insulation.

Understanding Different Wetsuit Styles:

• Full Suits: Offering full-body coverage, full suits provide the greatest thermal protection and are ideal for colder waters.
• Shorties: These suits cover only the torso and legs, offering less thermal protection but greater freedom of movement. They are suitable for warmer waters or situations where dexterity is crucial.
• Long John: Covering the torso and legs, offering good thermal protection and flexibility.
• Short John: Covering the torso only, these suits provide less thermal protection than long johns but more freedom of movement.
• Dry Suits: While not strictly wetsuits, dry suits are worthy of mention. They create a completely waterproof barrier, keeping you dry and warm, even in extremely cold conditions. However, they require more specialized training and maintenance.

The Descent: How Your Wetsuit Performs Under Pressure

As you descend, the pressure exerted by the water column increases. This increase in pressure has several implications for your wetsuit and your overall dive experience.

Compression and Insulation:

The most noticeable effect of descent is the compression of the neoprene. As pressure increases, the neoprene compresses, reducing the thickness of the insulation layer. This compression, however, is not necessarily a negative. While it does slightly reduce the thermal insulation, it also minimizes water exchange, preventing cold water from flushing through the suit and maintaining the insulation more effectively. The compression of the suit also reduces its overall bulk, providing a more streamlined profile in the water, streamlining your movements.

Equalization and Pressure Management:

As you descend, the air spaces in your body (ears, sinuses, lungs) become compressed. This is the primary reason you need to equalize pressure throughout the descent. Your wetsuit itself plays a minor role, because the spaces inside the wetsuit are already filled with water. The neoprene itself will compress slightly, but its role in equalization is minimal compared to the equalization techniques you need to perform.

Water Movement and Flushing:

A well-fitting wetsuit is crucial to minimize water movement and flushing during the descent. Proper sealing around the wrists, neck, and ankles is paramount, preventing significant water exchange, which could lead to cooling and discomfort. An ill-fitting suit, on the other hand, can be problematic. A loose wetsuit will allow for excessive water flushing during descent, reducing thermal protection and causing chafing and discomfort.

Depth and Suit Performance:

The impact of compression on insulation is more noticeable at greater depths. While a slight reduction in warmth might be unnoticeable at shallower depths, deeper dives could require a thicker wetsuit to maintain adequate thermal protection. This is another reason why choosing the right thickness of neoprene is crucial for your diving environment and depth preferences.

Beyond Thermal Protection: Other Functions of Your Wetsuit During Descent

Your wetsuit's role extends beyond mere thermal insulation. It offers several other critical functions as you descend:

• Protection from Abrasion: The neoprene provides a protective barrier against scrapes and abrasions from rocks, coral, and other underwater hazards. This is especially beneficial in environments with rough terrain or potential contact with sharp objects.
• Improved Buoyancy: Wetsuits offer inherent buoyancy, helping to control your buoyancy during the descent and ascent. The compressed air trapped within the neoprene contributes slightly to upward force. However, proper weighting and buoyancy control techniques are still essential for safe diving.
• Protection from Marine Life: While not impenetrable, your wetsuit provides a reasonable degree of protection from minor stings and jellyfish contacts. While it won't shield you from a large predator, it does offer a layer of defense against minor stings or scratches.

Pre-Dive Considerations and Wetsuit Maintenance

Proper preparation before entering the water is crucial to optimize your wetsuit’s performance and your overall dive experience.

Proper Fitting: A wetsuit that fits correctly is crucial. It should be snug but not constricting, allowing for ease of movement without excessive water exchange. Ill-fitting wetsuits will not perform to their potential and could create uncomfortable situations.

Thorough Inspection: Before each dive, perform a thorough inspection of your wetsuit. Check for any tears, holes, or damage that could compromise its performance or safety. Small tears can easily become larger and compromise your insulation and protection.

Rinsing and Storage: After each dive, it’s essential to rinse your wetsuit with fresh water to remove any salt, sand, or other debris that could damage the neoprene over time. Proper storage, away from direct sunlight and heat, will help prolong the life of your wetsuit.

Descent Strategy and Wetsuit Interaction

The way you descend also impacts your wetsuit's performance. A controlled descent, using proper buoyancy control techniques, minimizes the risk of sudden pressure changes that could impact the wetsuit's performance. Rushing your descent can lead to discomfort and potentially damage the suit.

Understanding Buoyancy Control: Mastering the art of buoyancy control is essential for a smooth and safe descent. Proper weighting and buoyancy compensator (BCD) usage allow for gradual, controlled descents, minimizing stress on your body and your wetsuit.

Equalization Techniques: Learning proper equalization techniques is paramount to prevent pressure-related injuries in your ears and sinuses. These techniques are independent of your wetsuit, but the compression of the wetsuit during descent can influence how easily you can equalize.

Conclusion: Your Wetsuit – A Partner in Underwater Exploration

Your wetsuit is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a vital component of safe and enjoyable diving. As you descend into the underwater world, your wetsuit acts as a shield, protector, and thermal regulator, working alongside you to explore the depths. Understanding its capabilities, limitations, and how it reacts to pressure will contribute to your success and safety in underwater exploration. Remember that careful selection, proper fitting, regular maintenance, and a solid understanding of descent techniques will maximize your wetsuit’s performance, ensuring a comfortable and safe diving experience every time you take the plunge. Dive safe, and explore the wonders beneath the surface!