Suit for diving, diving and swimming
Features and benefits
Diving and swimming suits for diving are made in such a way as to retain heat when immersed in water and hermetically close the body from moisture penetration. In water, heat is released 20 times faster than in air. Therefore, high-quality insulation is the main function of such clothing. To prevent water from entering, similar clothing is made from neoprene or other waterproof materials, and the seams are joined by hermetic gluing.
The advantages of diving suits are high thermal insulation, tightness, design, allowing not to hamper movement and be as mobile as possible at depth. In addition, durable material prevents possible scratches, pricks, bruises from objects in the water: algae, fauna, stones.
This type of clothing can be used not only when scuba diving. It is widely distributed among kayakers, rafting on the river, ordinary swimmers, tourists in seaside resorts. Skydiving parachutists use special suits for this extreme sport. Further, all types of equipment will be discussed in more detail.
Varieties
According to the degree of waterproofing, diving suits are divided into:
- dry;
- semi-dry;
- wet
The first type absolutely does not pass water. Such equipment is made of multilayer nylon with an additional waterproofing impregnation. It can be a one-piece jumpsuit or a set of jackets and trousers, connected tightly. In addition to it, there are gloves and shoes, which are also connected in order not to let moisture through. This suit is designed for all types of scuba diving.
Semi-dry diving suits are made from neoprene. They are fastened with a zipper, located in most cases on the back. Equipped with additional seals on the neck, sleeves and ankles, which prevent the penetration of water. Such equipment is more resistant to moisture, but not 100%.
The latter version is made of rubberized material, which in itself does not pass water. But it penetrates through the fasteners, the edges at the junction of the sleeves with gloves, ankles. Wet suits are the most common, they are used for diving, spearfishing, swimming.
For swimming in cold water with a temperature not exceeding 4 degrees, only the first type should be used.
Professional suits for scuba diving should be used with a thickness of at least 7 mm, the best of multi-layer nylon with a nozzle connected to the aqualung, for filling with compressed air. Hydra for cold water can be taken from neoprene, but with a thickness of at least 7-9 mm.
Skydiving suits are designed to resemble diving equipment. But the material is different: it does not have such a degree of insulation and tightness. Raw materials for production - fabric or nylon. Costumes can also be equipped with additional wings for planning in the air.
The freediving diving suit consists of high waisted pants and a hoodie jacket. The inner surface of the equipment is made of neoprene, which fits snugly to the skin and prevents moisture penetration. Because of such features, such clothes do not wear dry, they will be equipped in it already in the water.
For swimming or immersion in the southern seas, where the temperature during the day in the water does not fall below 21 degrees, open suits can come up. They are not equipped with a hood and tight cuffs on the sleeves and ankles.Included with them are cash masks and gloves. Such equipment does not allow to completely isolate from water. But for non-professional divers, tourists, or for a kayak ride, this is quite an option.
For professional diving work use special equipment. It includes:
- waterproof rubber overalls;
- thermal underwear;
- galoshes or rubber boots;
- a shirt of three-layer rubberized fabric;
- copper front;
- attached to her copper diving helmet, the so-called trehboltovka.
Diving equipment used in the civil and navy.
The suit for rafting on the Laguna river is made of neoprene, in addition to it are waterproof socks. Lifejackets are worn over equipment, and a helmet is usually worn on the head. In a boat, such clothes will keep the body warm, protect to some extent from the penetration of water.
the cloth
The materials for the manufacture of diving suits are as follows:
- rubber;
- rubberized multilayer nylon;
- foamed neoprene;
- "leather";
- titanium
Rubber in its pure form is quite capable of not passing moisture, but it does not have the necessary thermal insulation in cold water. But rubberized multilayer kapron is able to both retain heat and prevent wetting by almost 100%.
Foamed neoprene is very elastic and soft. It is the cheapest, but its service life is minimal. A variety of neoprene, called "skin", has an increased density. It is he who fits tightly to the body when diving; it is difficult to put on and take off a suit, it needs to be wetted or lubricated with soapy water. But for the convenience of sliding on the surface, they came up with a layer of silicone. Titanium is coated with titanium filler. It has maximum thermal insulation, but the highest cost.
How to choose
When choosing equipment for scuba diving should be guided by the tasks. For professional diving, deep-sea diving, diving work, cold water with a temperature of less than 12 degrees, a dry type with a thickness of 6 to 9 mm is always chosen.
When amateur diving, swimming, work without scuba fit semi-dry and wet models. The thickness of 5-6 mm for this is quite sufficient.
With a comfortable water temperature of 21-28 degrees, the thickness of the suit can be 3 mm. In such conditions, suitable equipment made of neoprene or rubber.
In favorable temperature conditions and when other threats are not expected (sharp stones, spiky algae, aggressive fauna), open-type suits can be used. They will require additional accessories: gloves and face masks.
How much is
The most expensive models are the dry type for professional scuba diving. The kit can cost an average of 13,800 to 19,000 rubles. Semi-dry and open variants vary from 4,700 to 16,500 rubles. The cheapest costumes - wet type made of foamed neoprene or rubber have a cost of 3100 - 6200 rubles.
The price depends on the manufacturer. Brand and popular brands will be more expensive. The cost is affected by the manufacturing material, the most expensive fabrics are titanium and rubberized nylon, the cheapest is foamed neoprene.
The cost of equipment immediately include the price of auxiliary accessories: masks and gloves, thermal underwear, bots and flippers.
Stylish images
In the series of collections from various manufacturers, you can choose the hydra, which differ in style and thoughtful design. Among the brands worth noting: Mad Wave, Billabong, Submarine Groove, Rocksea, Espadon. The choice, of course, depends on the tastes and preferences of the buyer. But a bright design is not the only criterion, technical characteristics are important, it primarily affects the comfort of diving and safety.
