Extreme Sports

Buying a wetsuit can be somewhat confusing. There are many different styles, thicknesses, qualities and price ranges to choose from. Trying on a wetsuit isn’t the most fun thing to do in the world either. However, it is a necessary evil if you want to keep warm on your dive.

Style - The first thing you will have to decide is what style of wetsuit do you want. Do you want a full wet suit or a shortie.

Thickness - The thickness is probably the most important factor that will determine your comfort underwater. Choose the thickness based on the type of water and diving you will be doing.

Quality of Construction - This will determine how long that scuba diving wet suit will last. Most importantly, you need to check the seams of the wet suit. The cheapest and least strong is a glued stitch. It will sometimes have a piece of glued tape over the seams which will help with comfort. While it is adequate, it will probably give out the quickest of all the seams.

Neoprene - The type of neoprene your scuba diving wet suit is made of affects the quality of the suit and, of course the price. Scuba diving wetsuits are made of neoprene which is a synthetic rubber foam. The neoprene has thousands of tiny bubbles for insulation. The material is then typically laminated with a nylon based material. Once this elastic fabric dries, the neoprene becomes pliable and flexible. The type of neoprene your scuba diving wet suit is made of affects the quality of the suit and, of course the price.

Wetsuit-Child Warma Wetsuit by Konfidence: Konfidence Warma Wetsuits are perfect for staying warm in the pool, beach, or lake. We use only top quality neoprene and flatlock stitching to eliminate ridges. The shoulder strap design allows children to swim and maintain a good range of motion. Sizing info… Small (Height 41 in, Shoulder to crotch 16 in) Medium (Height 43 in, Shoulder to crotch 19 in) Large (Height 48 in, Shoulder to crotch 23 in). Top quality wetsuit 2mm neoprene. 100% UV Protection on covered skin. Adjustable shoulder straps. Flatlock stitching that eliminates ridges.

Men’s Hurley ONE & ONLY Short Sleeve Rash Guard: The Hurley ONE & ONLY Short Sleeve Rash Guard provides excellent protection from the sun and abrasion. This top is made of very stretchy 5 ounce lycra with a UPF sun rating of 40+.*Please note that rash guards do not keep you warm. SPF 40+.

4/3mm Men’s Billabong FOIL Steamer Full Wetsuit: Congrats on finding the Billabong FOIL series of wetsuits. These wetsuits offer 50% stretch neoprene for the price the other guys charge for 30% stretch. Billabong’s Airlite Superflex neoprene is located throughout most of the upper body for superior flexibility at a great price. Glued and blindstitched sealed seams keep cold water from flushing the suit, and the silk touch interior jersey fits your body like a glove. Also features seam tape at critical junctions, a chafe resistant lycra collar, and a heavy duty steel zipper for durability. Every Billabong wetsuit is made of the finest quality materials and workmanship. Proper care will insure many happy seasons of use. Good for 55 degrees and up. 50% Super Stretch - Entire upper body. Sealed Seams to keep cold water out. Durable kneepads.

Aqua Sphere Stingray kids shorty wetsuit: Neoprene/lycra suit for swimming or snorkeling: This neoprene/lycra shorty wetsuit gives full 2mm warmth in the torso, with lycra accents at legs and sleeves for flexibility and room to grow. With hybrid Neoprene and Lycra construction, the Stingray is the ideal accessory for keeping kids warm in aquatic environments. The Stingray comes in 4(S), 6(M), 8(L) and 10(XL) sizes for ages 4-10.Lycra arms, legs and neck allows for maximum flexibility and comfort Durable, easy-pull zipper for convenient dressing Ideal for use in or out of the water The Stingray is designed to keep kids warm and allow the freedom of movement they need while playing in or out of the water. 2mm Neoprene body with Lycra arms, legs and neck. Durable, easy-pull zipper for convenient dressing. Designed to keep kids warm and allow the freedom of movement while playing in or out of the water. This neoprene/lycra shorty gives full 2mm warmth in the torso, with lycra accents at legs and sleeves for flexibility and room to grow. With hybrid Neoprene and Lycra construction, the Stingray is the ideal accessory for keeping kids warm in aquatic.

O’Neill Reactor men’s neoprene wetsuit shorts: These neoprene shorts from O’Neill are a great choice when you want thermal protection (along with 100% UV protection) without a wetsuit. Wear with a lycra rashguard, or for more warmth a neoprene Superfreak thinskins shirt, and be ready for the water. Ideal for rafting, paddling, surfing, snorkeling, and other watersports where getting in and out quickly is important. Sized to fit snugly - neoprene needs to be like a second skin to keep you warm.100% FluidFlex neopreneElastic waistband with drawstring for adjustable, secure waistFlatloc stitched with breathable seamsAnatomical engineered fitStrategic seam placement for comfortZipperless design for maximum comfort, fit, and seal.

4/3mm Women’s Roxy SYNCRO Full Wetsuit: The 4/3mm Roxy Syncro Wetsuit has been completely redesigned this season, you get some serious stretch for your dollar with this suit! This stylish wetsuit is made of 100% “hyperstretch” and “freemax” neoprene which is lightweight and will not restrict your movement. Also features sealed seams to keep cold water from trickling in, a full length back zipper for easy entry & exit, and an adjustable neck closure. Roxy wetsuits come with a 1 year warranty on materials and craftsmanship. You can help keep your wetsuit in great shape for years to come by always rinsing in fresh water and hanging to dry. Good for temps in the 55 degree range. 100% superstretch neoprene. Sealed seams keep the cold water from trickling in.

Hyperflex Cyclone 2MM Men’s Long Sleeve Springsuit: The Hyperflex Cyclone 2/2 MM men’s long-sleeve springsuit is crafted with waterproof glued and blind-stitched seams, reinforced high-stress seam areas, strategically placed 4-way superstretch flex panels, and metal zip heads. Fabric Content: 80% neoprene, 20% nylon. 2/2 mm, Springsuit, Glued and blindstitched seams reinforced with spot taping. 4-way Hyperstretch superstretch neoprene sleeves, shoulders, and underarm.

Hyperflex Women’s Short Sleeve Sport Fit Rashguard: The Hyperflex women’s long-sleeve Sport Fit rashguard is cut for a traditional stretch fit and designed for comfort with flatlock seams. Fabric Content: 83% nylon, 17% spandex. Cut for a traditional stretch fit. Flatlock seams.

5mm Hyperflex Surf Gloves: The HyperFlex Mesh Skin Glove is sealed to keep water out, and has a mesh skin to keep warmth in. This glove is sure to keep you warm and toasty on the coldest days. Manufactured by wetsuit legends, Henderson USA, you can be sure that this product will perform for years to come. Good for cool water temps. Incredible deal on durable gloves. Sizing is comparable to snow gloves, use your best judgement. Sealed seams keeps cold water out.

Execute Sports Serene Women’s Short Sleeve Rashguard: The Execute Sports Serene women’s short-sleeve rashguard is constructed with UV-protected Lycra® spandex and nylon with flatlock stitching for added comfort. Fabric: 86% nylon, 14% Lycra® spandex. UPF 50 + UV-protected Lycra® spandex. 7 panels. Flatlock stitching.

Body Glove POWER PADDLE Gloves: Tipless, webbed designed great for training.

O’Neill Reactor men’s shorty wetsuit for scuba, snorkel, surf: Highlights:FluidFlex shoulder & sleeve panelsSeamless paddle zonesSuperSeal collar: fully adjustable smooth skin neckWind resistant smoothskin chest & back Key Features:Back zipper for easy on/offFlatlock stitched for breathable, non-chafing seamsHidden key pocketDL Single Seal neck closureEngineered fitLightweight fluid foamNew style lines. 2mm neoprene with FluidFlex shoulder & sleeve panels. Seamless paddle zones. SuperSeal Collar - fully adjustable smoothskin neck. Wind-resistant smoothskin chest & back.

Wind-resistant smoothskin chest & back: The NeoSport Sport Skin is a full body watersport garmet that is comfortable, and provides a non-confining stretch fit. It is perfect worn alone or as a base layer under any wetsuit. It makes putting on a wetsuit much easier. Foot stirrups keep legs in place. Manufactured by SCUBA wetsuit legends, Henderson USA, you can be sure that this suit will perform for years to come. Does not provide warmth, but great for sun protection. Also helps get in & out of bulky wetsuits.

Body Glove 2/1mm Junior Arc Short Sleeve Spring Short Wetsuit: A great overall suit for warm water surfing and wakeboarding, the Body Glove Arc junior short-sleeve spring wetsuit does the trick in water temperatures of 72 degrees F and up. The suit’s arm and underarm panels are made of Body Glove’s Future Flex material, an extra-soft, extra-flexible fabric that’s both comfortable and easy to remove. The 2/1 mm construction (2 mm in the torso and 1 mm in the arms and shoulders) is supplemented by fairskin panels on the chest and back for added warmth in the core. Stylish short-sleeve junior spring short wetsuit designed for surfing in water 72 degrees F and up. Arm and underarm panels are made of soft, flexible Future Flex material. Fairskin panels on chest and back; 2/1 mm thickness. Flatlock seams let in a minimum of water when submerged; interior key pocket. Anatomically cut for glove-like fit; short zip.

O’Neill women’s 2008 skins shorts: These shorts run very small and are also designed to fit super-snug. Consider ordering UP one or two sizes. More coverage than a bikini bottom, more stretch than boardshorts - these skins shorts are a stylish alternative. Wear with a neoprene shirt like the Bahia zip jacket, or a skins tank and you’re ready for the water. The side accent panel and heart-shaped appliques complement the colors of O’Neill’s 2008 boardshorts, rashguards, and wetsuits. The Skins 6oz Nylon / Spandex has quick-dry, four-way stretch properties that will keep you in the water longer. The womens’ skins provide a comfortable solution to keep you covered and charging. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+ Internal drawstring for a secure fit. Back pocket with key loop 2-layer design for support and anti-transparency Lightweight and durable fabric is odor-resistant and offers UV protection and rash protection. Flatloc stitched for breathable seams.

2mm Quiksilver Low-Top Reef Booties: The Quiksilver Syncro Reef booties are the right choice for warm water conditions that have you walking over unpleasant surfaces. Minimal warmth + a textured sole are a great match in this boot. We recommend these boots for rocky shores, rivers, rafting, etc. 2mm Boots are good for warm water temps in the 70’s. *Size Note: If you wear a half size, choose smaller (ie) 10.5 should buy size 10.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.