From One Scuba Diver to Another: Always Wear a Wet Suit When Underwater

Although I love everything related to scuba diving, there’s one thing that really bothered me in the beginning (and still does) whenever I’m getting ready to explore the ocean – the wetsuit, although, once I get under water, it becomes much more of an ally rather than something that causes annoyance.

Well, let’s face it, squeezing yourself in a black rubber suit that makes you look like a cockroach under the blistering sun isn’t really that fun and that’s why a lot of beginners decide to go underwater with a simple swimming suit. But boy oh boy, the troubles you could face if you dive almost naked among all those fish and underwater coral plants… Wetsuits are designed to provide a fair degree of protection from accidental coral cuts that can cause a lot of scratching and burning.

Besides, anyone who doesn’t use a wetsuit can actually experience hypothermia because, depending on how low you go, it can become quite chilly down there. Although I’ve been scuba diving for almost 10 years now, I still feel uncomfortable when putting on my wetsuit.

However, during all these years I decided to accept things as they are: wetsuits are not attractive looking clothing pieces and they are more often than not on the verge of being quite uncomfortable, however, they do make us feel safe when underwater and that’s what matters the most. I’m really grateful that today you can find a women wetsuit in almost any size and at prices appealing to a broad consumer base, something that was not the case 10 years ago when I was just a beginner.

The thicker ones (such as the 5mm women wetsuit) are normally used in winter because they are the ones that protect the body from the dangers of hypothermia the most. That’s why they are the most popular choice among hardcore scuba diver, whether going underwater in summer or winter. They are my all-time favorite pick as well.

If on the other hand you’re a more laid back scuba diver, the 3mm ones would be the right choice for you. They are flexible and a bit more comfortable than the 5 mm ones. Since they are normally used in summer and are not recommended for deep diving, these suits are great sun protects.

And here’s a friendly advice: don’t rent wet suits. Even if you scuba dive once or twice a year, make sure you have your own dive suit and that you’ll be the only one using it. Not just because all of us have different body types, but more importantly because of hygiene.