Dry suits – The key to water sports in wintertime
water sports
Water sports fanatics face a hard period: winter is coming, and the warm, sunny days to enjoy active time on and in the water are over. Luckily there are dry suits to make it possible to continue.
How does a dry suit work?
Drysuits always follow the same principle: overalls, mostly made of nylon or pvc, enclosing the whole body while only uncovering head, hands and feet. The openings are sealed with neopren or latex, providing a good protection against coldness and water. The suit itself is put on over a flexibel range of undergarment, and closed with several zippers – a procedure that takes some time at the beginning, mainly due to all the underwear that has to be properly stowed. Then, the athlete is ready to jump into cold water.
Image Sources: Youtube/christianmmoser, supsalzkammergut, Mysticboarding
Dry suits in different activities
What are the sports most eligible for this special winter-wear? Diving in a dry suit, for example, adds a whole new experience to it. Because of the air-filled interior between body and suit, the buoyancy reamains constant throughout the dive, thus guaranteeing constant insulating capacity and no over weightening. Another common use of drysuits is kayaking or stand up paddling (sup): The suit keeps your body warm, and prevents you from getting wet if you should fall into the water.
Surfing in a drysuit is described by many as not ideal – the often times loose-fit design of the suits doesn’t really match the dynamic and agility of surfing.
In general, every athlete should check out for themselve wheater a dry suit is the right choice. And don’t forget to consult an expert because – depending on the activity – there are different types of dry suits.
This should be ensured
Most important when buying a drysuit is to make sure that the fit is perfect. Drysuits can last up to 10-15 years which justify their high prices, but if you plan to use yours for the next decade, you want them neither to be too big nor to small, in any dimension. Do try it out wherever you buy it, ideally with any accessories (e.g. diving equipment) you will use with it later! Another important aspect is the workmanship particularly of the seams and the zipper. Investing some time in the buying process is highly recommended.
Statement
Drysuits are expensive, but an ideal investment for everyone who takes water sports really serious – also during wintertime.
Source images: Youtube/christianmmoser, supsalzkammergut, Mysticboarding
