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How Do Wetsuits Work?
Wetsuits are manufactured from a synthetic rubber called neoprene but this on it’s own would not provide the protection and heat benefit that wetsuits do. The trick that makes the wetsuit work is that on entering the pool or sea a very thin layer of water is trapped between your skin and the wetsuit. Your body very quickly warms this thin layer of water and the insulation provided by the wetsuit material keeps the much welcomed heat next to you. It is important, therefore, that the water that enters the wetsuit stays there for as long as possible, which is why wetsuits have such a snug fit. If the wetsuit is too loose then the water will take too long to heat and if the cuffs are baggy then the water will just flow in and out losing all your precious warmed water. This is why wetsuits are tailored to fit so tightly all over the body - a loose wetsuit will simply not work.
What Other Benefits Does A Wetsuit Have
The main advantage of a wetsuit is the warmth that they provide but one added but unintentional bonus is that the neoprene the wetsuits are made from is naturally buoyant making swimming easier. This gives children more confidence in the water, as they feel more secure. This will allow a slightly nervous child to develop the experience of buoyancy in the water and give them the confidence to start swimming. The wetsuit should in no way though be thought of or used as a buoyancy aid or life protector
How Do I Put A Wetsuit On?
Take your time when putting the wetsuit on. A slow and proper fitting will ensure you get the maximum performance from your wetsuit. If you have long fingernails, do not apply too much pressure to the neoprene when pulling it up as your nails may puncture the surface. Always follow these simple steps:
- Turn the upper body inside out so you can step into the suit like a pair of trousers. Put your legs into the suit. Let the rest of the suit hang inside out down to your knees. Pull the legs up starting at the ankles by pulling up a section at a time. Do this by gripping a section or fold of rubber and pulling it up. (Where possible, grip/hold on to the inside fabric surface instead of the smooth outer surface). Grab and pull from the bottom of the legs one section at a time every few inches upward until the legs are on. NOTE: The legs are only on properly when the crotch is as high up as it will possibly go. If the crotch is not sitting high, or if there is an air pocket between your legs, then repeat the process by pulling up small consecutive sections from the ankles up until the fit is high in the crotch. Having the legs pulled as high as possible is the first and most important key to a proper fit.
- Continue this same "section by section" upward process through the body by riding the suit up through the backside, hips, stomach, and chest. Place your arms in to the sleeves once the body has been pulled as high as possible.
- In the case of full-sleeve suits, repeat the same process by pulling the sleeves up high, starting at the wrist up to the shoulder, until the sleeves bunch slightly on the top of the shoulders.
- Fasten the collar before pulling the zipper up or down. This will allow the zipper to move easily without excessive force. There is a thin panel of material that is positioned underneath the zipper running the length of the back. Be sure this is flat and flush against your skin and beneath the zipper. This is an important element to minimize water entry.
- Wherever possible, always have someone else zip you up. If you must do it yourself then stand tall with your shoulders back and hold one hand firmly on the bottom of the zipper. If it jams, then repeat the process. Do not pull the zipper with excessive force.
- Once the zipper is up, make sure the collar is not folded over in any place, and that it is fastened as tight as comfortable. The collar can tighten or loosen by adjusting the position of the rear tab. A comfortably firm fit is a good fit. A loose collar will cause chaffing and water entry. You may wish to further adjust the collar once in the water as your body position will change in a buoyant environment.
What Are H2oFun Wetsuits Made From
H2oFun Wetsuits are ideal for swimming and are made from 2.5mm-3mm Neoprene (PolyChloroprene Rubber Bonded
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