Recommended Exposure Protection For Warm Water Diving
Planning on diving in warm tropical water? You may be wondering whether it’s worth taking extra exposure protection. But when diving in any water temperature, we recommend that you wear some sort of exposure protection. Read on to find out why wearing exposure protection is essential and why types of exposure protection you'll need for warm water diving.
Why Wear Exposure Protection When Diving in Warm Water?
Wearing some sort of exposure protection in the water not only keeps you warmer for longer, but it protects you from things that might sting, scratch or rub.
If you’re wearing just a swimming costume when diving, then your BCD and weight belt will probably rub, making your dive much less enjoyable. There are things that you can encounter that might sting. If encountered, the stings can make you feel uncomfortable both during and after your dive. So it’s best to keep yourself protected and wear an extra layer for safety and protection.
Yes, warm waters are, of course, warm but that doesn’t mean that you’ll stay warm for a long period of time. This is because the water draws heat away from a diver's body almost 25 times more efficiently than air. This is why you should have some sort of exposure protection to keep you warmer for longer, therefore decreasing the chances of hypothermia.
Recommended Exposure Protection For Warm Water Diving
Now you know the importance of having exposure protection when you’re diving, what’s the best option? Also, what types of wetsuits should you be looking at when choosing your exposure protection?
Depending on where you’re diving and how cold you get in the water, we recommend choosing a shorty, 3mm or rash guard. If you get really cold in the water, then you may want to consider a 5mm. Here are our recommendations for shorty wetsuits, 3mm wetsuits and rash guards.
Shorty Wetsuits For Warm Water Diving
A shorty wetsuit might just be the exposure protection you need to keep you warm throughout your dive. A shorty wetsuit is designed to keep the insulation around your core. Many divers choose a short wetsuit due to its easy donning and doffing, as well as its flexibility. Here are a few of our shorty wetsuit recommendations.
Fourth Element Xenos 3mm Shorty Wetsuit: This wetsuit is made of soft stretch neoprene. Both men’s and women’s wetsuits create an incredible fit designed for their bodies and make putting on and taking off the suit a breeze.
Waterproof W30 2.5mm Shorty Wetsuit: This shorty uses 2.5mm thick neoprene, making it ideal for warm tropical climates where all you need is a thin layer to protect your core body temperature. It offers an excellent fit whilst also providing plenty of stretch for freedom of movement and comfort.
3mm Wetsuits For Warm Water Diving
If you want to keep your whole body warm, insulated and protected, then a 3mm might be the one for you. 3mm wetsuits are the preferred option when diving in tropical or warmer waters as you don’t need as much insulation and warmth. Here are a few of our 3mm wetsuit recommendations.
Fourth Element Xenos 3mm Wetsuit: The 3mm Xenos is perfect for warmer temperatures while offering more protection than a shorty would. The double blind stitched seams and drylock wrist seals combine to limit water coming into the suit and provide warmth.
Scubapro Everflex 3/2mm Steamer Wetsuit: This 2/3 mm wetsuit is made from X-Foam neoprene. The X-Foam neoprene sheds water so it can dry quickly and keep divers warmer.
Rash Guards For Warm Water Diving
If you’re going to be diving in super warm tropical waters, then you may find that rash vests will do just the trick in keeping you warm throughout your dive. I’d only recommend using a rash vest if you know that you’re diving in warmer waters and you’re not descending too deep (remember, the deeper you go, the colder it will be!). Check with your guide before you go diving to find the usual water temperature and their recommendations about whether to use a rash vest or wetsuit.
Rash guards can also be used under your wetsuit to stop rubbing and keep you warmer when diving. Here are a few of our top recommended rash guards:
Waterproof R30 Rash Vest Long Sleeved: This rash vest is made of Lycra and Spandex. The use of these materials creates a garment that is lightweight, quick-drying, flexible, durable, naturally antibacterial and water-wicking.
Want something that’s like a rash guard but the same thickness as a 2mm wetsuit? Then the Fourth Element Thermocline Long Sleeved Top might just be the thing you’re looking for. The material used is Thermocline, which is lightweight, machine washable and equivalent to a 2mm neoprene wetsuit. You can also pair it with the Fourth Element Thermocline Leggings.
We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions about wetsuits and rash vests for warm water diving, please email us at support@mikesdivestore.com where we have a team of scuba diving professionals. Or if you live locally or in the surrounding areas of London, pop in and come visit us in-store where you can take a look at our range yourself and find the perfect exposure protection for you.
For a full list of rash guard and wetsuit specs, check out the products on our store.
