The full neoprene wetsuit offers effective protection for water sport enthusiasts. It is used for diving, surfing and windsurfing in winter, but thinner models can also be used during warmer weather.
Each full wetsuit will offer features suitable for a particular water sport. A wide range of sizes for men, women and children is available; some manufacturers offer custom wetsuits.
Neoprene is an insulating material that allows body heat to warm the thin film of water trapped between the suit and the skin. It can be used to make wetsuits from two to 10 mm thick.
Criteria should include the specific needs of the sport in question. For example, scuba diving wetsuits must offer protection against cold water at depth, while surfing or windsurfing models should be flexible enough to allow easy arm and leg movement. There is now a wide choice of colors and options such as hoods and pockets.