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What kind of wetsuit do I need for scuba diving?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on February 17, 2026

What kind of wetsuit do I need for scuba diving?

The Perfect Wetsuit Thickness for Every Water Temp
80 to 84 Degrees (26-28 C)2 mm shorty to dive sking
73 to 79 Degrees (22-25 C)3 mm fullsuit to 2 mm shorty
66 to 72 Degrees (18-21 C)5 mm to 3 mm fuillsuit
50 to 65 Degrees (10-17 C)8/7 mm semidry to 7 mm wetsuit
Below 50 Degrees (Below 10 C)8/7 mm semidry or drysuit

Besides, how do I choose a wetsuit for diving?

CHOOSE BY WATER TEMPERATURE

  1. Water between 10 and 18°C. For cold water, use a suit with 7 mm or more of neoprene.
  2. Water between 16 and 24°C. For temperate water, use a suit with 5.5 mm of neoprene.
  3. Water over to 25°C. For warm water, go for a suit with 3 mm of neoprene, or a shorty.

Likewise, can you scuba dive in a surfing wetsuit? Wetsuits for diving are generally thicker and less flexible whereas those made for surfers are more stretchable. Scuba divers don't move so much, so quickly, and are totally immeresed in the water. Hypothermia is a very real concern.

In this manner, do you need a wetsuit for scuba diving?

Drysuits are essential for cold water conditions as they prevent water from conducting heat away from the body. If you are going to be diving in waters under 15 degrees centigrade you will need a drysuit to keep you warm. Wetsuits are suitable for most other water conditions.

Do you need a wetsuit for 70 degree water?

At 70 degrees, you don't need a wetsuit.

Do you need to wear anything under a wetsuit?

Most people don't wear anything under their wetsuits, except if you're a male diver you can wear either board-shorts or speedos. But if the water is cold either put on a thicker wetsuit or use a thermal lycra or neoprene shorts under your wetsuit.

How much does a wetsuit cost?

General Wetsuit Price Points
Wetsuits can vary in price based on a number of factors. In general, the low end is typically around $50 for shorty springsuits, while fullsuits typically start around the $75 range. On the high end, prices typically top out around $500.

How thick should my wetsuit be for diving?

The Perfect Wetsuit Thickness for Every Water Temp
80 to 84 Degrees (26-28 C)2 mm shorty to dive sking
73 to 79 Degrees (22-25 C)3 mm fullsuit to 2 mm shorty
66 to 72 Degrees (18-21 C)5 mm to 3 mm fuillsuit
50 to 65 Degrees (10-17 C)8/7 mm semidry to 7 mm wetsuit
Below 50 Degrees (Below 10 C)8/7 mm semidry or drysuit

How many dives does a wetsuit last?

My rule of thumb for 3-mm is about 150 dives and I stretch it for about 50 more dives.

What do you wear under wetsuit for warmth?

Rash Guard
You'll need to keep your upper body warm and cozy as well. You can choose from a wide variety of undershirts, but a rash guard or compression shirt makes for a good first layer in colder waters. Like diving shorts, they provide an extra layer of warmth and protection from wetsuit chafing.

Are drysuits waterproof?

Drysuits, on the other hand, are completely waterproof, but not designed for warmth if used alone. Drysuits keep all water out completely like a shell and fit loosely like a big ski jacket. Drysuits have been primarily used for kayakers and divers, but now used for standup paddling and even wakesurfing.

What happens to a wetsuit as you descend?

You'll be wearing the amount of weight required to achieve neutral buoyancy at the surface. But as you descend, your wetsuit will compress. This decreases your volume, and results in a loss of buoyancy. To maintain neutral buoyancy, you need to add air to your BCD as you descend.

What water temp is a 3 2 wetsuit good for?

Wetsuit Thickness & Temperature Guide
Water Temperature Range (°F)Wetsuit ThicknessRecommended Wetsuit Type
65°- 75°0.5 mm - 2/1 mmTop / Shorty
62°- 68°2 mm - 3/2 mmSpringsuit / Full Suit
58°- 63°3/2 mm - 4/3 mmFull Suit + Boots
52°- 58°4/3 mm - 5/4/3 mmFull Suit + Boots + Gloves + Hood

What is the best wetsuit for scuba diving?

COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST WETSUITS FOR DIVING
WETSUITTHICKNESSRATING
WETSUITTHICKNESSRATING
NeoSport Premium3-5-7 mm4.3
Henderson Thermoprene3-5-7 mm5.0
Mares Flexa5-8 mm5.0

Why do scuba divers wear wetsuits?

Wetsuits trap a thin layer of water against a diver's body. While the diver still gets wet, his body rapidly heats up the thin layer of water trapped against his body. Wetsuits slow heat loss due to a thick layer of rubber (neoprene) filled with tiny air bubbles.

What do you wear under a wetsuit scuba diving?

What to Wear Under Your Wetsuit When Scuba Diving
  • Board Shorts. Board shorts are the most common beach attire for men.
  • Bikinis and One-Piece Women's Swimsuits. For female divers, bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are ideal because they hug the body tightly and don't shift as the diver pulls on her wetsuit.
  • Speedos.
  • Go Commando (No photo for this one!)

What water temp is a 4 3 wetsuit good for?

Wetsuit Water Temperature Guide
Water Temperature (Fahrenheit / Celsius)Wetsuit Type*Extras
52°F / 11.5°C4/3 Sealed & TapedWarm Rashguard, booties, wetsuit gloves
56°F / 13.5°C4/3 SealedNeoprene Top
60°F / 15°C3/2 SealedNeoprene Top
65°F / 18.5°C3/2 Flatlock-

What is better a dry suit or a wetsuit?

Wetsuits use a layer of water (that is warmed by the wearer's body) to help keep the body insulated, while drysuits use a layer of air and are fully sealed to prevent water from entering and coming into contact with the skin. The latter has the advantage here, as water conducts heat over 20 times faster than air.

Do drysuits keep you dry?

Dry suits are one piece suits made of waterproof and breathable nylon fabric, with waterproof rubber seals at the neck and wrists, and attached sock seals at the feet. Entry is through a waterproof zipper on the front or back of the suit. Other than your head and hands, the suit keeps you completely dry in the water.

Does a wetsuit keep you warm in cold water?

Unless the water is somewhat warm to begin with, a wetsuit will not keep you 'warm' but take the edge off for sure. If you jump in ice cold water, you will have to flood your suit which is cold. Body heat warms the water enough to make it tolerable, but you will never feel 'balmy'.

What water temperature requires a wetsuit?

The range of 50 to 78 degrees is therefore the ideal range for using a wetsuit. Any warmer, and the swimmer may actually overheat due to the wetsuit's insulative qualities.

Is it OK to pee in a wetsuit?

Under normal circumstances, urine will not break down the seals or glue on a modern wetsuit. While urine won't damage a wetsuit, a soiled, unwashed wetsuit can cause a skin condition similar to diaper rash. Peeing Helps Keep You Warm. Pee proponents often describe how a mid-dive release can make a cold dive much warmer

Should a wetsuit be tight?

A wetsuit needs to fit snugly: if it's too loose it'll allow water into the suit that'll seriously slow you down. If it's too tight, your swimming experience won't be pleasant. When trying on in a shop, the suit should feel tight but not restrictive.

Do wetsuits loosen over time?

Wetsuits fit Tight.
Keep in mind that neoprene stretches when it gets wet, and also stretches with use over time. If you're in doubt about what size is correct or in between sizes, go with the snugger wetsuit.

How can I avoid disorientation confusion on a dive?

How can you avoid vertigo disorientation (confusion) on a dive in either low visibility or very cold water? Descend (go down) and ascend (go up) along the bottom or by using a reference line. Underwater visibility. Swimming against or into the current.

How long should a wetsuit last?

On average, a good wetsuit from a quality manufacturer should last anywhere from 4 years to 10 years or more, depending on heavily you use it. A cheaper brand wetsuit that doesn't have the same construction quality may only last for a season or two before things like zippers become issues.

How can I shorten my wetsuit legs?

Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the arms and/or legs to the desired length. We recommend cutting parallel to original cut on the wetsuit (note: the ankles are cut diagonally to maintain a bigger opening to aid you in getting your wetsuit on and off)

Is a pony tank only for emergencies?

In a pony bottle system the back-up regulator is a complete diving regulator (first and second stages, and often a submersible pressure gauge) on a separate cylinder which is not intended for use as primary breathing gas during the dive. It provides a totally redundant emergency air supply.

Is it OK to swim in 70 degree water?

The National Center for Cold Water Safety states that swimmers entering water with a temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should proceed with caution. As your body will resist such cold water. I can swim for low temperature like 7 degree Celsius with hot water bath after the swim to maintain body temperature.

What is a comfortable water temperature to swim in the ocean?

Pool Water
Younger children and the elderly generally need warmer temperatures ranging from 84 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, while a comfortable pool temperature for adults is 85 to 89 degrees. If you are swimming for fitness, cooler temperatures of 78 to 84 degrees are recommended.

Is 72 ocean water cold?

Water Temperature of the Sea Below 22°C (72°F)
For swimming this is considered fairly warm and should be enjoyed by most, though some people may still find it a little too cool for their liking.

Can you swim in 68 degree water?

77-82F(25-28C) Swimming pool temperature range for Olympic competition. 70F(21C) Water feels quite cold to most people. Treat any water temperature below 70F (21C) with caution. 40F(4.4C) or lower Water is painfully cold.

What is a comfortable temperature for a swimming pool?

Keep Swimmers Comfortable
Set your pool heater's thermostat to a temperature between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C) to keep the majority of swimmers comfortable. Maybe a little cooler if you're in an area with very hot summers, or a little warmer if you live in a milder climate.

How long can you swim in 70 degree water?

How long can a person survive in cold water?
Water TemperatureExpected Time Before Exhaustion or Unconsciousness
32.5–40°0.3–4.4°15 – 30 minutes
40–50°3.3–10°30 – 60 minutes
50–60°10–15.6°1 – 2 hours
60–70°15.6–21.1°2 – 7 hours

When should you wear a wetsuit?

Commercial wetsuit sellers suggest in water 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you should use a wetsuit that is 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. In water 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, you should use a wetsuit that is 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick.

How long can you stay in 68 degree water?

Hypothermia safety
HYPOTHERMIA CHART
If the water temp (F) is…Exhaustion or unconsciousnessExpected time of survival is…
60-702-7 hrs.2-40 hrs.
70-803-12 hrs.3- Indefinitely
Over 80Indefinitely

Why is 70 degree water cold?

It's because you've warmed your skin to higher than normal temperatures. So it has a greater temperature difference with the air. This makes heat leave your skin into the air faster than normal, giving the illusion of the air being much colder.