Wet suits and dry suits are essential pieces of scuba gear and snorkel equipment, but as their names indicate, they serve different purposes. Deciding on which option is better for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as the water activity you’re interested in, as well as when and where you plan on doing it. Understanding the differences between the two will help you decide which option is best suited for your needs. Here’s what you need to know. 

Wet Suits

Their purpose isn’t to keep the water out, but rather, they are designed to keep the wearer warm while underwater. They do this by allowing a thin layer of water to penetrate the suit’s exterior and trap it in there. Once this happens, the body’s natural heat warms the trapped water, protecting you against the cold. Another benefit of wet suits is that they come in a variety of styles and thickness levels, so there are many options to find a fit that works for you.

Dry Suits

The biggest difference between wet suits and dry suits is that the dry options aren’t designed to keep you warm in colder water. Rather, their purpose is to keep you dry. This is done by sealing out any water via gaskets around the neck and wrists, as well as covering the rest of the body with a waterproof layer. Their design makes them easier to get in and out of, and since they keep the moisture out, they allow for multiple layers to be worn underneath to keep the diver warm in extreme cold. Dry suits typically are more expensive than wet suits and don’t come in as many different styles.

 

If you need a wet suit and dry suit for your next scuba diving vacation, contact Aquatic Center of Rochester in Monroe County, NY. For more than 30 years, they’ve been providing professional scuba classes and snorkeling lessons. They also offer gear for divers. To learn more about their wet suits and dry suits, call (585) 334-1670 or visit them online.