Wetsuit vs. Drysuit? What are the Differences?
What are the Differences Between a Wetsuit and Drysuit?
Few things can ruin a day on the water like getting cold - the type of cold where your lips turn blue, you shiver uncontrollably, and all you can focus on is the hot chocolate you will make when you reach shore. Don’t let your summer fun get cut short because of the cold - use a wetsuit or drysuit!
These slow down your body’s heat loss, letting you stay comfortable out on the water for a longer period of time. They can be used in a number of activities including surfing, water skiing, sailing, diving, and kayaking.
We created a guide to wetsuits and drysuits below so you can easily find the right one for you. For all your PWC needs, visit Riva Motorsports Miami. We are a PWC dealership serving those in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We offer a large range of new and used PWC for sale.
Benefits of Wearing a Wetsuit
A wetsuit is designed to keep you warm while wet. A thin layer of water gets trapped between your skin and the suit, which relies on foamed neoprene to insulate you. Because of this, you’ll need to wear a swimsuit or waterproof clothing underneath the wetsuit.
When wearing a wetsuit, you’ll need a tight fit to maintain the proper insulation. Because of their snug fit, they can be a struggle to get on. But once you are inside, enjoy the comfort that comes with material contouring to your body. You can add accessories for even better protection, like gloves, hoods, boots. etc.
Wetsuits are best suited for warm to moderately cold water. You won’t want to wear one of these during the winter! But they can be great for surfing, wakeboarding, and other water adventures done on mild days. They tend to last around five years, depending on how often you take it out.
Benefits of Wearing a Drysuit
A drysuit is designed to keep you warm by keeping you dry. They’re built to keep out moisture, which can make them feel warmer than a wetsuit. They are made from rubber that goes through the same treatment process as rubber used in car tires. Sometimes, they also include foamed neoprene. The cost of a drysuit is much higher and they require more maintenance (like replacing seals), but they also last around 15-20 years. They tend to hold their value well, so you can also sell them to recoup some of the costs.
When wearing a drysuit, you can enjoy better flexibility. Wear whatever you like underneath them (since they will keep out the water). You can even wear extra layers to stay warmer. Drysuits can be complex to get into, so you may need some help to get in and out of them. Since they aren’t skin tight, they offer a better range of motion. But the trade-off is they do tend to be heavier and bulkier.
Drysuits are best suited for colder weather. They keep you warm enough that they actually can be uncomfortable in warmer weather. Enjoy the water in the colder months when most people stay out of the water. With a drysuit, you can still enjoy the water fun!
Before you can enjoy personal watercraft adventures in your wetsuit or drysuit, you’ll need the watercraft. If you are looking for PWC for sale, look no further than Riva Motorsports Miami. We are a PWC dealership serving those in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Kendall, Broward County, Fort Myers, and Naples, Florida. We offer a range of new and used PWC for sale. Let our friendly staff help you find the perfect jet boat or jet ski for your lifestyle.