Wetsuits

Apeks, Aqualung & Mares offer a wide range of wetsuits, If you are only going to buy one wetsuit then make it a 5mm wetsuit. This wetsuit is the most versatile and will cover the widest range of diving and snorkelling temperatures and sea conditions. Diving in the Red Sea, Mediterranean summer diving and perhaps even mid Summer in the UK with a 5mm wetsuit and a shortie overvest or hooded chickenvest could do. Whereas a 3mm wetsuit will usually cover you for Caribbean, Red Sea in summer, Indonesia, Maldives or Thailand. Then for the chillier dives either a 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry wetsuit for the UK

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water next to your skin and come in a range of thicknesses, choose one which is snug but not too tight. The first thing you must decide is which thickness of wetsuit is best for you. Generally, we would always recommend going for a thicker wet suit rather than a thinner wet suit if you are unsure. It is unlikely that in the water you will become too hot. In tropical waters consider a full-length wetsuit to protect your arms and legs from abrasion and the resulting stings. The time when you are most likely to overheat in a wetsuit is waiting to enter the water, so try to leave suiting up until last and drink plenty of water. Remember if you plan on deeper diving the water temperature will get colder as you get deeper. There may be several layers of water temperatures, so plan your wetsuit around the deepest part of your dive. In colder waters you may want to consider layering your thermal protection in addition to your main wetsuit. Just adding a rash vest under your wetsuit as a base layer will keep you much warmer than without.