Temperatures are dropping in the northern hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean the end of open water swimming. As cold water surfers have long known, the right wetsuit makes all the difference. Performance wetsuits offer a blend of factors that help hold body heat while continuing to allow an adequate range of motion and comfort.
Unlike surfers, swimmers spend more time fully immersed in water and benefit from increased mobility and flexibility in the shoulder and arm of the suit.
The construction of the suit enhances buoyancy in the torso and legs allowing for improved body position in the water. Also, suits designed for triathlon competitions should be relatively easy to remove.
Wetsuit manufacturers manipulate these variables in their products resulting in unique combinations. Specifically, based on the choice of materials, most suits offer a recommended water temperature range.
Each suit is constructed for success in a particular activity — for example multisport (triathlon, swimrun) or open water swim competition vs. surfing or paddling. Major contributors that differentiate wetsuits include fit, type of neoprene, zipper style, lining materials and the presence of taped seams that increase both comfort and durability. Finally, budget matters as wetsuits designed to meet expectations in each category come with a big price tag.
The Balance Between Insulation and Flexibility
大多数潜水服由氯丁橡胶制成，氯丁橡胶是绝缘子。虽然潜水衣可能会允许少量的水进入，但水被人体迅速加热，并作为一种额外的绝缘形式。
氯丁橡胶有多种不同的形式，这些形式源自石油或使用石灰石的过程。应避免石油产品。
一种较新的材料Yulex来自植物来源，具有卓越的环境品质。
Yulex在专门为耐力运动设计的西装中使用有限，尽管一家公司，Ruby Fresh在新西兰，正在营销为淡水竞赛设计的Yulex西装。
Most swim and multisport wetsuit companies use a combination of Yamamoto neoprene. This is a closed-cell structure made from limestone. The company notes the material is lightweight and flexible with high-heat retention. Thanks to the very dense, closed-cell interior structure that traps nitrogen gas within each cell, the material is excellent for suits that are made for high activity.
该结构中的一个独特元素是维持灵活性或拉伸，这意味着更合适的舒适性。大多数潜水服都使用Yamamoto＃39和＃40的＃40仅在其卓越的灵活性方面有所不同 - 通常在肩膀上有益。
在性能线上添加特定的热潜水服通常表示西装内部的一层增加温暖。例如，蓝色七十热的反应wetsuit boasts a highly insulated, mid-weight zirconium jersey lining while Zone 3’sThermal Aspirehas a heat tech fleece lining with a 100% Yamamoto exterior.
即使没有热线衬里，查看单个西服的温度等级并检查氯丁橡胶的使用和类型意味着将拉伸特性与温暖的特性平衡以选择合适的西装。
测量：找到合适的合适
Most surf suits and higher-end endurance wetsuits are described by thickness. A thicker neoprene/rubber generally means more float with the loss of flexibility.
测量以毫米的厚度描述，并以两个或三个数字的形式编写。例如，被描述为3/2毫米厚度的潜水服在核心中具有3毫米的氯丁橡胶，手臂和腿部有2毫米。
If there are three numbers, for example, 5/4/3, the suit has 5 mm of thickness in the core, 4 mm in legs and 3 mm in the arms.
Obviously, the warmest and most buoyant material should be in the core. Some suits add thicker neoprene to increase leg float while minimizing thickness in arms and shoulders to enhance freedom of movement.
It is universally important in all wetsuits that they fit properly, but perhaps this has more impact when cold water swimming.
请注意，这套西装的形式不合适，不捏，尤其是脖子周围很舒适。非常紧密的西服可能会缓解并在水中感觉更好，因此请注意制造商的建议，在所有情况下，都希望在提交之前尝试服装。
水必须无法冲洗西装很重要。
为冷水设计的西装需要防止水冲入和外出。内部的一点水很好，但是如果西装不合适或接缝不足，则不会保持游泳者的温暖。
In particular, the zipper and neck should be constructed to keep water out while continuing to reduce friction. Some suits have taped seams to prevent water from getting in, although many suits employ critical taping only when the tape is applied to seam corners, connection points or particular areas of the suit.
冷水潜水服的价格是多少？
Cost can range from around $300 to over $1000, but remember that beyond the price tag, it’s essential to look at the properties of the suit. A swimmer may be willing to sacrifice some of the flexibility of more expensive neoprene to gain thickness for open water training.
如果运动员不参加诉讼，而是想将其用于休赛期训练，那么可以将所有有助于速度和快速拆除的昂贵物业进行保暖。
请记住合适的舒适性。穿着笨重的潜水服游泳，不允许在手臂或肩膀上运动或用头部旋转刺伤脖子，这是不值得投资的。
Several companies offer thermal vests or layers that can be worn under a wetsuit to increase core warmth and are a good lower-cost place to start. Add to that an insulted cap, socks and gloves, and an athlete may be able to get by depending on their particular climate conditions.
It goes without saying that cold water swimming has inherent risks. In advising athletes on wetsuit purchases to increase time in the open water, it is incumbent upon the coach to ensure the athlete recognizes the signs of hypothermia, avoids swimming alone and engages in prompt recovery protocol after swimming.
This includes having a warm car or building nearby and dry, warm clothes. Never swim alone or without having someone nearby. Hypothermia can sneak up quickly as water and air temperatures drop.
