Buying a Wetsuit vs. a Drysuit

When you need to stay insulated while swimming, scuba-diving, or waterskiing, you’ll need to invest in the right piece of clothing for the purpose. Thermal insulation is essential to prevent hypothermia from setting in when you’re a watersports enthusiast or avid diver. Your primary options are wetsuits and drysuits. Each one has its merits and its limitations, so it’s important to understand how the two suits differ and what applications they’re best used for.

The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) is your Branson, MO, marine dealer. We’ve detailed the differences between wetsuits and drysuits below to help you make a decision on what’s right for you.

Wetsuits

When participating in watersports, you will inevitably get wet at some point, either from the spray or from falling in when you miss a jump. Wetsuits will help to keep you warm in frigid waters while also serving to protect you from abrasions and keeping you buoyant while you get your bearings.

Wetsuits are generally made from foamed neoprene and they come in a wide variety of styles to suit different temperatures. They are ideal for warm to moderately cold waters, and are good if you expect to get splashed more than submerged. These suits need to fit you tightly in order to properly insulate you against the cold. There are also additional accessories you can wear to protect yourself further, like boots, hoods and gloves.

Drysuits

If you don’t want to get wet at all, even when submerged, you’re going to need a drysuit. These looser-fitting, rubber-coated suits are also designed to provide some thermal insulation, but they are more designed to be as waterproof as possible. They are either made from the same foamed neoprene as wetsuits or of a woven fabric that’s treated to be watertight. Drysuits tend to be more expensive than wetsuits.

If you’re participating in activities that require a lot of movement and agility, then a drysuit is going to seem cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in, and it can be far too uncomfortable to wear in temperate or warm waters.

Ideal Uses

Think about what it is you plan to do in or around the water when it comes time to purchase a suit. Water temperature is one of the most essential factors you’ll need to consider. Wetsuits are ideal in most cases when the water is temperate, but if you’re going to be in water that’s under 65°F, you’ll probably want a drysuit instead to keep you better insulated.

Wetsuits are best for high-energy activities that require lots of movement and dexterity, like canoeing, surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding. A drysuit would be too cumbersome to do these activities well.

Drysuits that are tighter-fitting are ideal for sailing and fishing on cold or blustery days. If the water is cold enough to slow your movement, then a drysuit won’t be any more difficult to wear.

Wetsuits are easier to put on by yourself. A drysuit may require the assistance of a fellow mariner to get everything properly adjusted.

For most thermal insulation needs, we recommend you buy a wetsuit, but if you’re going into very cold water and need to stay dry, a drysuit will be best. We hope this guide has helped you to determine which option is the best one for you! Still need a boat? Stop by our Branson location today to check out our current stock of new and used boats for sale. If you need boating accessories, we can help you out with that, too. The Harbor proudly serves the greater Kansas City metro area as well as the city of Springfield, Missouri.