The decision between a wetsuit vs a drysuit can be a difficult one, particularly if you’re a newer diver. Ultimately, the correct answer will depend on the environment you expect to be diving in, so understanding your options and how wetsuits and drysuits work is the first step to making an informed decision. We’ve outlined everything you need to know when it comes to the battle of wetsuit vs drysuit in this guide.
Drysuit Vs Wetsuit - What’s The Difference Between The Two?
The vast majority of wetsuits are made of neoprene, a highly useful material that is strong, flexible, waterproof and most importantly, a great insulator. Wetsuits work by allowing a thin layer of water to enter the suit and almost create a ‘second skin’ between you and the wetsuit. Your body heat will warm up this layer of water, keeping you insulated. Wetsuits come in different thicknesses suited for different environments. They are generally considered the more efficient choice in warmer temperatures.
Drysuits, on the other hand, are much better suited to cold water temperatures. Unlike a wetsuit, they work by completely sealing the water out of the suit at the wrists and the neck to keep you totally dry. They capture a layer of insulating air (not water), which can be controlled as you get deeper and deeper. Effectively, a drysuit will allow you to dive anywhere and at any time, even in the coldest conditions.
Diving in the UK
The water temperature in the UK is very often quite cold, particularly outside of summer, which means that out of a drysuit vs wetsuit, a drysuit will normally be the most efficient choice. Certainly, if you are diving out of season in the UK, you will need to dive with a drysuit rather than a wetsuit. In summer, this may change, but many divers tend to stick with their drysuit even as it hots up.
It is important to note that drysuit diving requires more training and expertise than wearing a wetsuit. You must be able to control your buoyancy properly, and you will need to grasp the process of adding air directly into your suit. You can learn more in our Guide to Diving With a Drysuit.
Diving Abroad
When diving abroad, a wetsuit may come out on top when deciding between a drysuit vs a wetsuit. Of course, it all depends on the expected water temperature of your chosen destination, so do your research and decide from there. Remember that you can choose from different thicknesses depending on the exact conditions, but in almost all cases, a wetsuit will be lighter and easier to travel with.
What About Semi-Dry Wetsuits?
If the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit is what kind of temperatures they’re suited for, then a semi-dry wetsuit is the middle ground between the two. If you’re not comfortable with a wetsuit’s comparatively lower insulation to a drysuit’s, but find a drysuit unnecessary at the same time, then a semi-dry wetsuit is the right pick. They outwardly look and feel much like a wetsuit, but with the addition of zips and seals akin to those found on a drysuit which restrict water access. This results in a fit that offers a mid-level of thermal protection, alongside the flexibility and comfort needed for more repetitive diving.
Get Expert Advice
Wetsuits, drysuits, and semi-dry wetsuits all have their merits, and opting for the right one will undoubtedly make all the difference to your time in the water. While we hope this guide has introduced you to the advantages of each, the best thing to do if you are not sure which is right for you is to speak to the experts.
At Aquanauts, our team has years of experience as divers and is on hand to talk you through our extensive range of wetsuits and drysuits to ensure your suit is right for you. Whatever questions you may have, do not hesitate to visit us at our Plymouth dive shop or get in contact with us to speak to a member of the team.