Re: [Paddlewise] Protection for immersion...

From: Bob Denton <gulfstream_at_flinet.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 08:06:29 -0400
The neoprene used for SCUBA diving is totally different from that used for
surface use. At 90 feet, the best neoprene will be compressed to a fraction
of it's original thickness.

One of the neoprene manufacturers has a neat display they use at the trade
shows. They have various samples of neoprene inside a pot sized pressure
chamber with a window. They bring it down to 100 feet and you can see
significant differences amongst the various brands and types of neoprene.

Neoprene for surface use has much less neoprene and more air, consequently
it's more flexible and more comfortable.Thus one shouldn't use a diver's wet
suit for surface sports and vice-versa.


> >
> --And likely also the increased stiffness.  Wetsuits over 3 mm may be a
> little warmer, but they are much stiffer.  They seem to be more suited to
> SCUBA diving, wherein you are submerged for much longer periods of time.
> Typically, a diver does not require the range of arm motion a paddler
does.
> A full wetsuit could limit movement and produce chafing around the arms.



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Received on Wed Apr 04 2001 - 08:49:21 PDT

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