Freediving in the UK presents a unique set of challenges, with water temperatures ranging from 9°C or lower in winter to a more inviting 18°C or higher in summer. In this guide, we'll focus on selecting the right wetsuit for the UK diving season, spanning April to October, when conditions are more favorable for underwater exploration.
Consider the Season and Your Body Type:
As the UK winter poses challenges for diving conditions, let's concentrate on the period from April to October. Even during these months, the water can be chilly, especially in April and May, with temperatures hovering around 13/14°C. It's crucial to factor in your body type, those with a slim frame may feel the cold more intensely than those with extra insulation.
Hooded Suits for Enhanced Comfort:
For spearfishing and freediving in the UK, a suit with a built-in hood is essential. Unlike surfing suits with hoods over the top, which may suffice in peak summer, a dedicated freediving suit ensures that water doesn't flush through the neck and zips. Additionally, the neoprene used in freediving suits is designed differently, with the ability to compress and maintain thermal protection over repeated use.
Choosing the Right Thickness
A 7mm suit with 5mm bottoms is an excellent choice for thermal protection in water temperatures of 15°C and below. However, keep in mind that the thickness may impact flexibility, and additional weight may be required on your belt to counteract the buoyancy of the jacket. To adapt to changing temperatures, consider investing in a 1.5mm undervest to wear beneath your 5mm wetsuit during colder months. As the water temperature rises during the peak UK summer (18/20°C), the undervest can be removed for a more comfortable experience. Overall most UK divers tend to wear a 5mm top and bottoms through the summer months, but those with a smaller frame or those who feel the cold tend to wear a 7mm jacket and 5mm bottoms.
Understanding Suit Materials: Freediving suits come with different lined materials. We highly recommend opting for a suit with an open-cell inside. While these suits require soapy water for easy wear, they offer superior thermal protection. Alternatively, nylon-lined suits are easier to put on but may not provide as much insulation. Freediving and spearfishing suits tend to last around 2 seasons before they loose thermal insulation qualities, when we dive to depth over and over eventually the neoprene begins to get compressed and that 7mm top is now a 4mm top so we need to look at change our suits when they become to compressed.
Conclusion:
Selecting the right wetsuit thickness for UK freediving requires careful consideration of the season, your body type, and the unique challenges presented by British waters. By choosing a hooded suit, adapting to changing temperatures with additional layers, and understanding the nuances of suit materials, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience beneath the waves.
It's worth noting that many experienced UK spearfishermen prefer a 5mm top and bottoms combination during the summer seasons. This versatile setup strikes a balance between thermal protection and flexibility, allowing them to navigate the varying temperatures and conditions while pursuing their underwater adventures.
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