What is the primary benefit of using a wetsuit or drysuit?

The primary benefit of using a wetsuit or drysuit is to provide thermal insulation while diving in cold water. These suits are designed to trap a layer of water against your skin, which is then warmed by your body heat. This insulating layer of water helps maintain your core temperature, allowing you to dive in colder environments without risking hypothermia.

Wetsuits are typically made of neoprene, which provides flexibility and thermal protection. Drysuits, on the other hand, are designed to keep the diver completely dry and often have insulating liners to enhance warmth in extremely cold conditions. By preventing significant heat loss, these suits enable divers to extend their time underwater comfortably, making thermal insulation their most significant advantage. This is particularly important for safety and overall enjoyment during dives in cooler water temperatures.