Key Points Summary
- Introduction: Importance of wetsuits and understanding their types.
- Open-Cell Wetsuits: Characteristics, advantages, and typical uses.
- Double-Nylon Wetsuits: Characteristics, advantages, and typical uses.
- Comparison for Specific Activities: Recommendations for freediving, spearfishing, and crayfishing.
- Regional Recommendations: Suggested wetsuit types and thicknesses for different regions.
- Conclusion: Final thoughts on choosing the right wetsuit.
Introduction
Importance of Wetsuits:
Wetsuits are essential for maintaining warmth and protection in cold water during activities like freediving, spearfishing, and crayfishing. Knowing the differences between open-cell and double-nylon wetsuits will help you select the best suit for your needs in Cape Town’s unique conditions.
Open-Cell Wetsuits
Characteristics:
Open-cell wetsuits feature an interior layer of raw neoprene, lacking any nylon or latex covering. This design offers superior insulation as it holds more air and compresses more readily, enhancing buoyancy control during dives. Typically, open-cell neoprene has 300-500 beads per square inch, making the suits lighter and more flexible. This less dense neoprene is crucial for maintaining flexibility and comfort during extended underwater activities.
Advantages:
Superior Insulation:
The open-cell structure traps a layer of water next to the skin, which warms up quickly, providing excellent insulation. This is particularly important in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where water temperatures can drop to 9 degrees Celsius.
Flexibility:
Open-cell material is highly flexible, allowing greater freedom of movement. This flexibility is essential for activities like freediving and spearfishing, where unrestricted motion is crucial.
Buoyancy Control:
Compression of open-cell neoprene assists with easier depth diving. This makes it easier for divers to manage their buoyancy and descend to greater depths without exerting too much effort.
Typical Uses:
In Cape Town, 5mm open-cell wetsuits are commonly used for freediving, spearfishing, and crayfishing. These activities benefit from the flexibility and superior insulation of open-cell suits. The most common type is the two-piece open-cell wetsuit, which offers ease of wear and additional insulation. We use high-quality Yamamoto neoprene wetsuits from Cressi and Reef, designed for South African conditions to withstand temperatures as low as 9 degrees Celsius. These suits are tailored to provide maximum comfort and protection against the cold Atlantic waters.
Double-Nylon Wetsuits
Characteristics:
Double-nylon wetsuits have a neoprene core between two layers of nylon, providing durability and ease of use. This design makes the suit more resistant to tears and abrasions and easier to put on and take off compared to open-cell wetsuits. Double-nylon suits are typically more densely packed, with 700-1200 neoprene beads per square inch, making them heavier but more durable.
Advantages:
Durability:
The outer and inner nylon layers protect the neoprene, making the suit more resistant to damage. This durability is particularly beneficial for scuba diving, where the suit can be subjected to rough handling and contact with rocks and reef.
Ease of Use:
The nylon layer reduces friction, making these suits easier to don and doff. This feature is convenient for divers who need to quickly change into or out of their wetsuits.
Ruggedness:
Denser neoprene makes the suit less prone to compression, suitable for activities requiring robust gear. Double-nylon suits are ideal for scuba diving and activities where the wetsuit is frequently exposed to wear and tear.
Typical Uses:
Double-nylon wetsuits are often used for scuba diving, typically in a 5mm thickness. Their durability and ease of use make them ideal for the more equipment-intensive nature of scuba diving. We use double-nylon suits from Reef, available in one or two-piece options, favored for both scuba and spearfishing. These suits are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent diving and provide long-lasting performance.
Comparison for Specific Activities
Freediving:
For freediving, a 5mm open-cell wetsuit is recommended. The superior insulation and flexibility are crucial for maintaining warmth and allowing free movement. The two-piece design also makes it easier to manage during deep dives. Freedivers benefit from the open-cell neoprene’s ability to compress and adjust buoyancy, making it easier to dive deeper and stay underwater longer.
Spearfishing:
Spearfishing in Cape Town benefits from the use of a 5mm open-cell wetsuit. The close fit reduces water drag, making it easier to move stealthily through the water. The insulation helps maintain body temperature during long hunting sessions. Preferred spearfishing locations include Hangklip, Rooiels, Arniston, Struisbaai, Mosselbay, George, Stillbaai, and Jongensfontein. These spots offer diverse marine life and challenging conditions that are best tackled with an open-cell wetsuit.
Crayfishing:
Crayfishing requires a wetsuit that provides warmth and protection against the cold and rough underwater environment. A 5mm open-cell wetsuit is ideal due to its superior insulation and flexibility, allowing for better maneuverability when reaching into rocky crevices. The snug fit of the open-cell suit also helps prevent abrasions from sharp rocks and ensures that the diver stays warm during extended crayfishing trips.
Regional Recommendations
West Coast of South Africa and Namibia:
The cold Atlantic waters in this region necessitate the use of 5mm open-cell wetsuits for superior insulation and flexibility. These wetsuits help divers stay warm even in the frigid temperatures typical of this area. The open-cell design is especially beneficial in these regions where water temperatures can be particularly harsh, making it essential to have a suit that provides excellent thermal protection.
Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and Jeffrey’s Bay:
Along this stretch, the 5mm open-cell wetsuit remains the preferred choice due to similar cold water conditions. This includes popular spearfishing spots like Hangklip, Rooiels, Arniston, Struisbaai, Mosselbay, George, Stillbaai, and Jongensfontein. These areas are known for their rich marine life and challenging conditions, making the superior insulation and flexibility of open-cell wetsuits a necessity for divers.
Inland (Gauteng) and Dams:
Divers in these areas also prefer 5mm wetsuits for freediving, as the water in dams can be quite cold. Both open-cell and double-nylon wetsuits are used depending on the activity and personal preference. The colder water temperatures in inland dams require a wetsuit that can provide adequate thermal protection, making the 5mm thickness an ideal choice.
KwaZulu-Natal and Warmer Regions:
In the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean, such as in KwaZulu-Natal, divers often switch to 3mm wetsuits. Both open-cell and double-nylon options are popular, as the water temperatures here range from 17 to 25 degrees Celsius, necessitating less insulation. The thinner wetsuits provide sufficient warmth while allowing for greater flexibility and comfort in the warmer water conditions typical of this region.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Wetsuit:
Choosing between an open-cell and a double-nylon wetsuit depends on your specific needs and the activities you plan to engage in. For freediving, spearfishing, and crayfishing in Cape Town, a 5mm open-cell wetsuit offers the best combination of insulation, flexibility, and comfort. The superior thermal protection and flexibility of open-cell wetsuits make them ideal for the cold and challenging conditions found in these activities. Meanwhile, for scuba diving, a 5mm double-nylon wetsuit provides the durability and ease of use required for more equipment-intensive dives. The ruggedness and ease of use of double-nylon suits make them a practical choice for divers who need reliable protection and comfort. Investing in the right wetsuit tailored to your activities will enhance your underwater experiences and ensure you stay warm and protected in Cape Town’s waters.
