May I ask a stupid question about gloves?

[kairo]

Forgive the complete newbness, but I've been into scuba diving for about 3 days now! My question is really more about neoprene and wetsuits. How does it work? I know that with a wetsuit, you're supposed to have a layer of water between your body and the fabric. Does that apply to the 'wetsuit' (neoprene?) type gloves too? I see that they have a velcro strap on the wrist, but I wasent sure if that was to strap it tight around your wetsuit or arm to keep water out. Any enlightenment would be appreciated

thanks!

 

[Uncle Pug]

Wet gloves do indeed have a layer of water inside... the straps are to minimize water exchange.

 

[kairo]

Wet gloves do indeed have a layer of water inside... the straps are to minimize water exchange.

Thank you sir!

 

[Wildcard]

The only stupid question is the one that is unasked. Welcome to the board!

 

[nitroxphoto]

There is no such thing as a stupid question. The whole idea of diving 'wet' is to have a very small layer of water between the skin and neopene. But, keep in mind that water exchange should be very small or you will be a wet and cold diver.

 

[kidspot]

Sort of a related question I guess . . . since minimal water exchange is what helps you stay warmer in your wetsuit, what kinds of things can be done to improve a wetsuits ability to minimize water exchange? would it be possible to add wrist seals to gloves to nearly eliminate water exchange?

Tim

 

[rab]

Unlike having neck, wrist, and ankle holes like a full wetsuit, gloves only have one openning. I really don't find that there's much water exchange anyway. The velcro and elastic strap actually does a pretty good job. Your hands will stay warmer if you keep your core warm so your body doesn't start conserving heat by restricting blood flow to the extremities.

-Rob

 

[jonnythan]

Some wetsuits have built in features that help, such as bare neoprene on the inside of the wrists, neck, and ankles, zipper flaps, etc. Other than that, the best defense against water exchange in the wetsuit is to get a wetsuit that fits you just right.

 

[novadiver]

Some wetsuits have built in features that help, such as bare neoprene on the inside of the wrists, neck, and ankles, zipper flaps, etc. Other than that, the best defense against water exchange in the wetsuit is to get a wetsuit that fits you just right.

Jonnythan hit it right on the head, your wetsuit needs to fit you. The theary behind the wetsuit is that the water that enters your suit is warmed by your body. a well fitting wetsuit will not change out the water , it will retain the water that your body has warmed.

 

[kidspot]

I currently have a suit that fits very nicely, unfortunately with winter here (water temp is down to nearly 75 . . . brrr) my .5 mil suit only allows me 45 min before I get chilled and start shivering. I'm hoping the new heavy suit I just ordered (3mil) fits as well - if not maybe I'll just have to lose a bit of my "personal" insulation - probably a good idea either way - lol.

thanks for the tips though -

Aloha, Tim