Neoprene wetsuits and Sun protection

[John D.]

Hello and good day. Do Neoprene wetsuits provide the wearer Sun protection? Thanks in advance.

 

[WarrenZ]

A 1+mm suit will block all sun exposure through it.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

I agree, 100% protection, even from thin neoprene.

 

[DogDiver]

Wow.....

 

[John D.]

A 1+mm suit will block all sun exposure through it.

Thank you for replying

 

[John D.]

I agree, 100% protection, even from thin neoprene.

Thank you for replying

 

[KevinNM]

It will also heat up pretty good once the water evaporates.

 

[Doctorfish]

Agree with Kevin. Not sure why you asked the question initially but if the plan is to spend all day in neoprene in the tropics, I would seriously consider rash guard guard or skin instead. You will be a lot more comfortable.

 

[2airishuman]

John,

Welcome to Scubaboard from another midwesterner!

Hello and good day. Do Neoprene wetsuits provide the wearer Sun protection? Thanks in advance.

As others have posted upthread, a wetsuit blocks the sun from reaching the areas it covers. On the other hand, in very general terms, wet suits are not comfortable to wear on the surface. The exception would be where the surface conditions are cold and wet.

I typically wear a one-piece rashguard during surface intervals on warm, sunny days. I'm wearing one in my profile photo. It blocks the sun while allowing some air movement. Usually I also wear a hat, and use sunscreen on the backs of my hands. In cooler weather I'll layer something over my rashguard, or switch to a shirt and pants.

 

[John D.]

Thank you for replying!