Question about rash guard

[alan_lee]

Hi everyone! Sorry, but this is a re-post from another folder, hoping I'd get a response here.

I usually dive in tropical waters, and I'm wondering if wearing a long sleeved rash guard under my shorty would keep me warmer. I read an article that wearing a rash guard actually negates the warmth provided by a neoprene suit. Your thoughts on the matter?

 

[mph005]

I wear a rash guard under my wetsuit simply because it feels comfortable and makes it easier to put on/take off said wetsuit. I highly doubt it changes anything as far as warmth.

 

[WetDawg]

Rash guards are not really designed to provide thermal protection. However, I wear one under almost everything and even when going sans wet suit in tropical waters for jellyfish protection as well as UV protection from the sun.

If you want a little extra warmth, find a micro-fleece lined lon-sleeved rash guard, I use one religiously in colder water and it seems to help.

Something like this:

http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/oneill/0004

 

[2ndjetty]

A regular rashguard won't do much about warmth, but you can look into a thicker rashguard (fleece lined inside I think), which will keep you warmer. Surf shops are a good place for this. Rashguards also cut down on windchill, but that's not so relevant underwater...

 

[2ndjetty]

Rash guards are not really designed to provide thermal protection. However, I wear one under almost everything and even when going sans wet suit in tropical waters for jellyfish protection as well as UV protection from the sun.

If you want a little extra warmth, find a micro-fleece lined lon-sleeved rash guard, I use one religiously in colder water and it seems to help.

Something like this:

http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/oneill/0004

I was a bit too late :- )

 

[deepblueme]

How could anyting that reduces water movement "negates the warmth" of a wetsuit.

I have never found this to be true but have heard it many times.

 

[boat sju]

http://www.gosurfsportswear.com/store/index.html

I have one of these. I guess technically it's not a rash guard but it does add a bit of warmth and reduces water circulation. They make a 1 mil also.

oops. Link didn't work quite right. Click on vests and then look at the 2 mil vest by GoSurf.

 

[Nismo]

Look for a sale on Under Armour Cold Gear. Rash guards aren't much different than the warm weather Under Armour "Heat and Turf Gear"or competitors equivalent. The "Cold Gear" is much thicker and will keep you very warm. Not sure how well it will work after or during a dive but I will try it out soon since the quarry we use is cold.

 

[IceIce]

Hi,
Different from others, I have to say that vest does provide extra warmth. I think it's the same thing with rash guard.
I use 0.5 mm under my wetsuit and it does make different. Choose the one with thermal insulator aka silver lining, it comes with different thickness.
Mine is Radiator brand, my buddy uses Scubapro 2/3mm with hood attached and silver lining, he says it really gives him a lot of extra warmth.
It's alsod used by my DM in Bali, in Bali, the water temperature can go down to 16 Celcius in Mola-Mola dive sites around best season.