A wetsuit is a garment, usually made of foamed or compressed neoprene, which is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports, providing thermal insulation, abrasion resistance and buoyancy. The insulation properties depend on bubbles of gas enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat. The bubbles also give the wetsuit a low density, providing buoyancy in water. Contrary to popular beliefs, the layer of warm water normally trapped between the wetsuit and the skin provides very little thermal insulation.
Semi-dry suits are effectively a thick wetsuit with better-than-usual seals at wrist, neck and ankles. The seals limit the volume of water entering and leaving the suit. The wearer gets wet in a semi-dry suit but the water that enters is soon warmed up and does not leave the suit readily, so the wearer remains warm. The trapped layer of water does not add to the suit's insulating ability. Any residual water circulation past the seals still causes heat loss. But semi-dry suits are cheap and simple compared to dry suits. They are made from thick Neoprene, which provides good thermal protection. They lose buoyancy and thermal protection as the trapped gas bubbles in the Neoprene compress at depth. Semi-dry suits can come in various configurations including a single piece or two pieces, made of 'long johns' and a separate 'jacket'. Semi dry suits do not usually include boots, so a separate pair of insulating boots are worn. They are used typically where the water temperature is between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F).
For a more up-to-date gift guide, please see Snorkelling Holiday Gift Guide 2019.
Santa Lloyd and his Elfin Assistants are loading up the sleigh and conditioning the reindeer for a rapid delivery of a slew of the hottest snorkelling gifts to give (and get) for this Christmas holiday season! Geoff, Hannah, and Michelle have been bringing Christmas cheer to the dive shop, and then we have Peter in the Service and Repair Centre as our resident grinch.
The Christmas holidays are a time of giving. Many people love gift giving, but there are some of us who struggle to think of the perfect gifts for those we love. We've compiled a list of snorkelling gifts for those people hardest to shop for in hopes we can help you out.
For the person who wants it all, these snorkelling sets include everything but the kitchen sink. Choose the colour and then the fin size to match your loved one.
These complete snorkelling packages deliver excellent performance and superb value.
Get your kids safely into snorkelling. Please read our How to Familiarise Your Kids to Snorkelling page.
Please check our our full range of snorkelling gear for kids in our Kids' Corner.
It's easy to overlook basic safety considerations when you go snorkelling. The following products will help your family and friends to stay safe.
Please also read our guide, Snorkelling Limits and Safety Precautions.
Many people are being encouraged to buy full face snorkelling masks. We think they're dangerous. Here's why... Full Face Snorkel Mask Dangers.
Know someone who has always wanted to go snorkeling, but never has because they can't see without their glasses? We've got the perfect solution: a prescription snorkeling mask!
If you can't go through the process of consulting with the optometrist with your friend, get them a gift certificate to the same value as a prescription mask.
The Scuba Doctor Gift Certificates - $5 to $1000
We all know someone who is IMPOSSIBLE to shop for, or is the indecisive person in your life! A gift certificate is the perfect way to make sure you are giving your friend exactly what they want. Determine the amount you would like to spend, and let them get what they need. You may think they already have all of the snorkelling gear they could possibly need, but they WILL be hankering for something. With a Gift Certificate from The Scuba Doctor they get to choose what's most important to them.
Don't forget to treat yourself! We have a full range of excellent snorklelling gear in-store and online. For more recomendations, please see our What Snorkelling Gear Do You Need page. There's bound to be something you'd like.
We hope you have found this guide helpful for your Christmas and summer holiday shopping!
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