Your Superman Suit- A Guide to Exposure Protection

Scuba Divers have a unique super power- they can breathe underwater and explore a world that is off-limits to 99% of the people on the planet. It's no secret that diving equipment: regulators, dive computers and BCD's allow us to safely explore the underwater environment with the proper training and certifications.  

One of the most important pieces of equipment is often overlooked by divers:  the exposure suit.  Superman doesn't swoop Lois Lane off her feet without his cape, Spider-Man doesn't scale the side of building without his Spidey-suit and real life super hero, Buzz Aldrin, didn't step on the Moon without his space suit- so why would a Scuba Diver enter the foreign and hostile aquatic environment without proper exposure protection?  

The exposure suit is a diver's armor against the elements, your warmth and comfort and your sun and skin protection. The proper exposure protection can lengthen your dive time and save your skin from an accidental brush against stinging coral or a rogue jellyfish tentacle.   

So what exposure suit should you look for?  Well, that depends on the diving you are planning to do. In the guide below we outline some great options that cover why the right exposure suit is a must have for all diving situations.  

Layering pieces:  

Rash Guards:  These tops are usually made of Nylon/Spandex or a polyester mix- sometimes referred to as Sun Guards as they provide SPF protection but very little thermal or skin protection. They look awesome, come in a variety of colors and are a great cover up between dives.

Thermo Guards: Usually sporting about .5mm of rubber or neoprene they help hold in body heat and make a great layering piece under a wet suit. 

Hooded Vests:  We are talking a neoprene vest from 1mm to 5mm with an attached hood that can be thicker or thinner than the actual vest.  

 Wetsuits: