Wetsuits & Drysuits: Learning the Difference

Wake boats are ideal for towing water sport enthusiasts, but they won't be able to last long in the water without some type of warmth-trapping attire. With the wind slapping their skin, they're bound to shiver and get miserable even on the hottest of summer days. That's where wetsuits and drysuits enter the picture.

These pieces of clothing rapidly slow down heat loss so wearers can stay on the water for longer. But how do you know which one to use? Use the following guide from Nisswa Marine of course! For everything related to performance boats, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Nisswa, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Duluth, and Grand Rapids, Minnesota. We also offer a wide range of boats for sale if you are looking to buy.

The Wetsuit

As the name implies, the wearer will still get wet when wearing a wetsuit. In fact, that's the idea! Once you leave the ski boat and enter the water, a thin layer of water gets trapped between your skin and the wetsuit. Foamed neoprene insulations works to keep it warm so you can stay comfortable.

To get the proper insulation, it does need to fit tightly. It may take some time and effort to put it on, but it'll be a nice snug fit once you do. As you get towed behind a performance boat, you'll stay warm despite the water temperature and the wind. You can even upgrade with accessories, such as gloves or hoods, to keep you even warmer.

Wetsuits work best in temperatures that are moderately cold to warm. You don't want to wear these in the winter or freezing waters because they won't be able to keep you warm enough. Instead, use this when you want to go wakeboarding on a typical summer day.

The quality of your suit will vary depending on the materials and the brand. But you can generally expect them to last about five years.

The Drysuit

For those who want to stay fully dry while being towed behind ski boats, this option is ideal. This option is made from rubber that goes through the same treatment process that the rubber in car tires go through. In other words, they are sturdy and durable! They can last up to twenty years. If you ever wanted to sell yours, you'll enjoy the fact that they hold their value quite well.

Since drysuits keep out the moisture, they often feel warmer than a wetsuit. They also allow you much greater flexibility. The clothing underneath won't get wet, so you aren't restricted to wearing a bathing suit. Some users will layer on warm clothes to help improve their endurance as they wakeboard behind performance boats. They also aren't as snug, which gives you better range of motion which can make for a more enjoyable watersport experience.

You can wear these in cold weather without worrying about freezing. In fact, they allow you to get out in the water on days that everyone else is staying bundled up warm inside. No longer does plummeting temperatures need to spell the end of your water fun!

We hope you found this helpful! For everything related to boats, visit Nisswa Marine. If you are looking to buy, check out our selection of boats for sale! We offer performance boats, ski boats, wake boats, and more. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you and help you find the perfect model for your unique needs and budget, so stop by and visit today. We proudly serve those in Nisswa, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Duluth, and Grand Rapids, Minnesota.