Scuba diving wetsuit
Undoubtedly, no one had to tell you that you needed a wetsuit for scuba diving. This is one piece of scuba diving equipment that most people know to buy from the start. A scuba diving wetsuit serves various purposes, and depending on the conditions of the water in which you intend to dive you can select a wetsuit.
Most importantly, a scuba diving wetsuit protects you from extreme temperatures. The coolest water temperatures can go as low as 65 degrees. For this temperature water you definitely want a wetsuit that covers your entire body so that you can conserve heat. You will probably want to add a hood and booties if you are planning to dive in waters of this temperature. The average temperature of open water is 75 degrees. In waters that are this temperature or above, a shorty wetsuit is appropriate. This style of scuba diving wetsuit only covers half your arms and legs. In water that is warmer than 80 degrees, a specially designed shorty scuba diving wetsuit made of nylon or any other thin material is fine.
An all-body wetsuit that offers maximum coverage in waters of colder temperatures is the Rip Curl Fireskin 3/2 Wetsuit. This scuba diving wetsuit is designed to whisk away water so that it is unable to penetrate your suit. This scuba diving wetsuit also includes special padding over the knee area for dives that require a lot of bending. There is also a place to add a hood if you want to add this accessory. This wetsuit costs around $280, but will surely last for years.
If you already own a wetsuit shorty, you can modify it for colder temperatures by purchasing a long sleeve top to wear under the suit. The Camaro Rash Guard Shirt is designed to be worn under a wetsuit and to provide warmth. This shirt is available in sizes for men and women, and only costs $30.