Evaluating the thermal protection provided by a 2‒3 mm wet suit during fin diving in shallow water with a temperature of 16‒20°C

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the thermal protection provided by a 2–3 mm surfing wet suit during at least two hours of fin diving in shallow water with a temperature of 16–20°C. We examined the effect of wearing the suit while diving in cold water on cognitive performance, muscle strength, and hand motor function. METHODS: Subjects were six male well-trained rebreather divers, 19–23 years old, acclimatised to cold. They attended the laboratory on three separate occasions, when we conducted the experiment at one of three temperatures, 16, 18, and 20°C. Core temperature (gastrointestinal system), skin temperature, oxygen consumption, and cold perception were evaluated during the test. Before and immediately after the dives, subjects performed a series of cognitive, manual dexterity, and muscle strength tests. RESULTS: Core temperature decreased by 0.35–0.81°C over the two hours at all three water temperatures. No subject reached a core temperature below 35°C. The decrease in upper body skin temperature during the two hour dive ranged between 5.97 and 8.41°C (P < 0.05). Two hours diving in 16–20°C water resulted in a significant increase in the time taken to perform the task of unlinking and reassembling four shackles (∼30% longer, P < 0.05). No effect was found on the cognitive or muscle strength tests. CONCLUSION: A 2–3 mm wet suit provides adequate thermal protection in trained and cold-acclimatised young males engaged in active diving in shallow water with a temperature of 16°C and above.