Years ago, when you went to a lake, all the skiers were wearing swim suits of some kind. Not so today. It is common now to see skiers donning apparel to protect their skin. There are several reasons. One is that the apparel protects the skin from water-borne bacteria that can cause rashes or skin irritation. The other, and possibly the main, reason is that it insulates the body from cooler temperatures.

Types

There are basically three types of apparel wet suits, dry suits and rash guards. All come in varying thicknesses, from 1.5 mm (thin) to 7/5 mm (thick) and are usually made of neoprene. Dry suits come in full length with longs sleeves and legs; wet suits with long, short or no sleeves, and short or long legs; and shorties with short or no sleeves and short legs.

Dry suits have an inner seal that leaves the wearer virtually completely dry. Obviously thinner suits are worn in warm weather and when a lot of flexibility is needed; thicker suits in cool climes. However, on warm days in winter thick suits are desirable as the water will still be cold.

Rash guards are pretty much what they sound like. They are shirts, usually short sleeved or sleeveless, made of nylon or spandex. They are worn as warm days and provide the most flexibility. When light weight gear is desired, rash guard shorts are also available.

Cost

Rash guards, shirts and shorts, can cost as little as $20 each. Wet suits can run several hundred dollars and dry suits over a thousand. The latter is more expensive because they are more insulated.

An Extra Bonus

One last thing wet suits provide – buoyancy. Full length wet suits and dry suits offer buoyancy because of the air trapped between the suit and the body. It is not enough to replace a personal floatation device, but it does provide a bit.