How Heavy Are Wetsuits?
Wes Severson July 22nd, 2020 Posted In: Articles
Do you know exactly how much your wetsuit weighs? Do you know how much extra weight is added once you get your wetsuit soaking wet and how to figure it out? Or why it even matters? Not to worry, we will cover it all.
The question “how heavy are wetsuits” is very broad given the different types of suits out there. There are tons of variations that will factor into your overall wetsuit weight. Things like thicknesses and the different types of linings and neoprenes will all make a difference in how much your wetsuit weighs when it is dry and wet.
Also, it is important to consider the ever-changing technology that is making wetsuits lighter and lighter year by year. The goal of wetsuit companies is to make them as light as possible while still offering you optimum comfort and flexibility.
Thanks to new technology, companies have been able to greatly improve the overall structure of neoprene to make it lighter and just as functional. So, it safe to assume that a suit you buy today will be much lighter than a suit you bought ten years ago.
Size Matters
Obviously the bigger the person the bigger the suit. A wetsuit that is an S (small) is going to weigh less than an XL. But the thickness of the core of your suit is also a big factor. Same Logic though. A 4/3mm wetsuit is going to weigh just a little bit more than a 3/2mm suit just because of the added thickness. The difference is so small though that it may not even be that noticeable to the average person.
You do need to start paying attention if you are planning to use a wetsuit in very cold water. Wetsuit thicknesses can go as high as 9mm (sometimes more). If you are used to wearing a 3/2mm and all of a sudden you have to throw on a 9/7/6mm you will feel a difference in wetsuit weight as well as flexibility. Plan accordingly if that is the case.
Why Is Wetsuit Weight Important?
Swimming is not easy. Even when you’re just in your swimsuit treading around in the water takes a lot of energy. Add some extra weight to the mix and things get even harder.
Think of running. It’s pretty tough as well. But if you throw on some light ankle weights it gets much harder. Same sort of thing with a wetsuit. Thankfully a wetsuit covers your whole body so the weight is distributed evenly so you don’t notice the extra weight of a wetsuit as much as you would while running with ankle weights. But still, the extra weight means more energy you have to expend to move around.
Who Really Needs to Know?
It is easy to see why trying to keep the weight of your wetsuit to a minimum can make the activity you’re doing easier. If you have a super-light suit it could ultimately mean you stay out longer doing the activity you want to do like surfing, kayaking, or swimming.
The question “how heavy are wetsuits” is most important for scuba divers. Knowing the exact weight of your suit is critical because of all the other gear you also have to wear like tanks, tubes, masks, and large fins. All that stuff is added weight on your body and the more you have the harder it is to float. It all comes down to buoyancy and so getting your setup as light as you can is critical when doing SCUBA style swims. If you are renting a wetsuit from a SCUBA company they should know the wetsuit weight so you can calculate the total load you’ll be swimming with once you head underwater. If you have your own suit it is easy to figure out yourself.
How to Figure Out Your Wetsuit Weight
The easiest way to figure out your wetsuit weight both wet and dry is to go put it on then jump on the scale. First, strip down and weigh yourself. I put a towel down over my scale at the start since I will be weighing myself with a dripping wetsuit on later.
I weighed 165.6lbs with no clothes on. When I put on the dry wetsuit my weight bumps up to 168.4lbs. That means my dry wetsuit weighs 2.8lbs. That’s not much considering it’s a Rip Curl 5/3mm which is a bit thicker than average.
Now jump in the shower with your wetsuit on. Make sure to let it soak. Allow the water to flow down through the neck hole so the inside of your suit is completely wet as well. Once you feel like your suit is fully soaked weigh yourself again.
You can see I now weigh 171.6 which is a pretty significant jump. That means my wetsuit weighs exactly 6 pounds when soaking wet. This is definitely on the lighter side when it comes to a suit that has 5mm of thickness in the midsection. The average is right around 7lbs.
For surfers, an extra 1 to 2 pounds of weight won’t make all that much of a difference but if you are using your suit strictly for scuba diving it is important to go through the process I just did. You never know, you may be able to shed a few pounds by buying a new, lighter suit.
Is It Time for a New Wetsuit?
As I said above. Wetsuit technology is advancing in a major way every year. When was the last time you checked out what wetsuit companies are doing to make their suits lighter? Chances are, it has been a while. If you are using an older suit that is more than 4 years old it may be time to check out the new advancements. They are not only lighter, but the new systems inside wetsuits are made to keep you warmer for longer. They are also more comfortable and fit better. Upgrading your suit may just make your next adventure much more of a pleasure.
FAQ: How Heavy Are Wetsuits
Want to know more or understand why knowing the weight of your wetsuit is so important? Check out our list of frequently asked questions and their answers below!
How much does a wetsuit weigh on average?
Most wetsuits weigh between 2 to 4 pounds when dry, depending on the size and thickness. Once fully soaked, that weight can increase to around 5 to 8 pounds as the neoprene absorbs and holds water.
Do wetsuits feel heavy in the water?
Not really. While wetsuits can feel heavier on land – especially when wet – the buoyancy of neoprene helps offset that weight in the water. That’s why most people don’t notice the added weight nearly as much once they’re swimming or surfing.
Why do wetsuits get heavier when wet?
Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between your body and the suit for insulation. Some water also gets absorbed into the material, which increases the overall weight. This is completely normal and part of how wetsuits function.
Does wetsuit thickness affect weight?
Yes, thicker wetsuits weigh more. A lightweight 2mm or 3/2mm wetsuit will be noticeably lighter than a cold-water suit like a 5/4mm or 7mm. The added neoprene improves warmth but also increases both weight and bulk.
Are modern wetsuits lighter than older ones?
In most cases, yes. Advances in neoprene technology have made modern wetsuits lighter, more flexible, and more efficient at retaining heat. If you’re using an older suit, upgrading could noticeably reduce weight and improve comfort.
Does wetsuit weight affect performance?
It can, especially for activities that require a lot of movement like swimming or surfing. A heavier wetsuit may require more energy to move around, which can lead to quicker fatigue over time. Lighter suits tend to feel more flexible and less restrictive.
Do SCUBA divers need to worry more about wetsuit weight?
Yes, wetsuit weight is more important for SCUBA divers because it directly impacts buoyancy. Divers need to carefully balance their total SCUBA gear weight, including their wetsuit, to maintain proper control underwater.
How can I measure how much my wetsuit weighs?
The easiest way is to weigh yourself without the suit, then again while wearing it dry, and finally once it’s fully soaked. The difference between each measurement will tell you exactly how much your wetsuit weighs in different conditions.
