Wetsuits are designed to be form-fitting, and vary in thickness from 0.5 millimeters to 5 millimeters or more. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer-but more constrictive-the wetsuit will be. Wetsuits also offer some skin protection against rocks if you find yourself out of your boat and floating downriver. However, drysuits fit more loosely than wetsuits, are completely wind- and waterproof, and allow room to wear insulating layers underneath. Constructed using a thin layer of durable fabric (usually a heavyweight nylon), drysuits keep you warm by protecting the clothing beneath from wind and waterÑthink of them as a heavy-duty, fully sealed rain jacket.

At what water or air temperature should you wear a wetsuit or dry suit?

A good rule of thumb to follow for safe waterskiing is the "100 degree rule." This means that the air temperature plus the water temperature should be greater than or equal to 100 degrees F to be skied comfortably. You can certainly ski in temperatures lower than the combined 100, however, most people feel that it becomes uncomfortable at that point.

Participating in water sports in cold water can be fun if proper precautions are taken to protect your body. Failing to do so can result in frostbite or hypothermia. To better prepare yourself for dip in cooler waters reference my article "Waterskiing in Cold Weather/Water" - Don't be dumb and ski numb. Take preventive measures and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.