For the last twenty years, I have favoured using two-piece double nylon Rob Allen spearfishing wetsuits, in 3mm, 5mm and 7mm configurations.

These suits are extremely comfortable and very durable.

More recently I have been using smooth-skin two-piece suits, which feature a slick non-porous outer rubber layer

Here are four reasons why:

Wind Resistance

• The primary benefit of smooth skin suits

• They radically reduce thermal loss from wind chill when you are out of the water

Water Resistance:

• The non-porous surface repels water more effectively

• This means you dry out very quickly when back on the boat

Hydrodynamics:

• The smooth surface reduces drag while moving through the water

• While it's probably marginal, I do feel faster in a smooth-skin suit

Heat Retention:

• I feel warmer in the water in a 5mm smooth skin suit than in a 5mm double nylon

• This could be because the smooth skin reduces the flow of water inside the suit

The big downside of smooth-skin suits is that they are delicate and can rip or tear easily. They just don't last as long as double nylon.

Real care has to be taken when putting them on and off.

Despite the above, the benefits they offer especially in colder windy conditions are immense.

I would strongly recommend trying one out.

For more perspective, www.rogerhorrocks.com