Open-cell neoprene wetsuit
noun - An open cell wetsuit is a wetsuit to protect against the cold, but does not have an inner lining which means the rubbery neoprene touches the skin. The porous nature of neoprene creates millions of tiny suction cups that stick to the skin making it impossible for water to get in. Open cell wetsuits are also referred to as semi-dry suits because they don’t let water touch the skin.
Users
Freedivers, spearfishing enthusiasts, and other activities like open water swimmers that require immersion in deep, cold water dozens of feet below the surface are the predominant users of open cell wetsuits. Freediving and spearfishing also don’t require as much movement as other water sports which means the athletes won’t be helping to keep themselves warm through body heat.
Difference with Closed Cell Wetsuits
Closed cell wetsuits have a piece of nylon, polyester, or some other fabric that serves as an inner lining to the wetsuit. The lining eliminates the skin-to-neoprene contact which means there are no suction cups and water does come into the wetsuit and in contract with the skin. But since the wetsuit fits so tightly to the skin only a thin layer of water is able to get inside. When you are moving around this water gets heated to your body temperature which in turn, keeps you warm.
Open Water Swimming
Justin Fornal used an open cell wetsuit in his Great Arctic Swim.
