DIY Wealth Creation

Kids come in all varieties. Some take it slow – your standard couch potatoes, Wii jockeys and book worms. On the other end of the spectrum are the Eveready Bunny types who go, go, go. They never seem to run short of energy or a sense of adventure. Get ‘em near water, and stand back! Water sports include everything from kayaking, boogie boarding, windsurfing, jetskiing and scuba diving to waterskiing, sailing and hanging 10 at the beach. While these were once activities relegated to the warm summer months, the kids wetsuits industry has effectively lengthened the seasons for outdoor fun.

Full-body “steamer” suits made of neoprene, nylon and spandex offer extra warmth against frigid water temperatures, insulating a child’s body from excessive heat loss. Normally, the ratio of body fat to lean muscle tissue is less in girls and boys, setting the stage for getting chilled – or worse, hypothermia.

Once core body temperature is reduced, fatigue and shivering set it, speech gets sluggish and coordination is hindered, putting them at risk for accidents or poor decision making. Adults should watch children for signs of paleness and a bluish color to lips, ears, toes and fingers. If seen, it means it’s time for the youngsters to take a break and warm up or call it a day.

In warmer water, a “shorty” might be a good kids wetsuit option. It provides some insulation, but its cut-down sleeves and shorts facilitate freedom of movement for things like swimming. A kids wetsuit also offers protection from sun exposure and scrapes that come with the territory.

The buoyancy factor is a great plus, too. Some suits – like the Kid’s Bare DOLPHIN Flotation Suit – incorporate flotation panels in the design, which can be removed as swimming skills improve. Other wetsuits, such as the Blue Seventy TORPEDO Full Triathlon suit, include a permanent central buoyancy panel in the design to help junior triathlon participants ride higher in the water during the swimming portion of the three-phase race. A special coating reduces drag, and underarm stretch gussets accommodate large arm movements during each stroke.

A shorty wetsuit offers an additional benefit that shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s just plain easier for a child to put on!

Anything that reduces the whine factor, has got to be a good thing, right?