Wetsuits
The purpose of a wetsuit is not only to keep the body warm while participating in waterskiing, wakeboarding, or other boat-towed sports, but it also protects the body from a hard fall on the water. They help protect you from harmful UV sun rays as well.
A wetsuit works by trapping water between the suit and your skin. This in turn insulates the body and minimizes the body's heat loss. How does the trapped water warm inside the suit? This happens when the water comes in contact with your body. It takes advantage of your body heat and helps you maintain your body temperature.
Wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses and are made from different kinds of material. Most suits are made of neoprene. The thicker the neoprene, the more ability the suit has to keep you warm.
The fit of a wetsuit is important in keeping you warm. A snug fitting suit keeps you warmer because it allows only a thin later of water inside the suit (less water is present that must be insulated). For this reason pay close attention to a suit's cut, fit and stretch before purchasing one of your own. The better the suit fits to your body, the warmer the suit will feel.
Dry Suits
Another type of suit that is common in water sports is a dry suit. It differs from a wetsuit in the way that a wetsuit insulates the water once it enters the suit and a dry suit doesn't allow any water in at all. The tight seals around the neck, wrists and ankles keep the water out. The air trapped inside a dry suit will aid in keeping you warm.