Preparing for Wetsuit Season

If you feel a cool breeze early in the morning, that doesn’t mean you have to don your 5mm wetsuit. The air temperature can, of course, affect the water temperature, but not as much or as quickly as you’d think. Water is a lot slower to catch on to temperature changes in the air. So even if you woke up to a delightful 65° day, the waters you’re about to explore may be a toasty 77°. It’s always beneficial to check the water temperature and conditions before committing to your wetsuit choice of the day. Ultimately, it will always depend on your warmth or coolness preferences when diving, but as you know, comfort is key to a safe and enjoyable dive. A good trick of the trade is to consider layering. Not sure a 3mm wetsuit will be enough? Bring a 2mm dive vest with a hood with you! If it's too warm, you can always take it off. There are more accessories you can take to ensure a warm and snug dive like gloves and a lip shield. 

Pro Tip: If it has been a while since you’ve used your wetsuit, always check for any punctures or tears. If you need help selecting a wetsuit, read Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wetsuits. If you have a wetsuit and want to know the best ways to maintain it, check out the 10 Tips for Wetsuit Care.

What Wetsuit Should I Bring?

When shopping for wetsuits, you’ll encounter different thicknesses and designs tailored for various water conditions and comfort needs. The two main types of wetsuits are full suits and shorties.

Full suits cover the entire body with long sleeves and legs, making them suitable for colder waters (below 68°F) and versatile enough for slightly warmer conditions. They offer the most warmth.

Shorties have short sleeves and legs, providing more freedom of movement and are ideal for warmer waters (about 70°F and above). They can also be worn under a full suit for extra warmth in colder conditions.

Temperature - What to Wear 

• >75° -  Rashguard 

• 65°- 75° - 2mm Wetsuit or a Shorty

• 63°- 68° - 3mm Full Wetsuit 

• < 63° - 3-5mm Full Wetsuit with boots, gloves, and a hood 
  

This is just a guideline; feel free to style your outfit however you like, whether that's pairing a shorty with gloves or a rashguard with a vest. What matters most is your comfort. As mentioned earlier, the choice of thermal protection is entirely yours. Our priority is to ensure your dives are safe and comfortable, which is why we've put together a brief guide on recommended thermal protection. If you're interested in diving deeper into the topic, check out Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wetsuits, our comprehensive resource on wetsuits!

Keep the Thermocline in Mind 

At some point in your diving career, you will experience a thermocline. This could happen from diving into the cooler depths of the water, or you may experience it simply crossing into a warmer or cooler current at the same depth. It’s like swimming and you think, “Oh, I found a cold spot!” By definition, thermocline is “a steep temperature gradient in a body of water.” Why is this important information to know? Well, if you’re diving in 68º waters, you may experience cooler water at some point. Keep that in mind when you’re prepping your wetsuit, gloves, boots, hood, and other thermal protective gear for the day.  

Dry Off and Swap Outfits

As we’ve mentioned, the air temperature and the water temperature could be fairly different. That means that when it is time to surface after diving in your snug wetsuit and you start to feel the cool air on your wet skin, it may feel nice for about a couple of seconds before you become incredibly cold. Therefore, we need to prepare for our thermal protection both in the water and after we resurface. Always remember to pack those cozy, warm clothes and towels you’ll need once you doff your wetsuit. Towel robes are a popular and useful tool to help keep you warm, and once you’re dry enough, a cozy hoodie and dry pair of boardshorts should be just the ticket (well, here in Florida anyway). Dry bags are a big help when it comes to keeping your clothes dry and warm for when you need them again on the boat or shore. Trust us, shivering after a dive for any period of time until you can blast the heat in the car is no fun. Prepare to get warmer sooner for a more enjoyable day overall. 

Everyone can enjoy a dive in cold water with proper preparations and the right gear. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of cold water diving and explore underwater environments with confidence and comfort.

FAQs

How do I stay warm while diving in cold water?

Staying warm involves using appropriate thermal protection such as a wetsuit with high insulation properties. It’s also important to wear a hood, gloves, and boots. Staying active and keeping your dive times moderate can also help prevent heat loss.

What are the risks associated with cold water diving?

Risks include hypothermia, reduced dexterity due to cold, and increased air consumption. Cold water can also affect buoyancy control and visibility. Proper training and equipment are essential to mitigate these risks.

How do cold water temperatures affect my dive gear?

Cold water can affect the performance of dive gear, including making it stiffer and harder to manage. It can also impact the functionality of regulators and other equipment, so regular maintenance and checking equipment before the dive are crucial.

What should I do if I feel cold during a dive?

If you start feeling cold, signal to your dive buddy or guide and consider aborting the dive if necessary. It’s important to end the dive safely and warm up as soon as possible after surfacing.

How does cold water affect my air consumption?

Cold water can increase air consumption as the body works harder to maintain core temperature, and the colder temperatures can cause a diver to breathe more rapidly. This can lead to quicker depletion of air supply.