Wetsuit diving Nov. 17

[SkiDiver]

Thinking about diving on Nov. 17, but my buddy and I are both wetsuit divers (Pinnacle Polar 7mm and a 7mm farmer john).

Where are the most promising spots for a wetsuit dive this time of year? Is Hathaway Pond the best bet?

 

[LobstaMan]

Unless the weather improves, nobody is going to be diving around here!

Don't waste your time with the pond unless you've never been there before or if you want to practice some skills or something. The ocean will still be hovering around 50F at most shore sites especial the farther south you go. By that I mean Southern MA and any of RI, but that won't last very long. If you go just plan on one dive, I don't think a surface interval is feasable this time of year diving wet. Check the water temps by clicking the marine forecast section of Welcome to The Weather Underground : Weather Underground.

LobstaMan

 

[SteveAD]

Location will not play a big role if your primary concern is the temp. As Lobstaman said ocean temps are still around 50 which is warmer than we get thru most of june. It is the air temp that makes diving wet at this time of year less than ideal. I do free drysuit demo dives if you're interested.

 

[jefffalcone]

RI is definately you best bet for water temp. For me, those couple of degrees of water temp make a huge difference when the air temp is low.

Not a problem for me since Steve hooked me in with one of those "free demos". If you demo a suit it will end up costing you 2 grand. You won't be able to dive wet anymore.

 

[spectrum]

If the suits are a good fit then you should be able to enjoy 1 dive and maybe make 2. As mentioned bright sun and light wind will be the key. Alternatively consider pitching a tent and adding a heater.

The analogy to this being June water is spot on. Unfortunately the sun will be a month from the wrong solstice.

Pete

 

[SteveAD]

Come on Jeff, the demo was free. The concept of diving dry sold itself. Coming out of the water and stripping down to wet skin in the cold is what makes cold weather diving nasty. Coming out of the water and stripping down to polartec is what makes winter diving enjoyable.

 

[TimK]

I was up at Nubble a couple of weeks ago for 2 night dives and the water temps were still in the low 50's - although they are headed downwards. As others have said, its the surface interval that hurts so if you can stay warm, the diving is still fine. We spent about 1 1/2 hours out and the two of us in wetsuits go a bit chilled. Once back in the water and moving, it was fine. Anywhere from Boston north will be colder water than the Cape around to Rhode Island.

 

[DavidInNH]

... We spent about 1 1/2 hours out and the two of us in wetsuits go a bit chilled. ...

Whine, whine, whine. You remind me of someone - oh yeah, me.

 

[spectrum]

Oddly when I have made a pair of relatively cold dives in the swing season I'm always more comfortable on the second. I don't know if it's because blood vessels have already dilated or the hot beverage on the SI but it seems to be a consistent pattern.

On the SI be sure to at least get your top half bundled in warm dry clothes. Having some nice warm water to prime your suit will give you an edge too.

Pete

 

[jefffalcone]

Come on Jeff, the demo was free. The concept of diving dry sold itself. Coming out of the water and stripping down to wet skin in the cold is what makes cold weather diving nasty. Coming out of the water and stripping down to polartec is what makes winter diving enjoyable.

Very true.