Snorkeling in a dry suit?

[RJP]

Speaking from personal experience, with a tls 350 and xerotherm undergarment, I rarely feel the need to add any gas until I hit 20m, and even then only a puff.. Perhaps some people are more resistant to the squeeze? Not sure I would try free diving in a drysuit tho.

Same suit, same undergarment. I was once heading down to tie into a wreck that was 70ft to the top. I got to about 20ft and realized I didn't have my inflator hose connected. It was behind me and I couldn't get it. I figured I'd bounce to 70ft and tie in. At 35ft I decided to head back to the boat for assistance... and some b*ll-busting.

 

[scuberd]

I've done a little dry suit free diving. I was setting moorings for classes, retrieving lost gear, etc. and I never had a problem with the shrink wrap effect, but the inflater button pushed into my chest at about 8 feet of depth making the dive almost unbearable. If you are planning on just staying on the surface though, a dry suit would be great.

 

[spectrum]

I've done a little dry suit free diving. I was setting moorings for classes, retrieving lost gear, etc. and I never had a problem with the shrink wrap effect, but the inflater button pushed into my chest at about 8 feet of depth making the dive almost unbearable. If you are planning on just staying on the surface though, a dry suit would be great.

Shrink wrap was my first concern when I read this. All things considered if you stay prone then air will be trapped up top and aleviate the squeeze. If you bob vertical for any time I predict an restrictively snug fit.

Also in the event of a flood you will be at a severe disadvantage. The buoyancy of a drysuit is not as predictable as a wetsut.

Pete

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

He has been doing it for a long time, diving for abalone in shallow +30ft of water. I don't recommend it, but it does work. Weighting and consistency of bubble must be dialed (Much like with a wetsuit dialed for 15 ft). He doesn't use thick undergarments, and the suit is a light weight surface suit without inlet, nor exhaust fittings.

During my rescue class, I was in a drysuit and we were required to free dive. After a few dives, I wound up seriously shrink wrapped, and overweighted. Not a good thing, but a quick shot of air brought my undergarments back into shape. As I said, I wouldn't recommend free diving in a drysuit.

While taking SSI's Stress & Rescue course, I was told that for a Dive Guide (first step into SSI's professional ranks), one must free dive down to 15 feet and then swim 20 feet before coming back up.

Which rescue class did you take? I've taken PADI's & SSI's.

 

[Peter_C]

Same suit, same undergarment. I was once heading down to tie into a wreck that was 70ft to the top. I got to about 20ft and realized I didn't have my inflator hose connected. It was behind me and I couldn't get it. I figured I'd bounce to 70ft and tie in. At 35ft I decided to head back to the boat for assistance... and some b*ll-busting.

After dive number 2, I was forced to go and free my anchor. Geared up, jumped off the boat, and at around 20ft when I hit my inflator, was when I realized my argon bottle was empty. DOH! When I got to 60 ft I was seriously shrink wrapped, and mobility was very restricted. I freed the anchor and headed up faster than 10ft every minute...

While taking SSI's Stress & Rescue course, I was told that for a Dive Guide (first step into SSI's professional ranks), one must free dive down to 15 feet and then swim 20 feet before coming back up.

Which rescue class did you take? I've taken PADI's & SSI's.

I took a NAUI class.

 

[krukster86]

Coworker of mine went snorkeling in Iceland and had to wear a drysuit. She said she looked strange, but she was warm!

 

[bargeman]

To all the replies thanks, Went snorkeling on sunday and it went fine. I definatly had some squeeze even when i just put my legs down! It was a great time and i learned alot. The little bit of air that worked its way to my chest was just right for floating. Cant wait to scuba this weekend, My hands got a little cold so time for dry gloves. Now i have to ask this forum about what you all can tell me about dry gloves! Dose it ever end! Thanks again

 

[Peter_C]

For drygloves, I would recommend the Si-Tech system so you can eventually switch to a changeable wrist seal. Not the Antares system though as it is not as good as the regular glove system. For gloves I use Atlas 465's with the removable liners. You want the glove to fit...well like a glove. It should take a little effort to get it on and you shouldn't have any extra folds with the glove on. Your finger tips should be all the way to the end too.

 

[Subcooled]

is there anything that i need to worry about as far as buoyancy or air pockets that will put me in an awkward position.

The drysuit is a balloon. It will float. You'll need to work hard to get your head down.

The 'awkward position' usually refers to floating up, feet first. The speed stops shortly after passing the surface