Ditching weight II

[boulderjohn]

Here is my ditch at depth scenario:

I have somehow gotten separated from my buddy, and I realize I am having a heart attack or something like that. I am about to pass out. I figure that it is better to have my inert body discovered at the surface with a hope of revival than on the bottom after a prolonged lost diver search.

[String]

Here is my ditch at depth scenario:

I have somehow gotten separated from my buddy, and I realize I am having a heart attack or something like that. I am about to pass out. I figure that it is better to have my inert body discovered at the surface with a hope of revival than on the bottom after a prolonged lost diver search.

In that situation id venture its quicker just to press and/or hold the inflate on the BC so start an ascent.

Im struggling to think of any situation where a non-overweighted diver would ever need to ditch weights underwater. I can think of many situations where accidental ditching of weights underwater can cripple or kill though.

[NudeDiver]

7mm farmer john + 7mm jacket = 14mm in my core, 7mm arms and legs.

All that, to avoid wearing a drysuit. I don't get it. But there's a lot of things I don't get (:

[String]

My view, if its too cold for a 5mm semi, its time for a drysuit. Far warmer, far more flexible, far easier to get in and out of and far safer to dive than ridiculous layers of neoprene.

[Garrobo]

Since we are talking about cold water diving now and the rediculousness of wearing a 7mm suit, I personally can't see any reason for me to dive anywhere that I can't dive in the buff or at the most a 2mm shorty and not get cold. Why torture yourself?

[seaducer]

All that, to avoid wearing a drysuit. I don't get it. But there's a lot of things I don't get (:

7mm farmer john = about 350$. Drysuit =1000$+++

I am looking on ebay for deals buuuuuuut, I am in no real rush. Since I am 6'5" I don't see very many used suits in my size, the ones I would buy new are all around 1700 and up, and whenever I start saving money with a DS in mind, life gets in the way...

[String]

Spending $350 on something that is cold and uncomfortable strikes me as ridiculous. Just wait a bit and spend a bit more money on something that'll keep you warm and comfortable all year round.

[seaducer]

Spending $350 on something that is cold and uncomfortable strikes me as ridiculous. Just wait a bit and spend a bit more money on something that'll keep you warm and comfortable all year round.

I agree. But in my defense, it is only bothersome this time of year. I am fairly comfortable from April through November, and I typically go someplace with coconut drinks clear water in the winter.

Also, when I bought my suit, it cost almost weeks take home for me. The drysuits were just too far out of reach. I had two choices, rent the pee smelling suits for a year or more, or buy my own and be a little uncomfy for a little bit.

NOW, I would prefer a drysuit, and be more comfortable in the winter. But I still need to save for it, I hate the idea of putting 1.5k or more on my newly paid off credit cards

[CRC65]

My view, if its too cold for a 5mm semi, its time for a drysuit. Far warmer, far more flexible, far easier to get in and out of and far safer to dive than ridiculous layers of neoprene.

Do you think this would apply to a new diver as well? I have thought the extra complexity of a dry suit would decrease safety. (FYI: I currently rent my equipment)

[seaducer]

Do you think this would apply to a new diver as well? I have thought the extra complexity of a dry suit would decrease safety. (FYI: I currently rent my equipment)

I don't think this would be an issue. If anything the new diver has no basis to draw on, they are blank slates, and can be taught anything straight away.

Conversely, the diver who has years diving wet, now has the "added complexity" of relearning to dive.

However, to expect a new diver to spend the duckets on a dry suit is where I would draw the line. It is alot of money, especially considering all the other gear one needs to purchase as well...