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Approaching a dangerously long surface interval...
Join Date
Jan 2012
Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts
12
Dives
25 - 49
Wetsuit for cold water diving
Is it completely crazy to attempt to dive in a wetsuit in cold(freezing) water. I can't afford a drysuit and I need to get in some dives a.s.a.p. to meet my divemaster requirements.
I don't mind being somewhat uncomfortable but I don't want to put myself in danger or anything...
It probably depends on what type and thickness of wetsuit you currently have.
Here's an old post about one diver's experience with his Pinnacle Polar Semi-dry suit. It might give you a starting reference for what you might expect from a 7mm wetsuit. Pinnacle Polar first impressions. [Archive] - ScubaBoard
I would imagine that no matter what...if you're diving in cold water wearing a wetsuit (any thickness) you'd want one of those Otter Bay 12mm hoods.
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Approaching a dangerously long surface interval...
Join Date
Jan 2012
Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts
12
Dives
25 - 49
That's a good start. Thank you. I don't have a thick enough wetsuit but $700-1000 for a good 7mm wetsuit is MUCH more manageable than twice that much for a drysuit (I'm short and curvy...so tack on a bunch for alterations too).
Does anyone have any comments on layering? Like a vest on top? Would that help?
The thick hood sounds like a good idea. Someone also mentioned layering gloves.
It possible, try priming the suit with hot water just before entering the water. We use a thermos with hot wter to pour down the suit for guys ice diving wet.
If you have $1000 to spend, don't waste it on a wetsuit. I had a "good" 7mm wetsuit, and my drysuit was <$1000 on Leisurepro and I've never looked back. There's also the option to shop for a used drysuit that could get you in that budget range.
Yeah it's comon practice here for cold water diving. though with $1000 to spend you should be able to find a Drysuit. Look for the Bare Next-Gen or Scubapro Everdry4, they should be at or near the $1000 price mark and fairly available in MTL.
Originally Posted by gurnie
It possible, try priming the suit with hot water just before entering the water. We use a thermos with hot wter to pour down the suit for guys ice diving wet.
Approaching a dangerously long surface interval...
Join Date
Jan 2012
Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts
12
Dives
25 - 49
The Bare Next gen is available BUT the alterations will drive the cost up. From what I understand, the alterations for a wetsuit are cheaper? And I can get a 7mm for abut 500 on special.
I was looking for other options...but the general opinion does seem to favour the drysuit.
I've read up a bit now on 'priming'...thanks for the suggestion!!
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Originally Posted by gurnie
