How to get warm in 57-degree Fahrenheit water

[Zesty]

"Dry or Die"! Great Lakes are a chilly place even in the summer - while a drysuit requires some additional focus and some up-front costs, they are very manageable and over the long haul, very durable and can offer more value than a wetsuit in my opinion

 

[TMHeimer]

A drysuit is really the only proper answer, 57F water is warm for a drysuit diver... Thick wetsuits are cold, heavy, hard to put on and introduce a host of problems with suit compression at depth. They don't last as long as a properly cared for drysuit, and by shopping around it's fairly easy to find a good drysuit (used maybe) for the price of a high end cold water wetsuit. While the cold tolerance may vary a bit from person to person, for the most part it's just some people toughing it out - they're still negatively affected by the cold.

Disagree. People of different locales have different tolerances. I grew up in NY, but after a few years living in N. Canada minus 40 winters I was badly affected by summer temps. when returning to NY. I'm sure diving is the same. In my 7 mil at 45-50F water I'm comfortable, not at all toughing it out. My farmer john (used bought '06) cost $165 & still does the job.

 

[j2s]

Think hot chocolate a little bit before you go in the water [and after you exit the water].....NOT tea, NOT alchohol, hot chocolate !!!!!...Triple strength...Everyone's tolerance to temp.'s is difference...If a proper fitting wetsuit works for you, use it...If not go drysuit.....

 

[scubajim 1]

OMG...I knew SOMEONE was going to mention that.......

You missed one other important thing...look closely

During the buddy check I hope the lp inflator hose for your BCD got attached.

 

[beaverdivers]

My question is: Is it possible to dive in cold water and actually not be cold? Or should I just restrict my diving in future to warm waters?

Yes, you can dive in cold water and not be cold.

It is your decision, if you decide to restrict your diving to warm water.

You are a small person probably with a low % of body fat. ( Good for you )
Smaller people get cold easier. Fat people stay warmer.

Have you ever seen a skinny walrus?

For me water below 80F is cold water. At 78F, the water is 20F colder than your body. As you know you lose heat 25 times faster in water.

If I were you, I would get a Semi-Dry Scubapro Nova Scotia.

This suit is cut to fit people in good shape like you.

You would be smart to dive this suit in water from 65F - 80F.

You could dive it in colder water on shorter dives.

Then if you want to commit to really cold water, get a drysuit. The EverDry 4 is an option.

I will be diving in 93F this weekend, no suit needed.

 

[FPDocMatt]

If I were you, I would get a Semi-Dry Scubapro Nova Scotia. This suit is cut to fit people in good shape like you.
You would be smart to dive this suit in water from 65F - 80F. You could dive it in colder water on shorter dives.
Then if you want to commit to really cold water, get a drysuit. The EverDry 4 is an option.

Yes, when I was diving in Spain in 57-degree water both of the instructors I dove with had semi-dry suits on.

Certainly if I had one of these, I'd be able to save money by diving closer to home.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[mx201er]

I live in Montana; In the hottest parts of summer, the lakes here are usually ~53. I have a 7mm wetsuit that has "farmer johns" basically bib overalls, with another 7mm upper body part that goes over it. So from halfway up your thighs to your neck is double 7mm, and it keeps me pretty warm. I have dove in 42 degree water with it, and it was definitely cold but doable!

 

[LowDrag]

Yes, when I was diving in Spain in 57-degree water both of the instructors I dove with had semi-dry suits on.

Certainly if I had one of these, I'd be able to save money by diving closer to home.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Hey Matt, my wife and I have found a few dry suits online for a very reasonable price. If you haven't looked at them, there are neoprene suits, bi-lam suits and tri-lam suits and probably even many more different suits. My my wife and I are looking at Bare's bag type suit for it's durability and price. Good luck if you go dry, I know I am looking forward to it. Then again, I am a cold weather wimp...LOL!!!

 

[FPDocMatt]

I live in Montana; In the hottest parts of summer, the lakes here are usually ~53. I have a 7mm wetsuit that has "farmer johns" basically bib overalls, with another 7mm upper body part that goes over it. So from halfway up your thighs to your neck is double 7mm, and it keeps me pretty warm. I have dove in 42 degree water with it, and it was definitely cold but doable!

You know, that's a good point, the farmer johns are going to be warmer than just having a full suit on under or over a shorty, as I was dressed in Spain.

 

[mx201er]

You know, that's a good point, the farmer johns are going to be warmer than just having a full suit on under or over a shorty, as I was dressed in Spain.

My first OW cert dive I borrowed a 7mil that my dive teacher had, and was freezing. I put another over that the next day and was still cold, mostly because they were too loose. The fit really makes a difference.
Then I bought mine, ( Buy XS Scuba pyrostretch 2 piece combo MS750PS-MD with reviews at scuba.com ), I love it and really can't afford a dry suit on a college kid budget.

If you can get a dry suit that would probably best, but wetsuits like these are a great cheap alternative!