Question about wetsuit hood

[lespaulsf]

Ok so my wife and I were so excited once we got our OW certs we bought some of the basics like fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit. Although we live in Oklahoma and I think our 3mm wetsuits we bought are not going to work very often because we are land locked and most water we can get to are lakes. Unfortunately the lakes stay pretty cold (40-65) until the summer months. If we are going to dive where we live we have to get thicker wetsuits. Although we need a hood and gloves as well. Our instructer said that hoods are hard for beginners to use because of equalizing and the such. what do you all think about it?

 

[boat sju]

I don't see that you have much choice with those water temperatures. Here in Michigan we almost all do are OW's in full 7mm farmer johns/jackets with thick hoods. Make sure the hood fits properly though.

I didn't know a hood had any impact on equalizing - never thought about it.

 

[ruready7]

Never had prob equalizing with a hood on. I do know takes little more effort to put your mask on to make sure that the mask skirt is not over the hood or it will leak. Sounds are muffled when I surface but by grabbing side of hood and pulling away from ear it allows water to drain and Im fine.

 

[scubadada]

You're correct, you need a good 7mm wetsuit, hood and gloves. A hood will not increase the difficulty of equalizing. Get the required equipment and go diving.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Teamcasa]

Ok so my wife and I were so excited once we got our OW certs we bought some of the basics like fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit. Although we live in Oklahoma and I think our 3mm wetsuits we bought are not going to work very often because we are land locked and most water we can get to are lakes. Unfortunately the lakes stay pretty cold (40-65) until the summer months. If we are going to dive where we live we have to get thicker wetsuits. Although we need a hood and gloves as well. Our instructer said that hoods are hard for beginners to use because of equalizing and the such. what do you all think about it?

I think your instructor is mis-informed. Hoods are no issue at all, provided they fit properly.

 

[bfisher]

This is one of the issues I have with diving here in Pa. Most waters are on the cool to cold side. Just a suggestion, but if it were me I'd just bite the bullet and get a dry suit and be done with it.

I have dove in 55 degree water with a 7mm farmer john and it still isn't fun. And diving is something I do for fun. That's why I only do tropics and almost always with a Microprene (.5 mm)

 

[fnfalman]

Get a hood that fits firmly but not so tight that it gives you headache. If it fits too loose then water will get in easily gives you the chill. I dive in SoCal and the water is between 50-60F year round. In the winter, I use a 7-mm hood that fits fairly tight while in the summer I use a 7-mm hood that doesn't fit quite as tight though I might go down to a 3mm or 5mm hood for the summer when water gets close to 60F.

 

[CalgaryDF]

I have never had problems equalizing with a hood on, even during my OW checkout dives. I have experienced problems with the skirt not fitting right on rental hoods so I would suggest asking about the best way to trim it from the shop when you buy it.

 

[GLENFWB]

I was also worried when I started wearing a hood...but I have had no problems with my ears and a hood. If I ever feel like I am not equalizing, I simply pull the hood out a little and make sure I equalize the water pressure in the hood. Make sure you don't get a hood that is to tight.

 

[tc]

The key is to get one that fits.

We teach OW students all the time out here in California in hoods, shouldn't be a problem.