Drysuit diver in Monterey, how you guys manage the temperature swing

[emttim]

Well, everyone has covered on the big points such as getting your kit ready beforehand and staying hydrated, but I'll throw in a tidbit that may not seem like much but it helps immensely. If your dive site has any sort of shade at all, park yourself under the tree or whatever is providing it when you put your suit on after your kit is ready. The exertion of getting into the suit is what makes you start to sweat your arse off the most in my opinion and the shade helps a lot with this by helping to keep you cool. At Breakwater, I'll specifically park in the upper lot just because there's some nice trees w/shade there.

I love the idea of getting into the water beforehand to cool off though...too bad at Breakwater that's a pain in the ass to do.

 

[piikki]

On one dive my husband and I were starting to snipe at each other until we realized we were overheating...

On ONE dive!!! You don't overheat easily or are exceptionally civil. We notice this happening very often at some point of the hot donning days. It's so predictable we have even some rules about. Like I warn beforehand that "I am now starting to lace my Rockboots - DO NOT COME AND ASK ME SOMETHING NOW". That is invariably the point when I have have reached the cracking point - and as surely a point when my faster buddy is ready and starts chattering

Nicely bridges me to elaborate on my previous point that on really bad days you can go pretty far getting gear ready beforehand. My buddy does not heat as easily as I do but I make sure I even loosen my boot laces ready to step in at home, turn all undies/liners/hood the correct way (my buddy always seems to have them inside out, another 30 seconds wasted, lol) and set the computer if needed.

 

[ianr33]

We have the same issues in Texas at this time of year. Water at depth maybe 60, air temperature 95 or more.

My secret is sidemount. Put all gear in water wearing shorts and T shirt. Don drysuit,rapidly get in water then worry about the gear.

Suspect that might not work too well for surf entries though !

 

[Belmont]

That makes you choice of underwear even more important.
Choose material that will keep you warm even when loaded with sweat.
Gearing up quickly has it's drawbacks, I had to get my bottom timer back from the car once, a ten minute return walk, I doffed my gear in the water before doing so.

 

[dwashbur]

That makes you choice of underwear even more important.
Choose material that will keep you warm even when loaded with sweat.
Gearing up quickly has it's drawbacks, I had to get my bottom timer back from the car once, a ten minute return walk, I doffed my gear in the water before doing so.

One little trick that I use is, I wear a Henderson 1mm dive skin under everything else. I don't know what this thing is made of, but it wicks all the sweat off my skin and keeps me from getting soaked by my own secretions.

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

That's why for me, I really prefer doing night dives during the summer. At least than you're not baking in the sun for 30 minutes. You can try keeping the top of your wetsuit or drysuit unzipped, carry gear down separately, etc but either way you'll be sweating and baking by the time you get to the water, just one of those things where you can only minimize the pain.

 

[kanonfodr]

Man up.

On a serious note, just plan and execute your gearing up procedure so that once everyone's gear is ready then drysuits and undies are donned, scuba unit is put on, and folks are booking it into the water. Efficiency is a key term. Make sure you hooked up your P Valve and have been drinking plenty of water.

Peace,
Greg

 

[coreypenrose]

Cut down on your undergarment and dive w/ an argon bottle?

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

just curious, does argon make that big of a difference?

 

[eelnoraa]

That makes you choice of underwear even more important.
Choose material that will keep you warm even when loaded with sweat.
Gearing up quickly has it's drawbacks, I had to get my bottom timer back from the car once, a ten minute return walk, I doffed my gear in the water before doing so.

What is a good choice for 50F water and doesn't break the bank?