At what temp do you switch to drysuit?

[Brian Gilpin]

In May 1999 I certified in 42 degree water near Mendocino CA. The next week we were diving in Cancun and I swore NO MORE COLD WATER. Well I finally relented and got a drysuit and had not used a wetsuit in local waters since 1999.

Last month I was assisting a two day class at Breakwater Monterey when both the instructor and I blew wrist seals. We were unable to get repairs and were forced to rent wetsuits from Aquarius.

I was surpised how much easier and more comfortable wetsuits are. Of course the temp was 62 not 42 and we were limited on depth with OW class but personally I will not be wearing my drysuit at this temp.

Less Lead

Fewer Tasks

no seals to blow

Whats wrong with getting wet when its not real cold?

I bought a new wetsuit for 100 dollars more than White wants to repair seals.

I will dive dry in April but why bother in September.


Brian

 

[Kaos]

I ususally switch to dry when the the water goes below 60 F. But if the air temperature gets chilly with the water temp above 60F, I will often bring my drysuit since getting in and out of the wetsuit isn't very pleasant.

 

[Arnaud]

But I'll stick to my dry suit.

One dive in 60° may be okay in a wet suit. 3, 4 or more and you're happy to be dry. And wait until you hit the thermocline...

Temperature is a matter of personal convenience. I know I get chilly very easily. Anything below 75, then you adjust the underware.

 

[Rick Murchison]

How long a dive? How many dives? What's the OAT? Is it raining?
I have used wetsuits on a single dive in warm weather with 50 degree water; I've switched to a drysuit in cold rainy weather with water as warm as 75 degrees.
Rick

 

[dsgobie]

Anything colder than 75...

Trilam, no hood...

sweats top/bottom.. Perfect.

 

[RichLockyer]

I haven't touched my 5mm fullsuit and hooded vest since I bought my trilam.
I wear a 3/2 fullsuit in the tropics (80+), but for anything here in California, I'm in the trilam.

 

[paulwlee]

I switched to a drysuit a few months ago.
For me, there are four reasons I prefer my trilam drysuit.

Reason 1: no evaporative cooling between dives.
Reason 2: still as warm at 100ft as I was on the surface.
Reason 3: when I take off the suit, I'm dry! No towelling off and getting out of the swimsuit necessary.
Reason 4: no dripping wetsuit to hang back at home.

 

[sheck33]

well, for me, anytime the water temperature is below body temperature

 

[Kaos]

sheck33 once bubbled...
well, for me, anytime the water temperature is below body temperature

You must draw a lot of attention when you travel to the carribean

 

[Kev Martin]

I dive dry all the time here in the UK. But I will admit that it is pure laziness that prompts!

I really enjoy diving somewhere warm - usually happy with a 3mm shorty. Got some really funny looks diving east coast of Florida in February whilst wearing my Body Glove shorty!

Dive safe, dive warm.

Kev