Cold Water Comforts

[divewriter]

Would like to make a survey of any little tips or technqiues members might want to share on ways they'vve learned to make their cold-water dives more comfortable - not the obvious such as right suit, etc. - but any small tricks related not only to underwater experience but also pre and post dive technqiues for really cold conditions such as ice, or at least below-40 drysuit dives.

 

[cmcarver]

Cold water wetsuit dives bring a thermos of warm water to pour in your wetsuit predive to keep from having to warm the water up. also a cooler of warm water for your gloves and boots to soak in between dives. Don't forget to dry off after each dive instead of standing around in your wetsuit.

 

[wolves64t]

A hooded vest was the best cold water purchase I ever made. It eliminates that sudden chill that comes from a leaking zipper in the back. I also tend to experience "brain freeze" in really cold water. When this happens I touch the top of my mouth with my tongue and it goes away for a while. Also if diving in generally cold weather not just cold water a shelter/ windbreak of some kind to gear up in really helps.

E.B.

 

[DandyDon]

Dang it! He already posted warm water inside the wet suit. Yeah, we pour a quart of it inside the back after suiting up. Helps a lot.

Two others, tho...

I drink warm liquids before and between dives. Hot chocolate, cider, water.

Not only wear warm coat, but a warm cap between dives. You can lose 40% thru your head, especially with a wet head, and once the chill sets in - it's in. :frosty:

 

[divetahoe]

When you remove the wetsuit (if using one) put it inside out in a sunny spot (if there is one). That way, the part that is coming in contact with you, is getting warmer and dryer. Who cares if the outside gets dry, it's just gonna get wet again!

 

[Ishie]

If your wetsuit is cold and clammy on a second (or third or fourth) diving day, and you have access to a hot shower, either in hotel or at the site, put it on in there. SOO much nicer (thank you John, for that tip).

 

[nessum]

Drysuit & drygloves.... oh dear god... don't forget the drygloves.
A thermos of hot water for the hood.
If you aren't usuing drygloves (get them) make sure you have a set of wooly mitts or something until you're ready to get geared up. (My hands get cold, can you tell?)
hmmm... soup for between dives?
that's about all I have right now. Stay as dry as possible & stay warm on the surface.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

Use Argon in your drysuit.

And if it snows, take the time to shovel it off the aft portion of the deck.

It gets all slushy and slippery otherwise and everyone does the Doubles Mambo.

 

[stackingreasyBBs]

Use Argon in your drysuit.

And if it snows, take the time to shovel it off the aft portion of the deck.

It gets all slushy and slippery otherwise and everyone does the Doubles Mambo.

Which, while funny, is admittedly dangerous.

I always try to stay as warm as possible on the surface. Overdress like you read about. People who say 50 degree air temps are too warm for multiple layers and a wool hat are idiots

 

[diver_paula]

Get dry and warm between dives. For really cold days, bring multiple DRY bathing suits &/or skins to put on prior to putting on your wet wetsuit. If you can't change out of your wetsuit, make sure you have a wind-proof jacket that will go on over your wetsuit.

Get the warmest wet suit gloves possible. Always make sure your drysuit buddy is in the water prior to you jumping in. And make sure your drysuited buddy is nice and lets you exit the water onto the charter boat first!

All wetsuit hoods are not the same. Get one of the warmer ones.

When you get out of the water, get the water out of your boots.

Pick dive spots that make the cold water bearable!!!!!