JDMerk
Contributor
Have you thought about a good 7-8mm semi-dry suit? Their cheaper than full dry and safer if she isn't certified to dive dry. I have no experience in your location but its gotta be better than full wet...
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Thanks everyone!!!
She didnt want to spend the bucks on a DS until she knew she liked cold water diving. So we will head up to the sound next month and using everyone's advice, hope for the best.
I still can't get over all the responses, you've made us feel quite welcome on the forum.
If you don't get her the dry suit, Take a container of warm water and put it into the wetsuit after she dons it (might help with colder water ) keep warm , dry clothes for when she is done.
I don't see why. Everyone that certifies up here does their OW checkout dives in a drysuit. I'm sure this is true in many other places as well.Dry suit is definitely an option, but I think it might be too much for a new diver doing their OW checkout dives.
My standard practice now is to have a propane cookstove on site and use it to boil water. Then I dump that nice, hot, steamy water on and into the hood and gloves. Makes a world of difference.I find the worst thing is getting cold during the surface interval and then having to put the wet gloves and hood back on when I'm cold. So, as well as the woolly gloves, hat and warm jacket, a thermos of warm soup or coffee might be appreciated.
Yeah, this is why we went to Florida for my wife's OW course. She liked it well enough and said, all on her own, that she would be willing to try diving here. So, she tried. Did AOW and drysuit course - made 5 dives. Was completely miserable. I don't think she will ever dive in cold water again.If you don't make the first dive comfortable for her it may be the first and last dive. Did you think about going to warmer waters. We checked at Vortec Springs in Fl during easter 2008. Water stays 68 all year . Just my 2 cents.
Of course not. That's why you rent one insteadShe didnt want to spend the bucks on a DS until she knew she liked cold water diving.