Do you pee less with drysuits than with wetsuits?

[rob.mwpropane]

I've been diving a drysuit since 1993. No P valve, but I did have a P-zip fitted to one which rarely got used so not bothered on the last 2 suits.

Last Saturday I did 2 x 50 minute dives with an hour surface interval, with coffee, then drove 30 miles before needing the restroom.

I'm envious for sure. I think for me just getting in the water and the webbing being tight I think about peeing...and then at some point I kind of have to pee...but even if I don't I'm still thinking about it. I'm just a mess in that department. BUT, being able to NOT think about it, or just let go when needed is amazing, at least to me.

For me I do not want my diving to revolve around my bladder, so a p valve makes sense. I realize everyone's different though. I'm not trying to convince anyone to do anything different, just relaying what works for me. Again, I'm pretty envious of the guys that just don't have to go...

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

I never pee during my dive, I just pee before hopping in the water and im good for the next couple of hours.

So to answer your question, does not matter if I'm using my wetsuit, dry suit or simply a bathing suit. No pee.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I never pee during my dive, I just pee before hopping in the water and im good for the next couple of hours.

So to answer your question, does not matter if I'm using my wetsuit, dry suit or simply a bathing suit. No pee.

On some dive sites though the bathroom is forever away. Like @ Dutch if you don't have a great spot you've got a little bit of a hike to get there.

On other dive "sites" it's right next to the car

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

On some dive sites though the bathroom is forever away. Like @ Dutch if you don't have a great spot you've got a little bit of a hike to get there.

On other dive "sites" it's right next to the car

I personally never encountered a situation where I could not go to the bathroom.

Every DC I've been to has at least a couple and if I'm somewhere remote with no DC than any bush is a bathroom

For the ladies it might be a bigger issue if there aren't any organized facilities but personally I never had an issue.

 

[lexvil]

Overall, a silly conversation (maybe my favorite kind here) you need to pee when you have to pee and this varies with each person and if you actively dive over several years it will also vary with you individually.

I can drive 3.5 hours to Monterey, no stops, drinking coffee all the way, pee when I get there and suit up, I’ll drink while getting ready, my first concern is hydration, dehydrated even a little and my thighs cramp. I don’t think about peeing during the dive because I can just go as needed, like in a wetsuit.

Not having a pee valve in a drysuit is unthinkable for me, for others they get weirded out over the thought of it, many of the same people get weirded out the thought of a crotch strap or unscrewing a hose on their regulator. Fear of the unknown, resistance to change are power things but you’ve learned to breath underwater! Now it’s time to learn how to be more comfortable while there so your mind is free to enjoy it.

 

[ScubaSam]

I tend to do longer dives in my drysuit compared to my wetsuit so I do pee more when I'm diving in my drysuit.

At some point, especially if I want to go tech, I'm going to have to give some consideration to a She-P. ::Shudder.:: You boys are lucky.

My She-P purchase was the best investment after my drysuit purchase. I am able to stay hydrated without worrying where the closest bathroom is or if I'll make it through the dive without peeing on myself.

Just do it now. There can be a bit of a learning curve. I will say that Fourth Element Arctic socks are great at absorbing leaks that have gotten that far down!

Pretty sure from now on, I'll think of your post whenever I look ay my Fourth Element Arctic socks.

I was fortunate to have an extremely short learning curve that I no longer wear a Poise pad with the She-P because I don't have leaks.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I bought the Arctics to do longer more comfortable dives. I installed a p valve so I could do longer more comfortable dives, and I agree I drink more so I can feel better whereas before I was limiting how much for fear of having to pee during a dive.

I LOVE being under, so anything that can make that last longer, or be more comfortable I'm all about it.

I tell people all the time...."if you said I'd be wearing an external catheter to go diving a few years ago, I'd a said your crazy"....yet here we are.

For anyone reading I would say just know it's a possibility to make a dive more comfortable. Obviously not needed, and everyone is different, but if you think you need it or want it then you probably do. It cost me less than $100 to install it and order a 20 pack of catheters...one of the best decisions ever...right along with dry gloves, the drysuit, doubles, and good thermals

 

[Superlyte27]

I've been diving a drysuit since 1993. No P valve, but I did have a P-zip fitted to one which rarely got used so not bothered on the last 2 suits.

Last Saturday I did 2 x 50 minute dives with an hour surface interval, with coffee, then drove 30 miles before needing the restroom.

I guess it depends on the person. What’s a 50 minute dive? Lol

I won’t bother packing gear for a dive that short, or even double that time.

 

[lexvil]

I bought the Arctics to do longer more comfortable dives. I installed a p valve so I could do longer more comfortable dives, and I agree I drink more so I can feel better whereas before I was limiting how much for fear of having to pee during a dive.

I LOVE being under, so anything that can make that last longer, or be more comfortable I'm all about it.

I tell people all the time...."if you said I'd be wearing an external catheter to go diving a few years ago, I'd a said your crazy"....yet here we are.

For anyone reading I would say just know it's a possibility to make a dive more comfortable. Obviously not needed, and everyone is different, but if you think you need it or want it then you probably do. It cost me less than $100 to install it and order a 20 pack of catheters...one of the best decisions ever...right along with dry gloves, the drysuit, doubles, and good thermals

Tantric diving!

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Tantric diving!

My wife says "addictive" or "obsessive"....but I like tantric MUCH better!

All in the eye of the beholder!