Drysuit boots in Bonaire?

[scottm]

My wife and I will be making our second trip to Bonaire in two weeks and I'm debating my footwear collection. On our first trip I wore my relatively thick soled booties and had no problems with shore entries. This time around I've trying to decide between the same booties/fins and my drysuit rockboots/fins. I prefer the drysuit fins (OMS Slipstream vs some old and floppy oceanic fins), but am not sure whether the drysuit boots will be a hassle with a wetsuit. The fins are too big to wear with my wetsuit booties.

Has anyone used rockboots for wetsuit shore diving? What socks/liners do you wear?

 

[helimvee]

I don't dive dry (yet) but have seen several people using rockboots in Bonaire. When I asked they all said they worked great. To me it seems that they would be more of a pain if you take off your suit between dives. Then again it's Bonaire so what's a couple of minutes extra.

Weight may be an issue as well if you are trying to avoid the second bag charge.

 

[Diver Lori]

I've worn Rockboots for wetsuit diving since my first cave diving trip to Akumal in 2001. I HIGHLY prefer diving Rockboots, period. I did have to revert back to regular scuba booties last summer due to weight restrictions on island hops around French Polynesia....hated it, simply hated it.

You are far more sure-footed, and pointy, rough walking terrain is not an issue in Rockboots. It all depends on what size boot you are working with, what size sock you will need. My buddy can get away with neoprene socks from CampMor. Me on the other hand, needed a little more padding to take up space in mine. I use the 7mm neoprene bootie DUI sells along with a thin neoprene sock. When my current wetsuit Rockboots wear out, I'll get a size smaller.

Note, these are NOT the Rockboots I wear with my drysuit....those in a wetsuit would make me look like Bozo the clown. I have two sizes of Rockboots, one for heavy underwear with the drysuit, and one pair for diving wet.

I really don't notice a time factor either.....I'm ready to go quickly, not sure why there would be an issue with time. I wear them on boats, and for shore diving. Not sure why they would be an issue to take off for shore diving either, just untie, kick off, remove suit, put on sandals.....am I missing something?

 

[scottm]

Thanks Helimvee & Lori,

I was already pretty much sold (figuring the boots will be more stable on shore and preferring the other fins), and you've both solidified it! Luggage allowance shouldn't be a problem, so I'll find some neoprene socks that fit.

-Scott

 

[helimvee]

Lori that is good to know about the ease of removing the rockboots. It just seemed to be more work - as compared to a zipper on a wetsuit boot. Almost like lacing a skate. I get pretty lazy diving in Bonaire!

 

[muzicgirl]

I lvoe my zippered booties which have a bit of a sole on them....easy on easy off!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

With regular-sized rock boots, any 3 mm neoprene sock should work.

Another option is the SeaSoft Sunray wetsuit booties. Very solid, and work like a rock boot. In fact, a lot of folks around here use 'em like a rock boot with their drysuits.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)