Drysuit course - Warm vs Cold waters

[DiveLikeAMuppet]

I bought the PADI drysuit book, and hired the drysuit video from the dive shop, not too far around the corner

Drysuit Diver – Dive RAID International

diveraid.com

And went diving!

You see if you dive in the ocean, it will throw you around covering up your mistakes until you don't make any

This. It’s not magic, you could just ask some friends to go dive in a lake with you few times. There are only few skills to learn, it honestly doesn’t matter where you do the course.

If you are doing the course in an ill-fitting rental, I would do it in Mexico - you will get cold, wet and miserable in a leaky rental in cold water. If it’s your own drysuit, I would go for cold water.

Everything else is about comfort and managing a gas bubble which might take few dives - especially if you need to hold an ascent speed. Mexico will feel easy as the undergarment will be thin. Cold water diving will take you some time to adjust - bigger gas bubble, less dexterity and more layers that can feel claustrophobic.

 

[ScubaSamScubaStevesFather]

Yeah I hear that, but for example if OP were to train in Mexico he could spend a ton of time swimming a shallow cavern line with a lot of ups and downs. I think that kind of training would go a long way.

I did exactly this for my cavern course in a 3mm. Very good point.

 

[ScubaSamScubaStevesFather]

The one thing no one has mentioned yet. You can never forget your wearing a drysuit. Even after +1,000 dives I still ‘drive’ mine.

Sorry im not understanding…you mean that after 1000+ dives you’re still learning?

 

[Badger7]

Sorry im not understanding…you mean that after 1000+ dives you’re still learning?

Not to put words in anyone's mouth, but I feel what Edward is referring to. A drysuit doesnt seem to just become muscle memory that you don't have to think about. There's this ever-changing bubble of air around you that needs to be actively managed.

Its not like when you get to work and turn off the truck and realize you didn't even think too much about the drive.

 

[Subcooled]

however I would really prefer to just do my drysuit course in Mexico (with only a base layer)

You need to train with all those undergarments and woollen socks and clumsy gloves and all. You can do it on the course, or you can do it later, but it will takes a few dozen dives to become proficient.

• Lots of undergarments mean a lot of air and hence great changes in buoyancy
• Less undergarments mean that a nasty air bubble will swiftly travel between your arm pit and toes
• I don't know which one is worse

Who's gonna teach you to don drygloves efficiently in Mexico?

 

[flymolo]

Who's gonna teach you to don drygloves efficiently in Mexico?

You don't need anyone to teach you that

 

[Edward3c]

Sorry im not understanding…you mean that after 1000+ dives you’re still learning?

No not still learning, but if you get complacent you can end up having to correct a silly mistake, or worse popping to the surface. Happened to me after over 1,500 dry dives.

 

[grantmac]

Definitely plan on 25-50 really solid drysuit dives before doing anything beyond NDL. Especially if you aren't ascending on an anchored line.

 

[vioch]

Less undergarments mean that a nasty air bubble will swiftly travel between your arm pit and toes

If you keep the air bubble as small as advised on p.48 of the DUI Drysuit manual, you won't even notice it..

 

[vioch]

I have been trying to squeeze out every bit of gas and dive with the least amount of weight.

This is the way to go.
With the dump valve in the correct place (the so-called DIR position) and your left arm bent behind your neck, this becomes easier.
Here is mine experience with the dump valve placement