Drysuit in warm waters

[Compressor]

I did a search for the topic of drysuits in warm waters and came out with a few results dating back to 2011.
The latest one was from 2018 so would like to reintroduce the question.

Does any one dive a drysuit in warm waters (>75 degrees)?
I was diving in Florida recently with dives approaching 2 hours/dive. Water temp was 75-78. On all dives, I was chilled by the end of the dive. I was wearing a Lava Core underneath a 3 mm wetsuit. I am NOT surprised that I was getting cold towards the end of dive (around 1 hour 40 minute).

In her memory I found a funny post from the late @TSandM. Brought smiles to me.

I know I can wear a 5 mm or 7 mm.

Stay warm.

 

[Mod63]

Me! In the same setting as the late TSandM. Even when it is warmer, as there might be a thermocline. You can always adapt with your undergarment.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I do not. I regularly do 2-3 hour dives in those temps and while chilled I am not full on cold. However, these are shallow dives so I have no wetsuit compression to deal with. I use a Sharkskin hooded vest underneath my Bare Reactive 5mm wetsuit.

If I were doing deeper dives that long in those temps I would most likely use my drysuit with a simple smartwool layer.

 

[Darnold9999]

Did the Red Sea a couple of years ago in March and dove my Fusion same as TAandM, used long underwear as undergarments. Was comfortable. Diving wet would have been cold as I only have a 3mil suit.

 

[jale]

Hi
Always dive with a DS unless it is more than 28C (82F)
Compressed neo down to 16C (60F) and trilaminate with unders below that.
Yes may sound crazy but I like it that way
Then it is hot outside, a few tricks help to keep you cool before splashing.
If you are in a place doing multi-day dives, people look at you with a smile on the first days but with envy on the last days.

 

[tbone1004]

I don't because of surface conditions and overheating rapidly. With the advent of the heated vests for wetsuits I think you'll have a much better solution for you with that

 

[jale]

I don't because of surface conditions and overheating rapidly. With the advent of the heated vests for wetsuits I think you'll have a much better solution for you with that

surface conditions and overheating is just a question of management

 

[Searcaigh]

Does any one dive a drysuit in warm waters (>75 degrees)?

I had to convert that to >24C

So that would be me for several locations here in UAE. However I have found that my new 5mm suit holds up well on the second dive, which is when I usually feel the cold.

Bottom temps where I normally dive are around 23C/73F and all square profile with a thermocline if we're lucky at around 10m pushing it up to 24C for at least six months of the year.

A drysuit is also good at keeping you warm on the return boat trips after diving too when wearing a wetsuit will soon chill you unless you remove it before the boat starts heading back to port.

 

[arthurng311]

I dive exclusively in drysuit nowadays, i just plain prefer them, to me 75F(24C) in a 3mm would be super chilly to me. Having said that i am a complete wuss and hate the cold more than others. I regularly dive in air temps up of 90F in my area and have found a ice towel to help before getting into the water.

 

[Centrals]

I have seen that in Philippines when divers came out of water in shortie and dry suit respectively.
Personal preference I believe.
No right or wrong.