My First Dry Dive

[RonFrank]

I just finished my first dry dive. It was interesting.

I have not been so uncomfortable in the water since I did my first CO dive!

I thought I knew what to expect, and as for technique, and buoyancy I was not far off even if I used more air then normal, and seemed to be constantly screwing around with something inflator or dump value related. I'm sure it will get easier with time.

What I did NOT expect was the general feel of the suit. I felt like a vacuum packed chunk of Tuna! At first it was very strange, but I started to get used to it by the time we had completed our dives.

IMO, I'd definately rather be wet!! But DrySuit diving will open doors to good vis in CO, which is really not happening in Aurora res. IowaSnowboarder (drysuit diver I dove with) did a lake near Vail at 10,000ft last week that while at 40F at depth (I think they hit 100') he said vis was 50-70ft.. Now that is the diving I've been looking for here :11ztongue

 

[Don Burke]

I just finished my first dry dive. It was interesting.

I have not been so uncomfortable in the water since I did my first CO dive!

I thought I knew what to expect, and as for technique, and buoyancy I was not far off even if I used more air then normal, and seemed to be constantly screwing around with something inflator or dump value related. I'm sure it will get easier with time.

What I did NOT expect was the general feel of the suit. I felt like a vacuum packed chunk of Tuna! At first it was very strange, but I started to get used to it by the time we had completed our dives.

IMO, I'd definately rather be wet!! But DrySuit diving will open doors to good vis in CO, which is really not happening in Aurora res. IowaSnowboarder (drysuit diver I dove with) did a lake near Vail at 10,000ft last week that while at 40F at depth (I think they hit 100') he said vis was 50-70ft.. Now that is the diving I've been looking for here :11ztongue

After a while you get a feel for how tight the suit should be. Wet certainly is logistically easier, but not always practical.

I leave the dump all the way open during the dive.

 

[bobmaggi]

Drysuit diving just requires a little bit more task loading. It won't be long before it will be second nature.

I just finished my first dry dive. It was interesting.

I have not been so uncomfortable in the water since I did my first CO dive!

I thought I knew what to expect, and as for technique, and buoyancy I was not far off even if I used more air then normal, and seemed to be constantly screwing around with something inflator or dump value related. I'm sure it will get easier with time.

What I did NOT expect was the general feel of the suit. I felt like a vacuum packed chunk of Tuna! At first it was very strange, but I started to get used to it by the time we had completed our dives.

IMO, I'd definately rather be wet!! But DrySuit diving will open doors to good vis in CO, which is really not happening in Aurora res. IowaSnowboarder (drysuit diver I dove with) did a lake near Vail at 10,000ft last week that while at 40F at depth (I think they hit 100') he said vis was 50-70ft.. Now that is the diving I've been looking for here :11ztongue

 

[seakdivers]

I have not dove in anything other than a drysuit, so I find it hard to imagine what it would be like.
I like having that layer of protection against all things scary and pokey... lol

I'm a wimp, no doubt

 

[ScubaSarus]

Once you perfect the weighting you'll get rid of that squeeze and feel much better and use the dump and inflator less. You'll be less prone to bouyancy fluctuation and overinflation were a big air bubble is alway moving about the suit. Keep at it; it takes a bit of time.

 

[Gary D.]

IMO, I'd definately rather be wet!!

If you see some guys in white coats running your direction don't panic. I sent them to take you to the looney bin for an eval.

After a while you will find dry is much easier and faster than wet. Take your time and practice with it.

Gary D.

 

[Rick Inman]

When I first started diving dry, I thought it was a real pain.

The last time I dived wet (on purpose) was May in Cozumel, and I really missed my dry suit. I like being able to move a little air into my feet, or chest or wherever to adjust my trim. I like getting out and being (relatively) dry. I like being warm.

It took me many dives to really start liking it better than wet, but now I find it superior.

 

[jiveturkey]

It took me many dives to really start liking it better than wet, but now I find it superior.

I'm not there yet but with each dive I enjoy my ds more. Since I got it, I've been open to so many more diving options. I'm no longer limited by temperature. But I did some dives in my 5mm a few weeks ago and felt much more free. I guess all the extra weight is the big thing. I'm using Bare ct200 underwear which is very thick and requires much more weight than my wetsuit. I can't help feeling I'll never be as comfortable with all that extra weight.