New diver - seeking cold water dives opinions

[ruready7]

I remember when I was doing my check out dives. The shop owner wanted me to wait til the quarry warmed up cause he said some people have problems with skills in cold water (water temp 54). I figured that would be the temps for the region where I live as I should get used to diving in them. If you can dive in cold and low viz then warm and great viz is a piece of cake so to speak. I originally was diving wet in water temps to 42 but since then I have switched to a drysuit. You might end up doing the same. Have fun diving and enjoy the experience that cold water brings.

 

[Wayfarer2]

I would go for renting the two piece 7mm suit, be sure to get a good hood, boots and gloves. I did my Ice cert in a 7mm and other than around my mouth I was nice and warm. One thing I had a problem with was my buoyancy and trapping exhaust from my reg in my hood but with practice I think that will fall in to place.

 

[msg]

Since you live in Michigan, I would go ahead and get some cold water experience. Unless of course you are independently wealthy, and can fly to the tropics every time that you want to dive, cold water is where it's at.
I actually enjoy the quarries, even though it is cold, but I like to hunt and it is cold there too. Just get the right thermal protection, and you will be fine. Besides, how will you know that you don't like the cold water, unless you dive it some? Try it with buddies, then perhaps work your way to a drysuit, if the wetsuit isn't warm enough for you. Good luck with your upcoming dives.

 

[scubadude79]

I think the term cold is different for everyone depending on their geographic residence and what they have tried. Myself, I dive in a 7 mm Semi-Dry, 5 mm hood, 5 mm gloves, and 5 mm boots in down to 42F water and I am quite comfortable for up to 45 minutes. I am sure I could go longer and even in colder water without any issues.

Regardless of your choice of gear, make sure that you watch yourself for hypothermia signs and don't push it. Also remember that DCS is more of a risk in colder water environments and you need to adjust your plan to fit that in. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think PADI states to add 10ft to your dive for anything under 54F.

 

[luckydays]

Hey pelagic, Many of us dive in cold water in wet suits. Sometimes, this is the only option you have when money just does not stretch as far as you want it to and dive vacations take lots of time and money. Local is always good as you can have a lot of fun with some really cool people.

I just dove Haigh Quarry this past weekend in a 7mil with a 3 mil shorty on under. 5 mil boots, 5 mil gloves and a 7/5 mil hood. Not hot, not cold except for around the lips. I did three dives in 6 hours. Water temp was 45 degrees on the second dive. Here is the report haigh dive report may 9th. All were good dives. there were 5 of us and only one was wearing a dry suit (but he flooded on his first dive - hehe) the rest of us were wearing some level of hooded vest/3 mil under our 7 mil but it was fine.

You might need to find another shop if they wont sell you what you want so you can dive. If you have the itch and buddies who you trust to take you out there, you need to do it. There is lots to be had in Michigan for diving. You will miss out on a lot of great wreck diving if you only dove in warm water. Post in the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew for more advice or other dive buddies in your neck of the woods.

 

[Xaryo]

and other than around my mouth I was nice and warm.

For that "cool" problem around your mouth, I think that Aqualung made a kind of lips protector that goes around the mouthpiece. I wouldn't dive without it now. And I'm thinking to take another one to place on my octo.

 

[boat sju]

Rent a two piece 7mm. You'll have 14mm of wetsuit around your trunk. I dive a wetsuit, but I'm a wimp and don't hit the water until around the 4th of July based on previous experiences. YMMV

Pelagic,

I just kind of skimmed this thread but while most people have mentioned a 7mm I think what they mean is more in line with the above post. That is, you'll want a 7mm farmer john and jacket this time of year. Some people can get away with less (7mm semi dry for example) but for your first time in water in the low to mid 40's you should stay conservative and go with a LOT of neoprene. Yes the buoyancy is a pain.

I'm normally not this opinionated but I've seen some people try to dive without proper thermal protection and it was downright scary.

 

[Reallydg]

While having a drysuit would be nice, I would say not to let that keep you from diving. I've gotten 21 dives in so far this year, only seven were in warm water. Most were in 43-45 degree temps, two were in 37 degree water (down to 60 feet) and I dove all of them wet and had a great time (and those who know me will tell you - I'm a wimp! I get cold fast.) You'll want good gloves, good hood, and what really helps is a hooded vest, and a good reg that's designed for cold water. And then go diving!

 

[Reallydg]

I just dove Haigh Quarry this past weekend in a 7mil with a 3 mil shorty on under. 5 mil boots, 5 mil gloves and a 7/5 mil hood. Not hot, not cold except for around the lips.


Oh Luckydays - you know we all thought you were hot!

 

[PvtStash]

the BARE Arctic Combo , a 7mm full wetsuit w/ a 7mm over-shorty ... 14mm on your core and when July rolls around, simply ditch the over-shorty...

Dive from April - November np...

Good quality that wont break your bank either... can pick this up for under $300.