New to drysuit diving, question for Dutch

[ericg753]

I'm working on my drysuit cert and will be going to DS in 2 weeks. I purchased a DUI CF200x, picking up some light undergarments, have 3mm gloves and was advised to buy a 3mm Neosport X-Span hood.

Is 3mm enough for this time of year? I am pretty good with cold water but wondering about that 1st (or 2nd) thermocline. I went to Dutch last year in July, we all bypassed our hoods on the 1st dive and paid for it - water felt like our heads were in dry ice.

Or should I get 5mm?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I actually have a 3 mm, 5mm, and a K01 8mm. My belief is that it's better to spend a few bucks and have what you need. I'd lean towards the 5mm on the 1st dive and if it's too warm, change to the 3 on the second.
For the bottom, you're likely going to want more than a 5mm even.

 

[ericg753]

Thanks Jim, appreciate the advise. They're pretty cheap on LeisurePro, going to add to cart and pay for both 3 and 5mm

 

[pconsidine]

yes 3 mil. gloves & hood are fine for diving at Dutch Springs- this time of year- just remember the first thermacline is about 35 feet down & 2nd one round 70 ft. roughly and that deep south wall remains in high 40's year round. I suggest a 200 gram undergarment ,I use most of time except. when water goes below 40-like in beginning and end of dive season and Feb. Instructor weekend, then I go drysuit gloves & 7 mil hood and 400 gram fourth element undergarments..

 

[ericg753]

yes 3 mil. gloves & hood are fine for diving at Dutch Springs- this time of year- just remember the first thermacline is about 35 feet down & 2nd one round 70 ft. roughly and that deep south wall remains in high 40's year round. I suggest a 200 gram undergarment ,I use most of time except. when water goes below 40-like in beginning and end of dive season and Feb. Instructor weekend, then I go drysuit gloves & 7 mil hood and 400 gram fourth element undergarments..

So since I'm new to dry suit diving, I was told to buy undergarments that wick away water, and to wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt over it. I was told this will be enough for Dutch this time of year.

Eventually I will buy real dry suit undergarments, I don't think I necessarily need to buy from DUI as their prices are pretty expensive, I think I may be able to find dry suit undergarments from another company that are not as expensive.

 

[pconsidine]

I have 2 sets of DUI undergarments, and I suggest you look into fourth element undergarments, they are far & above best made- light weight & extremely warm, just remember the thicker the layers you add- you will have to increase lead. Being a Instructor with well over 200 drysuit dives at Dutch- I would suggest that you plan to bounce a couple of times from Cesna to bottom of Island,that is best way to fine tune your bouyancy in a drysuit. Remember that once you are coming up close to Cesna 20 ft.-make sure to hold your arm up and vent air out of drysuit or you will rapid ascent..

 

[Marie13]

So since I'm new to dry suit diving, I was told to buy undergarments that wick away water, and to wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt over it. I was told this will be enough for Dutch this time of year.

Eventually I will buy real dry suit undergarments, I don't think I necessarily need to buy from DUI as their prices are pretty expensive, I think I may be able to find dry suit undergarments from another company that are not as expensive.

Are the sweatshirt and pants polyester fleece or cotton? Hope they're the former.