I live in the northeast and recently I have been thinking about a drysuit. I know that having one would definitely expand my diving opportunities. I started reading up on them and ran into several articles having to do with the valve/(ahem) condom connection. It sounds like it is uncomfortable, at best (especially the removal part, but a squeeze there is a possibility, too....ouch). Does anybody just drysuit dive wearing Depends? I know that I can't make it through any dive without peeing.
Thoughts?
Late to the thread so haven't read all the comments on this thread. I started my diving in the northeast when I lived in NYC and dove in a 7mm wetsuit. After the first season, I decided to get a drysuit so I could expand my local dive season, and my instructor (who knew I wanted to eventually get into technical diving and cave diving) told me get a P-valve put on my suit when I was ordering my suit. He said I'd need it to stay hydrated for the dives I would be doing.
The P-Valve (plus my She-P for the women divers) were the best investment to my diving after my drysuit purchase. I always have the P-valve connected when I'm diving dry regardless of how long or short the dive may be. With the exception of one buddy who prefers to wear diapers, all my drysuit buddies have a P-valve in their drysuit for the same reasons I do. I have a balanced P-valve so I don't get the squeeze you mentioned.
I enjoy the comfort of knowing I can stay hydrated and not worry about getting out of my gear and drysuit fast enough to hit the bathroom in time. Added benefit when I was diving an off the beaten path Mexican caves where there are no toilets in the wood/jungle. Also great for boat diving so I'm not being knocked around while I'm using "the head" on a boat.
Safe diving, everyone!