Question Preparing physically and mentally for cold water dives

[Vivoazzurro]

Swearing works for me. I hit a cold thermocline and a few "holy s*it"s and similar yelled thru the reg helps me adjust for some reason.

I feel like this might be an underrated method. It definitely falls under mental preparation and I'll be using this technique along with the others I've learned in this thread Thx you!

 

[Walde]

It feels cold in the face only as long as you feel your face.

 

[steinbil]

It feels cold in the face only as long as you feel your face.

This is very true, and also a hilarious post. A work of art. It perfectly portrays my impression of the Finnish culture. Succinct and dark deadpan humor. In my head I heard this line with a Finnish accent and I laughed out loud. Thank you.

 

[Walde]

Inflating DSMB with numb face is an experience, you have use your fingers for holding lips against the pipe, otherwise you just blow bubbles. And it's not cold that hurts, it's the warming up part when whole face starts to tingle.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

As it does for the people in this video, including Dr. Richard Pyle. Cold is relative--the temperatures that are inciting their profanity would not bother someone more suitably dressed.

That’s one of my all time favorites!

 

[TroubleBalko]

Swearing works for me. I hit a cold thermocline and a few "holy s*it"s and similar yelled thru the reg helps me adjust for some reason.

Haha, this is too true, and it certainly does help!

As for what you can do, the biggest one is diving dry and going all-in on it. A hood is a must, as is dry gloves with liners. Having a great undergarment makes all the difference in keeping your core warm. I personally like to wear thick winter thermal socks as well.

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do for the face really. You just expect it's going to go numb. But hey, at least it can't get frost-bitten underwater...

 

[Sascha314]

Proper Suits for the temperature is important. Sudden changes of course impact you more, especially if you do not expect.
I think a hood is most important, because thats protecting the zone where you are breathing.

You could take a few cold showers or like change the temperature to train your breathing. So it is also experience. I try to do a few breaths into the belly to get used to the temperature, which helps me to accomodate. The larger the temperature drop the harder it is.

In the end if you feel uncomfortable you need to ascend, period.

Fun fact: yesterday I had been at around 20 to 25m with 8°C and my semidry. After like 15-20min I started to freeze, but that was ok.
However from time to time, when I get a massage (medical background ... not for "joy") in a warm room, I am so relaxed that even under the towel I am freezing and my body starts to shake.


I wear a motorcycle neopren belt under my suit, so me belly stays warmer longer and is not touched by cold water immediately. As well is a rash guard helping in that sense. Additonally I wear a shorty over my regular suit "ice vest". One has the zipper on the front, the other on the back. So I minimize the direct water exchange and I do not feel a huge amount of cold water instantly.

 

[Umuntu]

Inflating DSMB with numb face is an experience, you have use your fingers for holding lips against the pipe, otherwise you just blow bubbles. And it's not cold that hurts, it's the warming up part when whole face starts to tingle.

Use an inflator hose to inflate your DSMB. Put an extra inflator hose in the unused LP port.

 

[Snusmumrik]

What gear are you using for dives in the sub 50° temp range?

Dry suit. Dry gloves. Fleece under-gloves. 490 Subgear underwear.
Thermal protection clothes.
And last, but not least - 35Wt electic heater west.

Is there anything you can do specifically for the face?

Under-hood or 7mm full-face hood like this

https://opensea.ru/images/catalog/2200001043.jpg