Question about hood

[k374]

Hi! I am going to do my OW cert dives next weekend (max 60ft) in Catalina and wanted to know if a hood is usually required in those waters? I do have everything else but the hood. Thanks!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

You can opt out of wearing a hood...but you'll be the only person not wearing one.

That's my way of saying: Yes, you'll need to wear a hood! You'll probably get cold without one. Most people rent the hood along with the rest of the rental equipment (BCD, reg/gauges, tank, weights, etc.) for OW class.

Have fun in your OW training...

 

[orangelion03]

Affirmative.

Not sure what the temps are right now in Avalon, but you would probably want to wear a hood in anything less that 75° (my buddy wears a beanie, but his skull is so thick...never mind...).

Rent one, take it, use it on the first dive. As you finish your dive, swimming back to the steps, take it off and feel the difference.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Forgot to mention that a hood also provides some impact protection in the unlikely event that your noggin threatens to "become one" with any hard surface. In October 2008 on the last dive of our trip, we surfaced to find surf breaking halfway up the entry/exit stairway at the Casino Point UW Park. We knew we were in for a challenging exit when the entire walkway above was filled with a peanut gallery of onlookers. We had to time the waves in order to exit -- practically had to surf a wave in and latch onto the railing before getting sucked back out. A newbie diver in our group panicked. A couple of more experienced divers were injured (bruised ribs) when they couldn't get a grip on the handrail and were subjected to the washing machine at the base of the stairs. One diver swam all the way around to shore and exited at Descanso Beach after 3 unsuccessful attempts to exit at the stairs.

Conditions are usually quite benign there, but they can change rather quickly. Don't get complacent. Be careful and have a great time. It's a great UW park.

 

[fnfalman]

It's all depending on how cold resistant a person is. I've dived without hoods before and in 57F water (which is probably at Catalina right now), it's pretty darn chilly. Do-able, but pretty darn chilly. After two dives, I began to have a headache and put my hood back on.

I wouldn't suggest it for a student. The last thing you need is some serious distraction.

 

[Teamcasa]

Get a hood. You won't regret it.

 

[fnfalman]

If you don't want a full hood in the summer, Pacific Wilderness has a lighter summer hood (in bright neon orange/red color combination) for sales. I like my light summer hood (Not from PacWild).

 

[muddiver]

Hood is optional, I dive in the summer all the time without one. Makes it eaiser to get your mask on.

 

[ligersandtions]

I never dive without a hood....but that's because I hate my hair being all over the place and in the way. However, in socal, a hood is pretty much required. You may be able to get away with it during your OW class because you'll be shallow and the temps are fairly warm....however, you will be more comfortable with the hood, especially when you go deep enough to get below a thermocline (or dive somewhere that's notoriously colder....like PV).

If you're diving wet, consider a hooded vest - the extra thermal protection around the core is nice. If you'll be diving dry (now or eventually), consider getting a custom Otter Bay hood - hate it on land, but love having 12mm of neoprene between my head and the water when I'm diving

 

[blue steal]

I wear a hood even in warm water. It keeps the hair out of my face and keeps my ears warm.
In colder water yes a hood is desired. I use a 7mm for scuba and 3mm for freediving.