What do you consider to be ideal air temp for diving dry?
question for drysuit divers
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Well, the ideal air temp depends on the amount of insulation I'm wearing, which depends on the water temp. With that in mind though, assuming water temps from 30 to 65 degrees, I'd say a cool air temp of 45 to 55 degrees. Cloudy, until I after the dives and then the sun comes out. 
But, I did wear my Fusion drysuit in Hawaii with very little insulation. The air temp was a perfect 75 degrees with a slight breeze, and I was extremely comfortable out of the water. In fact, much more comfortable than I would have been in a full wetsuit.
But, I did wear my Fusion drysuit in Hawaii with very little insulation. The air temp was a perfect 75 degrees with a slight breeze, and I was extremely comfortable out of the water. In fact, much more comfortable than I would have been in a full wetsuit.
piikki
Contributor
Not too hot, not too cold, so I don't get too sweaty gearing up nor need to hurry getting into my suit before my hands are too cold and it will bite me during the dive.
I am very bad with Fahrenheit but ideal would be around 50-60F I think. Wind and shade have a lot to do with it too. And always cooler for first dive and boat dives, and can warm up a bit for surface intervals and consequent dives.
I am very bad with Fahrenheit but ideal would be around 50-60F I think. Wind and shade have a lot to do with it too. And always cooler for first dive and boat dives, and can warm up a bit for surface intervals and consequent dives.
The thermal protection is determined by water temperature, I wear the DUI active wear so if it is warm(over 65) out of the water, I can peel off the top layer be comfy and not over heating on the boat, and still be warm in cold(less than 60 degrees) water.
The ideal air temperature, here in Puget Sound, for me would be about 60 if the sun is out, or probably up to 75 or so if it's overcast. In warmer water, I'm pretty comfortable up to the low 80's because I wear so much less undergarment.
I don't consider air temp when I dive dry. When I am on a surface interval, I have pulled my dry suit to my waist and it hangs from its suspenders. If I am cold on the surface, I add a boat coat. If I'm too warm, I shed a layer of undergarment until I'm ready to dive again.
I have only done a few dives in my drysuit since I got it late in the season. I think I will be diving dry most of the time around here. The water temps only get to the mid 60's at their highest, although the air temperature may be 80+. I would rather be a bit warm before I get into the water, than cold the whole time I am in the water. So to me the air temperature doesn't mean much to me.
Using a variety of undergarments, I will dive nearly any temperature with my drysuit. If the surface temps are warm you just peel off layers.
Saying that, I have not taken it to an 80-80 location.
Saying that, I have not taken it to an 80-80 location.
Codiak
Contributor
Water temp determines if I'm diving dry or wet... below 70f I prefer dry.
Delta air/water = +/- 20 degrees of water temp
The only times I'm really bothered by air temp is when it's too fraking warm. Going from 98f air temp to a 43f water temp below thermals... *shiver*
Delta air/water = +/- 20 degrees of water temp
The only times I'm really bothered by air temp is when it's too fraking warm. Going from 98f air temp to a 43f water temp below thermals... *shiver*
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