Running tights vs. swim leggings

[littlechihiro]

Hi there,

Anybody worn actual running tights for diving? I'm going to Cozumel and was fine last year wearing a rashguard and bikini bottom, but would like to avoid using so much sunscreen. I'm having trouble finding swim tights that aren't see-through but I have a ton of running tights. Not sure how they would hold up in the salt water, though.

 

[WarrenZ]

My friend wears a pair of yoga pants when he Dives didn't seem to bother them.

Of course saltwater will eat anything given enough time.

 

[dberry]

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by running tights, but as far as I can tell there's no huge difference between snug fitting gear sold for surfing, running, swimming, or scuba. Some are called rash guards, others branded differently, but I've mixed and matched on salt water dives and it all seems to hold up fine. YMMV.

 

[AdivingBel]

My wife and I dive the tropics in these http://www.leisurepro.com/p-blrlm/neosport-unisex-lycra-spandex-skin-suit . They are relatively cheap, good sun protection, and offer modest protection against jellies, fire coral, light brushes against metal edges, etc.. I thought they wouldn't last long (but didn't really care since they were cheap), but I have one with well over 100 dives on it with just a small abrasion from my webbing. I use two in rotation so one can be drying (dries fast) while I'm diving the other. Not a solution for warmth, but if you're not cold averse (we aren't, as we're used to long swims & floats in a cool river) these can be a good option compared to rash guards and board shorts/bikini bottoms (whatever floats your boat).

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

We offer a package deal which provides a discount when you buy the lycra pants, lycra hood and the top which has lycra arms and 1.5 mm neoprene panels on the front and back of the torso.

This combination should provide near total protection from sun and stings, on the boat and in the water. You can of course, buy the pants separately.

Dive Skin Rashguard 3 Piece Package | MAKO Spearguns

 

[tarponchik]

Look for durability. Swimming Lycra is generally made of better and more solid fabrics than running tights.

 

[littlechihiro]

Thanks for the input, everybody!

 

[outofofficebrb]

Check out Carve Designs. They have swim tops and bottoms that are fitted, like leggings, that would suit your purposes.