Warm water bibbed hood to protect against jellies

[dianna912]

You know how they say “moon jellies shouldn’t cause much of a reaction in most people” and “moon jelly nematocysts don’t penetrate the skin.”

Welp, I am that “certain person” who really reacts, and it just keeps getting worse. I’m to the point where I can’t even go in the ocean to swim without covering almost my entire body to protect again just the larvae.

Yesterday, I managed surface directly into the underside of a moon jelly. I do check before I surface, but this was 5 feet of water and a super bright sun obscured the jelly that seems to have found the perfect blind spot.

It hurt something fierce. The back of my neck has actual blistered burns. Also, some particles managed to make it into my wetsuit, so I’ve got dermatitis all down my back and around my sides. Along with my hands, and lower jaw.

I’m now trying to figure out some sort of protection. First choice: a bibbed ski mask that will fit a regulator and mask, lol.

Realistic choice: a 1mm bibbed hood. But the bib can’t be the puny thing that barely goes under the wetsuit, I’m wanting the size of the collar on a nun’s habit.

I do have a vest, and ironically, this was the only day I didn’t wear it, and didn’t see any jellies on our three hour dive until the culprit in question. But it’s cumbersome to get in and out of, and too hot for these late summer dives.

Does anyone have recommendations?

Pictures for the curious:

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

For your case, I'd probably go with something like a lycra Balaclava.......tucked into a wetsuit or rashguard.

 

[dianna912]

For your case, I'd probably go with something like a lycra Balaclava.......tucked into a wetsuit or rashguard.

I haven’t had luck with Lycra baclavas, unfortunately. They move too much in the water and will get the microscopic stingers stuck inside them, creating more stings.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Sorry to hear about the Sting!

We offer a rash guard hood that might be exactly what you are looking for:

Camo Spearfishing Rash Guard Hood

The MAKO Spearguns Lycra Camo Hood is perfect for warm water diving to protect against sunburns, jellyfish, and dont forget Trigger Fish

makospearguns.com

We also have some inexpensive 2 mm neoprene hoods that are not too warm and would provide even better protection:

Wetsuit Hood 2mm Reversible Blue Camo/Green Camo - CLEARANCE

The MAKO Spearguns 2mm Wetsuit Hood is great for colder days and the ergonomic fitting hood comfortably conforms to your head and securely tucks inside your suit.

makospearguns.com

 

[DogDiver]

You’re a good candidate for a hooded vest underneath your wetsuit. And a Full Facemask. Should solve your issues.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

You can't go wrong with either of Dano's (MAKO) recommendations.

 

[Damselfish]

I haven’t had luck with Lycra baclavas, unfortunately. They move too much in the water and will get the microscopic stingers stuck inside them, creating more stings.

I normally wear a chinstrap type hoodie. I have a lycra baclava for potentially stingy nights, I wear the hoodie over it and that helps prevent shifting. Obviously still leaves you vulnerable if the lycra is just not enough