Wetsuit for cold water diving

[mathauck0814]

Why are you in such a hurry to get your divemaster? At 0-49 dives you're not ready to lead and teach other divers. Take your time and spend your money on diving. You can pick up a used drysuit for a few hundred dollars and spend the next few years diving and learning the skills you'll need when you're ready to be a DM or eventually an instructor when you get that far. Don't rush into it.

 

[DevonDiver]

As a potential DM, you're supposed to be a role-model... that includes using the correct kit for the job; especially in regards to exposure protection where low water temperature is a serious hazard/risk.

If you are uncomfortable in a wetsuit in those temperatures (likely), then you should recognise that using one is just a short-cut based on cost issues. A professional level diver, acting as a role-model, shouldn't take short-cuts.

Cost of a drysuit is an issue - that is understood. But then again... it's a commitment you make when you transition into being a pro-level diver.

Many inexperienced divers, who are seeking to be pros, underestimate the cost/time/effort commitment required. You will be poor... you will be cold... you will be exhausted regularly.

If that commitment deters you, then it's time to re-think and/or defer your progression to that level.

 

[sayang]

A crappy, used drysuit is still warmer than a new, really nice wetsuit.

Lol. I've thought about that. I'm looking for a second hander but I haven't found anything yet. Still looking!

I can still get alterations done on an older suit right?

 

[Kunundrum]

yes within reason, shortening arms and legs are usually a non issue, but lengthening is harder.

 

[swamp diver]

For $999 you can purchase either the Scubapro Everdry 4 neoprene dry suit or the Bare Techdry laminate suit. Those are prices available here in Toronto and I'm sure you can find the same in Mtl. For teaching in 2 C water don't bother with a wetsuit.

Dive - Products - Drysuits - TRILAM TECH DRY - Men's
| Scuba Diving Magazine

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

If I were you I would get a drysuit. There are custom suit makers out there that can make you a 1/2" (13mm) suit but those are $1000 plus dollars.
I have a 1/2" commercial urchin diving wetsuit but it's not entirely suitable for recreational diving.
It's designed for work off a boat for hours in very cold water on hookah.
There are mobility issues with a suit that thick.

Getting into specialized commercial wetsuits, where to find a builder, what style, features, different material chioces etc., is beyond the realm of most recreational divers.
Just get a drysuit in your price range, you'll be much better off.

 

[sayang]

As a potential DM, you're supposed to be a role-model... that includes using the correct kit for the job; especially in regards to exposure protection where low water temperature is a serious hazard/risk.

If you are uncomfortable in a wetsuit in those temperatures (likely), then you should recognise that using one is just a short-cut based on cost issues. A professional level diver, acting as a role-model, shouldn't take short-cuts.

Cost of a drysuit is an issue - that is understood. But then again... it's a commitment you make when you transition into being a pro-level diver.

Many inexperienced divers, who are seeking to be pros, underestimate the cost/time/effort commitment required. You will be poor... you will be cold... you will be exhausted regularly.

If that commitment deters you, then it's time to re-think and/or defer your progression to that level.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[sayang]

Thanks everyone for the advice!! I've done tonnes of research this evening and have found some viable options.

Go go gadget Drysuit!

 

[mathauck0814]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Maybe I'm just hormonal but your post made me want to cry.

I do think it's somewhat unfair to say that just because a person CAN'T afford some of the higher cost equipment means that they aren't committed enough to deserve to work towards higher level certifications. I'm working my ass off both for the DM course and at school and am eating humble pie here admitting that I can't afford some of the gear.

I feel like what you're saying is akin saying only rich people deserve to go to university.

Just if anyone else is in a similar position to me...it's super hard and very expensive but I'm managing and you can too. People at my dive school have been supportive and the community in general has lots of great advice.

Perhaps no one's ever told you this, but life isn't fair. Diving isn't cheap. I, too, came into scuba diving in college and I chased it as far as my pocket would allow. Funny thing was, there was a time when I wanted to go farther and I couldn't afford it so I had to stop pursuing those goals for a few years and pick it up when my income had caught up to my ambitions.

Regardless - you're missing the most important aspect. You CAN be an effective DM and students WILL overlook the fact that you choose the wrong equipment for the environment. In order to pull that off you're going to have to ooze experience; which you don't have.

So again, slow down. Do some more diving, get a few hundred dives in a number of environments and differing conditions under your belt. Spend time working with experienced divers, adopt and adapt their techniques and begin to think critically about your technique and decision making abilities. This stuff doesn't happen overnight.

 

[DevonDiver]

I do think it's somewhat unfair to say that just because a person CAN'T afford some of the higher cost equipment means that they aren't committed enough to deserve to work towards higher level certifications. I'm working my ass off both for the DM course and at school and am eating humble pie here admitting that I can't afford some of the gear.

I feel like what you're saying is akin saying only rich people deserve to go to university.

I'm really not saying that.

I really can't begin to describe the sacrifices I've made in order to be a working dive pro. I sold everything I had, gave up a good career and followed my dream. Every day since has been a struggle. I live day-by-day, month-by-month. Diving comes first...and it is expensive. There's been periods where I've eaten nothing but plain rice and drunk water every day for weeks. There's been times when I've spent money on kit, insurance or memberships rather than day-to-day 'essentials'. I've sweltered living in tin huts with a fan only in hot tropical climes. I've watched friends and customers come and go with the latest smart phones, computers, fashion trends, gadgets and other lifestyle desirables.... and made do without any of them. For the last year I've been developing my business as a freelance/independent technical diving instructor... the money spent on necessary equipment has been staggering... and that's on an income of less than $6000 a year (I work in the Philippines). Literally every cent, except rent and basic sustenance, has been spent to fund my diving goals.

You want to do the DM course "now", but you are still at school. That's fine... but.... there's obviously a sacrifice you won't make to pursue your diving dream. So defer that dream. The only other option is to take cost-driven short-cuts... which is a bad habit to get in and serves to undermine what you are actually trying to achieve.

If diving is a 'hobby', then do you need the instant gratification of becoming a DM now? Do you intend to work as a DM afterwards? If so, why bother with schooling? If you're in school so that you can develop a proper career upon graduation... why the rush to become a DM?

If you can't afford to buy a drysuit... got nothing to sell, nothing to give up or sacrifice to save for it... then you'd have to be the poorest student in the western world. What I think is that you're under-appreciating the word "commitment".