What to wear to the boat

[rk288]

I wear a polyester T shirt, swimsuit, racing Speedo (mid thigh length and skin tight) and Crocks. I carry my dive gear in a mesh bag that fits under my seat and take it from there. I get rid of the swimsuit and T shirt, put on sunblock all over then slip into my full 3 mm.
Doesn't get much easier than that. The polyester stuff gets wet but also dries almost instantly in tropical weather. :cool2:

 

[DevonDiver]

I wear a pair of board shorts and a rash vest. Wetsuit just goes over the top when it is time to dive.

If the weather is cooler - rain and/or wind - then I will wear a fleece over the top (especially for the return journey. Chammyz are excellent...and they dry you off quickly apres-dive. The baggy 'Surf Bomber' keeps the wind out, keeps the sun off... and has never failed to keep me comfortable on the way back from a dive site. It also works well as a towel...even drawing the moisture out of my shorts and rash vest quickly.

On my feet.... Classic Crocs. I've been wearing these since I first saw them for sale in Eilat 5 years ago...

 

[TSandM]

It really is important to know what the dive op's procedures are. If there is no room to change on the boat, you will board with your wetsuit at least on to the waist. One thing I have found enormously useful (and I learned this from Aldora Divers on Coz) is to have a windbreaker, preferably a long one, for after the dive, even if you are going to remain in your suit. The wind on a wet suit gets cold very fast, even if air temperatures are warm. People looked at me funny in Hawaii, when I pulled out my Gortex jacket to put on between dives, but I wasn't shivering, and they were

 

[scubasaurus94]

Sun protection is a must as well. Reapply after dives, or you'll be sorry! And bring a hat and sunglasses too.

 

[EevelMonkee]

Plenty of good suggestions already but just to add, you could check out this hoody:
Image for ONeill 24-7 Long Sleeve Hoody Small
Its made of rash guard type material and is meant to provide sun protection and a little warmth. Dries fast if it gets wet.
Also, I wear basic speedo swim shorts (not the banana hammock) and they fit fine under a wetsuit without bunching. Also dry quick after the dive. Similar effect with running shorts, as previously suggested.

 

[SoccerJeni]

I always have at least my skin on, but I do think it's a good idea to put your wetsuit on up to your waist. I'm kind of modest so I don't like being overly exposed, so I would wear a t-shirt too

 

[Token]

Lightweight swim trunks, thin enough that they don't bunch under a wetsuit...long-sleeved polyester T-shirt for warmth/sun protection...brimmed crushable hat and Crocs.

Crocs seem to have lost their 'cool' image, but I find them great for the beach, docks and boat decks...I can't go barefoot or my plantar fascitis flares up...

Putting your wetsuit half on before the boat gets underway is an excellent idea...

 

[miked]

I wear the long baggy "board shorts" for the bus ride to the boat, with the "jammer" -the long, but snug bike type shorts, underneath.When l change into the wetsuit depends on info provided by the dive op/crew.
Good advice re; sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and appropriate footwear for the boat.

 

[40Fathoms]

Depends on the size of the boat. If it's a small boat, like a Zodiac, gear up full before pushing off. If it's a large boat, I usually wear a pair of boxer brief-type swimming shorts with a pair of board shorts on top (primarily to feel a bit more dressed than with just the swimming shorts, but in something that'll dry quickly if it gets wet), and a T-shirt, flip-flops, sunglasses and a hat. When time comes to get into gear, I drop the board shorts and put the wet suit on on top of the swimming shorts.

If it's cooler weather, or you start out early or come back late, a sweater and a part of pants can be nice. Ideally made out of a quick drying material, so perhaps a thin fleece jacket and a pair of travel/trekking pants.

I'd never go commando under a wet suit, neither a rental or my own. The rubber rubs me in ways I don't much care for.

 

[TSandM]

I originally bought Crocs . . . they were great, except that having all the holes in them meant that my feet got wet handling dive gear after the dive. At DEMA a couple of years ago, I saw THESE, which are like Crocs, but you can buy them without any holes in them at all (and in lots of yummy colors). I've been very happy with my Waldies.