Dry suit diving - What is it and is it more convenient?
When winter approaches many people think that the diving season is over, and that they must wait a few months for summer to return to have fun in the depths again. However, the reality is different, dry suit diving allows you to dive without waiting weeks for the sun to return. Read on, we explain it all here.
Scuba diving is an activity to be enjoyed all year round, and dropping temperatures are no longer a problem thanks to this special type of suit that allows you to withstand the cold.
But, what is a dry wetsuit? To give you an idea, these suits are those that allow you to have a better insulation, avoiding contact with water and keeping you dry inside them, as well as regulating your body temperature. Therefore, protection from the cold and waterproofing are the two great advantages they offer you.
Now, what other benefits can we get from using drysuits for diving and what should we take into account before diving with this type of clothing? We will tell you in detail in our post.
How do dry wetsuits work?
These suits, unlike conventional suits, are not tight to the diver's body, but are loose-fitting. This is due to the fact that their system consists of sealing themselves with air inside and thus keeping you dry. To fulfill this important function, they have valves that allow air to enter and exit.
It is very important to mention that these suits are very delicate, so you must be very careful when putting them on and taking them off, because the slightest tear will turn it into a big sieve and you will get soaked inside, completely losing its main usefulness.
When you put it on you must calibrate the air inside to avoid complications, because a good level of air inside the suit will allow you to offer greater buoyancy. However, to balance, it is necessary to add extra ballast weight such as ankle belts to avoid affecting the dive.
In terms of maintaining your body temperature, you should wear thermal suits or garments underneath your diving drysuits to ensure your protection. The reason is that, depending on the type, it may or may not give you more protection from the cold.
Types of Dry Diving Suits
The drysuit has different versions that adapt to different situations and requirements when it comes to our dive. Below, we tell you which are the available alternatives and how they can fit you:
- Trilaminate or Membrane Dry Wetsuit: It is made up of 3 layers of various materials that give it great strength and flexibility, so it offers great freedom of movement.
However, this material does not guarantee much protection against low temperatures, so you should wear thicker thermal garments under the suit to protect you from the cold. In addition, they do not compress at depth, so they require great control of the air inside. - Neoprene diving drysuit: Being the best known of all, (in any of its versions, either normal or compressed) its main feature is the thermal insulation it offers, which makes you do not need to wear such heavy thermal garments.
In addition, they are compressed at depth so they lose buoyancy and a little insulation, all this makes them preferred by many divers, as they are easier to maneuver and do not allow so many internal air bubbles to form. - Vulcanized Rubber Dry Suit: It is one of the most resistant, but at the same time the heaviest and most uncomfortable and, therefore, with the most limited mobility. Because of this, its use is frequent only in the professional field and in toxic or contaminated environments.
Advantages of using a Dry Suit for Diving
Dry suit diving is an excellent alternative to dive and enjoy the depths even in winter seasons. Here's how it can make your dive much safer and more enjoyable:
- First of all, it protects you from the cold, which decreases the possibility of hypothermia or decompression sickness (due to less nitrogen absorption).
- It keeps you warm and dry, plus you can wear thermal clothing underneath or breathable overalls.
- You can enjoy diving in any season without worrying about lower temperatures. Also, expand your range of dive sites, as you will not be limited by the cold and enjoy new experiences safely.
- Thanks to the air inside the suit your metabolism will not be accelerated as much, which means you consume less oxygen and can therefore enjoy longer dives.
Tips for dry suit diving
Now that you know all the advantages of using a dry suit for diving, we will give you some recommendations to make your experience safe and unforgettable:
- Wear a thermal coverall indoors to maximize the regulation of your body temperature.
- Learn how to use the suit's valves, so you know how to manage buoyancy, pressure and air distribution. In this way, you will avoid air concentration in any one area.
- Practice at shallow depths in confined water until you master the techniques and use of the suit.
- When diving in icy waters it is essential that you wear insulating gloves and a full-face helmet as well.
- Keep your drysuit zippers greased and remember to clean them with fresh water after each dive. This way you will avoid problems or complications with the suit.
- Plan ahead for each dive, and decide what type of suit you will use and all the equipment.
- Control all your movements and avoid sudden temperature changes. Constant physical activity causes a subsequent cooling of the body which is not convenient in this situation.
- Be very careful with underwater currents, which are usually much stronger in colder waters.
- If you feel very cold, it is best to delay decompression and warm up with the suit still on and decompress very slowly to avoid decompensation.
- Don't be discouraged. Although at the beginning the use of the suit may seem complicated, with perseverance and attention you will master it and you will be able to continue adventuring without being limited by the temperature of the water. In the same way, so that you can dive with more confidence, we recommend you to get advice from a diving center in Lanzarote.
Dry suit diving will enhance and broaden your diving experiences, while allowing you to enjoy and explore wonderful places all year round.
Remember that if you have any questions or would like more information, you can write to us in the comments section and we will be happy to assist you promptly. You can also contact us directly for more personalized advice.
