When it comes to diving in warm waters, the question often arises: should you wear a wetsuit? While it might seem unnecessary when the water temperature is so comfortable that you could easily dive in a swimsuit, there are several reasons why wearing a wetsuit, even a thin one, can be beneficial.
Protection Against the Elements
One of the primary reasons divers choose to wear wetsuits in warm waters is for protection. A full wetsuit provides significant protection against sunburn when you’re at the surface. This is especially important during extended periods of time on the boat or at the surface interval between dives.
Underwater, a wetsuit protects you from abrasions, stings, and scrapes. Coral, rocks, and various marine organisms can cause cuts or stings. A wetsuit serves as a barrier, reducing the risk of injury. This is crucial for maintaining skin integrity and preventing infections, which can be a serious concern in a marine environment.
Improved Buoyancy and Trim
Wetsuits, even thin ones, contribute to buoyancy. Divers often struggle with maintaining proper trim and buoyancy, especially when wearing jacket-style BCDs (buoyancy control devices) which tend to make divers float in a vertical position. A wetsuit helps counteract this by adding buoyancy to your legs, helping you achieve a more horizontal position in the water. This streamlined position reduces drag, making your dives more efficient and less tiring.
Compression and Endurance
Athletes often wear compression garments to improve endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. A wetsuit provides similar benefits for divers. The slight compression of the neoprene can help you feel more secure and can enhance your stamina underwater. This can be particularly beneficial during long dives or when dealing with strong currents.
Versatility and Preparedness
A full wetsuit offers versatility in various diving conditions. For instance, if you’re diving in an area with a high likelihood of encountering jellyfish, a wetsuit can provide crucial protection against their stings. Similarly, in environments with potential contact with sharp objects or marine life that can cause harm, having that extra layer of neoprene can make a significant difference.
Gloves in Warm Water Diving
The decision to wear gloves in warm water diving depends largely on the legal regulations of the dive site and the specific tasks you plan to undertake.
Legal Considerations
In some diving locations, the use of gloves is restricted or even banned to discourage divers from touching and damaging delicate marine environments, particularly coral reefs. Always check the regulations of the dive site before deciding to wear gloves.
Task-Specific Needs
If it’s legal and the dive involves tasks where hand protection is beneficial, such as holding onto anchor lines or interacting with marine life or underwater structures, wearing gloves is advisable. For instance, during drift dives where you might need to grab onto lines or rocky outcrops to stabilize yourself, gloves provide protection against abrasions and cuts.
For tasks requiring dexterity, like photography or managing delicate equipment, the decision becomes more nuanced. Thin gloves, such as those made from 1.5mm neoprene, can offer a balance between protection and dexterity. However, for highly detailed work, divers might prefer to go without gloves to maintain full tactile sensitivity.
Personal Preferences
Some divers, like Gus in the discussion, prefer to wear gloves in almost all situations for the added protection and security they provide. Others, like Doug, opt to carry gloves in a pocket and only put them on when necessary. This approach allows for flexibility and readiness without compromising dexterity when it is needed most.
Wetsuit vs. Drysuit in Moderate Temperatures
When diving in water temperatures around 72°F (22°C), the choice between a wetsuit and a drysuit often comes down to personal comfort and the specifics of the dive.
Wetsuit Advantages
Wetsuits are generally simpler to use and require less maintenance compared to drysuits. They are easier to don and doff and are typically less cumbersome. In moderate temperatures, a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit can provide adequate warmth without the complexity of a drysuit. Additionally, wetsuits allow for more freedom of movement and are ideal for shorter, recreational dives where the water is not exceedingly cold.
Drysuit Advantages
Drysuits offer superior thermal protection and are ideal for longer dives or when diving in colder conditions. They provide consistent insulation regardless of depth, as they do not compress like wetsuits. This makes them a better choice for deeper dives where the water temperature drops significantly.
Drysuits also keep you dry, which can be more comfortable during surface intervals, especially in cooler weather. They allow you to adjust the level of insulation by varying the thickness of the undergarments worn beneath the suit, offering more flexibility in different temperature ranges.
Personal Preferences and Dive Conditions
Ultimately, the choice between a wetsuit and a drysuit is a personal one. Some divers, like Woody, prefer the simplicity of a wetsuit and will opt for it as long as the water temperature is tolerable. Others, like Doug, might choose based on the length and depth of the dive, favoring drysuits for more challenging conditions.
While it might seem counterintuitive to wear a wetsuit in warm water, the benefits of protection, buoyancy, compression, and versatility make it a wise choice for many divers. Similarly, the decision to wear gloves or choose between a wetsuit and a drysuit depends on the specific conditions and tasks at hand. By considering these factors, divers can enhance their comfort, safety, and overall diving experience.