How to stay warm diving in winter

Recommendation 1: Choose a wetsuit of appropriate thickness

Selecting the appropriate thickness of wetsuit is a crucial step in cold-water diving, as it will help you stay comfortable and warm underwater.

When diving in Melbourne during winter, due to the lower water temperatures, it is generally recommended to choose a wetsuit with a thickness of 7 mm or more to provide sufficient insulation to keep you warm.

• Keeping the Core Warm: You can also consider adding insulation to your core area, such as wearing a diving vest underneath your wetsuit.
• Using Proper Diving Accessories: Choosing the right diving accessories is also important. For example, use diving boots to protect your feet, wear a hood to prevent heat loss from your head, and use thick diving gloves to keep your hands warm. These accessories will help reduce heat loss.
• Regulating Body Temperature: Prior to diving, ensure good physical condition and avoid fatigue or illness. During the dive, maintain moderate movement and circulation, avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity to keep you warm enough.
• Equipping with Warm Gear: Warmth on land is equally important. Melbourne’s coastal areas are often windy, and a significant amount of cold air can take away your body heat. While traveling to and from dive sites, wearing windproof clothing and consuming warm drinks can help maintain your body heat.
• Dive Buddy and Safety: In cold-water diving, the importance of a dive buddy becomes more prominent. Make sure to dive with an experienced dive buddy and strictly adhere to safety procedures and dive plans. Note that cold-water diving requires extra preparation and attention as the low temperature environment has a greater impact on the body. Before engaging in any diving activity, ensure proper dive training and follow diving safety principles.

The size of a wetsuit has a significant impact on its insulation properties. Here are some tips for selecting the right size of a wetsuit:

• Snug Fit: The wetsuit should fit snugly against the body to minimize the space for cold water to enter. If the wetsuit is too big or loose, it can allow cold water to flow through and reduce its insulation effectiveness. A properly fitting wetsuit that matches your body size can better prevent cold water entry and form an insulation layer.
• Insulation Layer: When the wetsuit is the right size, it can create a thin insulation layer between your body and the suit. This insulation layer helps reduce heat loss in lower water temperatures to keep you warm.
• Flexibility: Having a wetsuit that fits properly allows for the diver’s flexibility and freedom of movement. Wetsuits that are too big or too small can restrict the diver’s range of motion, making it difficult to move and dive comfortably.
• Barrier Effect: A wetsuit of the appropriate size can fully cover the body’s surface and create a barrier, reducing the space for water to enter the suit. This helps to block cold water and minimize heat loss.

Remember, it’s important to try on and test different sizes of wetsuits to find the one that provides the best fit and insulation for your body shape and size.Therefore, choosing a wetsuit that fits your body size is crucial. It is recommended to try on different sizes of wetsuits and select a size that provides a snug but not overly tight fit. If the wetsuit is too big or too small, it can reduce its insulation performance and may result in an uncomfortable or unsafe diving experience. Our knowledgeable store staff and experienced diving instructors can provide wetsuit recommendations that are suitable for your body size.

Recommendation 2: Water Proof Heated Diving Undersuit

Using an electrically heated vest can provide additional warmth during cold-water diving, especially in situations with low water temperatures and extended dive times.

For example, the VENTURE HEAT PRO V2 Waterproof Heated Diving Undersuit can be used as a liner for both wetsuits and drysuits. Its design caters to both diving environments, making it suitable to wear underneath a diving suit or as a standalone thermal undergarment.

• The heating elements of this heated vest are located in the front and back, ensuring adequate warmth to the core area. The heating elements in the front and back are designed to distribute heat evenly, effectively providing warmth and keeping you comfortable throughout the diving process.
• This heated vest offers multiple heating settings to cater to individual preferences and environmental temperatures. You can choose from high, medium, or low temperature settings based on your temperature control needs. This allows you to adjust the heating effect of the vest to keep you warm no matter you are in extremely cold underwater environments or slightly cooler waters.
• Depending on the selected setting, it can provide continuous heating for 210 to 430 minutes. This gives you ample usage time to meet the requirements of most diving activities. Depending on the duration of your dive and the coldness of the environment, you can choose the appropriate heating setting to balance comfort and battery usage time.
• You can adjust the temperature at any time during your dive using the wireless tactile feedback wrist remote control. By pressing the buttons, you can select the desired temperature setting. The remote control will light up, and the temperature controller on the vest will also light up and vibrate, providing intuitive feedback.
• This heated vest has a maximum operating depth of 300 feet (100 meters). It possesses sufficient waterproofing and pressure resistance capabilities, making it suitable for use in deep-water diving. Whether you are engaging in shallow water diving or deep-sea exploration, this heated vest can provide comfortable warmth for you.

Recommendation 3: Drysuit

Drysuits are designed with seals at the wrists and neck, effectively keeping the diver’s body dry. Additionally, the boots of a drysuit are typically attached to the suit, so you only need to wear a diving hood and gloves to keep your head and hands warm. This design allows a drysuit to keep your body warm even in lower surface temperatures or strong sea winds. When you come out of the water, you only need to dry your face, hair, and hands.

With the use of seals, drysuits effectively prevent water and cold air from entering the suit. This means that your body remains dry throughout the dive and is not affected by external conditions. Therefore, you can easily keep warm even diving in cold water. In contrast, a wetsuit retains a layer of water inside after diving, causing the body to lose heat more quickly.

How to choose the right drysuit ?

1.Choosing the material for your drysuit

The types of drysuits can be broadly categorized into two main categories: snug-fitting neoprene drysuit and more flexible trilaminate drysuit.

• Neoprene Drysuit

Drysuits made of neoprene have a similar appearance to wetsuits. Comparing to trilaminate drysuits, neoprene drysuits have a tighter fit, which doesn’t allow enough space to accommodate thick undergarments. Nevertheless, they do provide some insulation protection as the neoprene material is much thicker than laminate materials. For example, the EVERDRY 4 drysuit has a thickness of 4mm, providing a certain level of insulation.

• Trilaminate Drysuit

These laminated drysuits are thinner and less bulky. As the mainstream material for dry suits, many divers prefer this style because it is lighter, easier to transport and store. These materials also do not absorb water during diving, allowing them to dry quickly after the dive. Unlike drysuits made of neoprene, the insulation of these suits mainly depends on the material and thickness of the undergarments worn underneath. Due to their looser fit, there are more options for undergarments, and they are easier to put on and take off. This is another characteristic of laminated nylon dry suits, allowing for adjustment of undergarment thickness based on water temperature. Undergarments provide consistent warmth as they do not compress. Regardless of depth, divers have the same level of insulation, which is beneficial for cold water or deep diving. Different thicknesses of undergarments are chosen for diving in water with varying temperatures. Professional undergarments have excellent antimicrobial, moisture absorption and sweat release properties. Even if water enters the dry suit or the skin sweats, the water is effectively removed from the skin. Additionally, their high insulation fabric reduces their volume, allowing for less weight required when wearing professional undergarments.

2. Choosing the brand

Brand Recommendations：

EVERTECH DRY BREATHABLE DRYSUIT

The updated Evertech Dry Breathable is a premium trilaminate drysuit designed for avid divers. Built with a breathable fabric nylon/PU/nylon trilaminate blend, stitched and waterproof taped seams, a diagonal front waterproof zipper, a Si-Tech ring seal system and Si-Tech valves, this drysuit is top quality throughout. For 2019, a neoprene neck collar has been added to keep the hood in place, the Si-Tech valves are now mounted on stitched and glued pads to ensure trouble-free airflow control, and the attached semi-rigid dive boots feature new soft yet protective soles. Large cargo pockets and blue suspenders are among the features included on a suit designed to keep you warm, dry and comfortable in all water conditions.

Avatar is reinforced on the knees, crotch, elbows and buttocks with a thicker nylon Oxford fabric (a special weave of fibers), which serves to protect areas more exposed to abrasion or puncture.

Waterproof plastic zipper at the front, whose location is extremely important for self-donning and doffing the suit, is covered by a pleat protecting the teeth of the zipper against sand or dirt.

Latex neck seal is protected by neoprene insulation, which also serves as an overlap on the collar of the neoprene hood.

Inside the suit there are braces, which allow you to keep the suit in the right position on the body after putting on the undersuit.

Avatar is maintained in matching, elegant colors of navy blue, black and white.

You will look great in it.

Each suit that comes out of the production line is specially checked for full water tightness, precision of craft and finish. Each one is cleaned and packed with the user in mind.

The men’s version of the drysuit is available in 12 and the women’s version in 8 standard sizes.

ARGONAUT 2.0 (STEALTH)

• The Argonaut 2.0 drysuit uses the award winning BIOMAP® system to create a bespoke pattern unique to the diver.
• At the heart of the pattern development was the quest for improved mobility, stronger construction, greater streamlining, easier gas management, lighter weight and easier donning and doffing, but most importantly, the introduction of improved men’s and women’s patterns that fit beautifully.
• This system, coupled with our online ordering platform allows complete control over suit design and specification. You can customise your wrist seals, neck seals, dump/inflate valves, boot type, pockets and P-valves to tailor the suit to your needs.
• Each suit comes with Argo Dry Bag , Changing Mat and choice of neoprene hood . Also includes talcum powder, field repair kit, drysuit feed hose and silicone zip lube.
• Achieves European Standard EN 14225 – 2: 2005 for Drysuits in accordance with EU Directive 89/686/EEC.
• Users include: Long Beach Fire Department, British Special Forces and US National Park Service.

Key Features

NECK

• HD latex neck seal as standard, other options available
• Neoprene warm-neck collar

TORSO

• Choice of Apeks or Si-Tech inflate and exhaust valves
• YKK Aquaseal zipper with protective outer
• Cross-chest entry, maximising flexibility and ease of donning and doffing
• Telescopic torso design allows maximum range of movement
• Internal adjustable braces
• Elasticated adjustable crotch strap

WRISTS

• HD latex wrist seals as standard, other options available

LEGS

• Two large thigh pockets (one or none also available)
• Wetnotes sleeve inside each pocket
• Bungee loops and steel D-ring in each pocket
• Additional small zipped pocket on pocket flap
• Secure hook and loop fastening

REINFORCEMENTS

• Duratex panels reinforce key wear areas including shoulders, elbows, knees and seat
• Flat seams are taped inside and out for strength and reliability
• Duratex taping is used to protect the outer seams from abrasion

BOOTS

• Choice of dryboots or neoprene socks, other options available
• Reinforced at heel and toes for maximum strength and dexterity
• Include ergonomic footbed to maximise comfort
• Retaining ankle straps and adjustable hook and loop fastening

E.LITE PLUS / E.MOTION PLUS /E.LITE / E.MOTION

As a well-established brand in technical diving drysuits, you have the option to choose the material for your SANTI drysuit and customize the colors available on our website. SANTI offers 16 sizes for men and 12 sizes for women, suitable for most standard, tall, or short body types.

Measurements should be taken according to the provided instructions, and the most suitable size can be found in our size chart. If assistance is needed, please consult Ocean Divers, as we can adjust the standard size’s leg and arm lengths within the price range.

If you are unable to find a matching size, SANTI offers the best custom-made dry suits in the market. SANTI’s custom-made suits are tailored based on up to 24 body measurement points.

Please contact our professional staff to assist you with the measurements.

E.Lite+ drysuit presents an optimal and advanced combination of durability and modern textile technology dedicated to extreme sports. The E.Lite+ model is based on the exceptional quality of the E.Lite model, however, it has been supplemented with a new, flexible and soft to the touch fabric, which even further increases the comfort of diving. Critical points, particularly vulnerable to damage and abrasion, have been adequately protected with a durable E.Lite fabric, which was created exclusively for Santi.

Both functionalities combined in a modern and elegant, maximally ergonomic cut ensure the highest comfort and convenience during the dive. E.Lite+ protects exactly where it is necessary and at the same time guarantees exceptional mobility.

The suit is equipped as standard with a new hood with an innovative cut, sewn from a very flexible neoprene. The outer shell is covered with jersey while the inner coating is of the “smooth skin” type. The new hood perfectly adapts to the shape of the head, it is easy to put on and take off, even after soaking. Very comfortable, does not compress.

The lightness and softness of the suit makes it perfect for travel. Its unique strength properties will satisfy even the most demanding cave and wreck divers. The suit is dedicated to both heavy technical as well as recreational and sport diving.

E.Motion+ drysuit comes as optimal and ultimate combination of lightness and flexibility from E.Motion drysuit and E.Lite fabric exclusive durability. Both functionalities combined in modern and elegant cut provide the highest comfort while diving.

E.Motion+ protects you where necessary, keeping the mobility during demanding decompression dives at the same time. E.Motion+ is also a perfect choice for beginners in recreational diving who appreciate highest comfort of the first moments spent underwater.

E.Motion+ design is based on the two flagship models: E.Motion and E.Lite, combining the greatest advantages of the used cut and fabrics to provide maximum protection at neuralgic places exposed to possible damage and best diving ergonomics. E.Motion+ is available in 36 color options that allow you to create a unique and elegant version of drysuit according to your own preferences.

E.Motion+ is equipped in standard with a new, innovative SANTI Smart Seals® system – soft rings that allow on very easy and quick exchange for any seals you freely preferred or have
at hand.

3. Choosing the right accessories

Brands like SANTI and Fourth Element offer many accessory customization options to tailor your drysuit according to your diving preferences, ensuring a more convenient and comfortable diving experience.

• When purchasing a dry suit, an important choice to consider is the type of foot design you prefer.
  • There are two options: integrated boots or integrated socks with external boots. Many people find integrated boots stylish and convenient, eliminating the need to wear separate boots. However, if the inside of your drysuit becomes damp or flooded, a drysuit with integrated boots cannot be turned inside out from the bottom. Therefore, you’ll need to dry the interior promptly to prevent any odor. Having socks at the end of the dry suit may provide added comfort during extended wear and also facilitate easier storage of the dry suit. You can choose different styles of diving boots to wear over your socks. A drysuit with separate boots allows the entire inside to be turned out for easier cleaning and maintenance.
• The neck seal and wrist seals are also crucial parts of a drysuit. Tight seals can constrict your skin and may cause “drysuit marks,” while loose seals allow water to enter, defeating the purpose of a dry suit. Depending on your dry suit brand, you can choose between neoprene, latex, or silicone seals, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Neoprene seals: Neoprene is the most durable material among the seal options and is less prone to tearing. However, it may become looser over time.
  • Latex seals: Latex seals can provide a customized fit as you can trim the seals to perfect fit your neck and wrists during the initial fitting. Latex is also softer and more flexible, making it easier to wear. However, it is more fragile and prone to tearing.
  • Silicone seals: Silicone is the newest seal material. It is the softest and provides the best fit among the three materials, and is more tear-resistant than latex. However, silicone seals have a shorter lifespan. An important advantage is that for divers with latex allergies, silicone still offers a better fit option than chloroprene rubber seals.
• The last consideration when choosing the perfect dry suit is the accessories you’re looking for.
  • If you plan to engage in extended technical dives, you can opt for adding a p-valve. This allows you to address the call of nature without having to take off your dry suit, whether underwater or on the surface. If you tend to have cold hands or will be diving in icy conditions, you can add dry gloves. This way, your hands won’t come into direct contact with water, keeping them warm.