What do I wear under a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are intended to be very snug. A snug fit keeps water from circulating between the skin the suit. Circulation of water cools the body faster, so no circulation of water means you will stay warm for longer period of time.

To have a snug fit it is important not to wear anything under the wetsuit that could cause water circulation. The best thing to wear under a wetsuit is nothing. However, this is not always practical. The next best is either under garments or a swimsuit.

Ladies will want to avoid tops with under wires or decorative itmes such as wooden or metal rings. Also avoid anything with a large knot such as side tied bottoms or tops that tie in the back. As the wetsuit is snug, any of these items will be pressed into the body. The best swimsuit for the ladies is a simple one piece suit.

Gentle will want to avoid board shorts as is it very difficult to put a wetsuit over top of them. Plus the added material bunches up and can be uncomfortable during a dive.

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What are the differences between a wetsuit and a drysuit?

As the names imply, you do get wet in a wetsuit and stay dry in a drysuit.

A wetsuit does allow water to soak in, but the suit has a snug fit. This snug fit allows the suite to soak up water, but prevents it from circulating over the skin. As a result, once the suit is wet the body will warm the water on the inside of the suit.

A wetsuit will keep you warm for a longer period of time, but not forever. Some people can do two, three, or more dives in a wetsuit and never get. While others may still get cold after one dive.

Drysuits are a very different kind of suit. First, diving in a drysuit requires additional training and certification. It may look easy, but there things a diver needs to know before using it. Second, drysuits require different care than a wetsuit and are more expensive, however, once you dive in a drysuit you will rarely, if ever, want to go back to a wetsuit.

The main purpose of a drysuit is to decrease heat loss and thereby make your dive more comfortable and enjoyable.

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I have a health condition, can I still dive?

Consult your local dive instructor.

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Can I start my training here and finish it on my vacation?

Yes. You can complete your bookwork (online and/or classroom) and pool work with us then complete your open water elsewhere. Many new divers choose this when planning a winter vacation to tropical waters.

Doing your open water dives in the tropics is a great way to complete your training. Please consult one of our dive instructors for more information.

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