{"id":1426,"date":"2021-08-29T12:51:59","date_gmt":"2021-08-29T12:51:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divingcorner.com\/?p=1426"},"modified":"2021-09-05T19:28:22","modified_gmt":"2021-09-05T19:28:22","slug":"how-cold-can-you-scuba-dive-in-a-wetsuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divingcorner.com\/how-cold-can-you-scuba-dive-in-a-wetsuit\/","title":{"rendered":"How Cold Can You Scuba Dive In A Wetsuit?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many of us learned to dive in warm tropical waters. If we wore a wetsuit at all, it was likely just 3 mm thick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, we might start looking at diving in colder waters. It might be because our local diving has colder waters or a special destination has got our attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick look at dry suit prices and the training required might turn us off from that option. The logical question becomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How cold can you dive in a wetsuit?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, you can scuba dive in a wetsuit in water as cold as 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius). The thickness of the wetsuit, individual differences and activity levels are determining factors<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Individual Differences and Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We all know someone, or maybe it is us, that has a sweatshirt on and is shivering when everyone else is out wearing shorts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People react differently to temperatures both on land and in the water. If you get cold easy, then add more protection. Just make sure you do not over do it and overheat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The activity you are doing and your exertion are also factors. If you are being very active in your dive, your body will generate more heat and you need less thermal protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, if you are doing a drift dive, your activity level will be low. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information here is for wetsuits needed for scuba diving in cold water. A surfer or other surface water sport enthusiast would not need as much protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How deep you will be diving is also a factor to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water may be colder at depths, however, more importantly the deeper you go the more compressed your wetsuit will become resulting in less thermal protection.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wetsuit Thickness For Cold Water Diving.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wetsuits are not meant to keep you dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are meant to slow the lost of body heat, and are made from neoprene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neoprene is a foam like synthetic rubber that is water resistant, not waterproof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you enter the water, the suit absorbs water and traps it near your skin. The water is warmed by your body, creating a layer of insulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This slows the heat lost. The thicker the insulation, the slower the water will give up the heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The core of your body is the most critical to keep warm. If your core temperature drops too low, you will enter hyperthermia, which can be life threatening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you dive in cold water, you may want to add a hood, gloves and boots. The head, feet and hands are the parts of the body that lose heat the fastest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wetsuit thickness are measured in millimeters (mm). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will see measurement such as 3 mm or 5 mm as an example. We may also see two numbers separated by a slash, such as 7\/5 mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tells us that the core or torso portion of the wetsuit is 7 mm thick and the arms and legs are 5 mm thick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thicker core helps keep you warmer, while the slightly thinner arms and legs give your more range of movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Temperature<\/th>Recommended Wetsuit Thickness<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Above 80 Degrees F (26\u00b0C)<\/td>2mm or rash guard<\/td><\/tr>
73 to 79 Degrees F (22-25\u00b0C)<\/td>3mm full wetsuit or shorty<\/td><\/tr>
66 to 72 Degrees F (18-21\u00b0C)<\/td>Full 5mm wetsuit + Hood, Booties & Gloves<\/td><\/tr>
50 to 65 Degrees F (10-17\u00b0C)<\/td>Full 7mm wetsuit. + Hood, Booties & Gloves<\/td><\/tr>
35-50 Degrees F (2-10\u00b0C)<\/td>8 or 9mm Full Set. (Or Dry Suit)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here are some suggested thickness for wetsuits at different water temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, everyone has different tolerances and your level of activity will influence your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n