Suited and Booted

Suited and Booted: Dressed for Success in Diving

When it comes to gearing up for your underwater adventures, there are several essential considerations that can make your diving experience safer and more enjoyable in regards to exposure and thermal protection. Let’s dive into some key points to help you understand the importance of selecting the right diving attire.

1. The Dive Suit Choice: When venturing into cooler waters, a neoprene wetsuit becomes your trusty companion. Pairing it with dive booties is crucial for comfort and protection. While some Florida divers prefer ankle-high reef shoes and open-heel fins, I personally recommend above-the-ankle full booties that mate with the legs of your wetsuit. Keep in mind that sizing, especially with dive booties, can be tricky. Labelled sizes often don’t correspond accurately, so it’s wise to try them on before making a purchase. Ordering online without consulting a dive professional can lead to disappointment.
2. The Fit Matters: Finding a wetsuit that fits perfectly can be a challenge. Dive suits come in a limited range of sizes and shapes, while divers themselves vary widely in body configurations. For female divers, it’s advisable to look for suits tailored to the female form; there’s no such thing as a unisex wetsuit. Beware of cheap “ladies’ lines” that are essentially men’s suits in different colors.
3. The Right Fit Signs: A well-fitting wetsuit should reach your wrists and ankles without excessive bunching on the arms, legs, or torso. If it bunches up, it’s too large, which can compromise its thermal insulating properties. Conversely, it shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts movement, especially around the neck when zipped up. If an off-the-rack suit doesn’t meet your needs, consider getting a custom-made one, which might not be as expensive as you think.
4. Adapting to Water Temperature: In warmer waters, a long-sleeve skin is the minimum attire I recommend for diving. When exploring wreck sites, opt for a 2mm thick wetsuit top, at the least, to protect against abrasions. For even more protection in warmer waters, consider a full-length 3/2mm suit. When reef diving under the sun, a skin or rash guard provides essential UV protection. In South Florida, the winter months may require a 5mm wetsuit if you’re susceptible to cold. That said, the water temperature only drops to the mid 70’s.
5. Gloves in South Florida: Diving with gloves is acceptable in South Florida, but exercise caution. Ensure that anything you touch is devoid of marine life. I recommend using ANSI rated, cut-resistant gloves at levels A3, A4, or A5, especially when exploring wrecks. Safety should always be a top priority in your diving adventures and protecting your hands is critical. Should you need to grab the wreck in a strong current, or one-finger touch off of a rock when reef diving, you want to protect your hands.

In summary, choosing the right dive attire is essential for your safety and comfort while exploring the underwater world. Take the time to find the perfect fit, and consult with experts when needed to ensure your gear meets your specific diving needs.”