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Because the warmth comes primarily from the neoprene itself,
these suits usually require fewer or lighter undergarments. This
also means they are best suited to diving in colder water. They
require more weight than shell suits and, like wetsuits, suffer
from diminished insulation at deeper depths. Many commercial
divers, who tend to work at fixed depths, prefer these suits
because they can take a lot of abuse. They are also used in
specific applications like recreational dive instruction and dry
caving where sumps must be negotiated. They are usually less
expensive than shell suits, making them an attractive choice for
some beginning drysuit divers.
SELECTING SUITABLE OPTIONS
Because drysuits are typically made of tough fabrics and are
roomy, which means less stretching and straining of the
material, they can last a long time. They come in a variety
of styles including self-donning (with the zipper across the
chest from shoulder to hip), telescoping torso, and shoulder
entry or back donning (with the zipper across the back). The
trend these days is toward self-donning suits, which allow
greater range of motion, though many divers still find a
buddy’s help makes suiting up much easier.
Drysuits’ watertight neck and wrist seals come in two
varieties: latex and neoprene. Latex, which can stretch up to
400 percent, generally creates a better seal and is easier to put
on and take off. They require more careful handling, though,
and have a shorter life expectancy, requiring replacement
when they wear out. Neoprene seals, which usually include a
Lycra lining, expand by only about 100 percent and are harder
to get on and off, but they hold up longer and can take more
abuse. Latex seems to be the preferred choice for most tech
divers. One of the latest innovations in drysuits is Diving
Unlimited International’s (DUI) patented “zip seals,” which
snap into place rather than being glued, allowing them to be
changed out in the field if necessary.
A feature that makes a nice addition for cold-water diving
is a warm neck collar overlay, and some divers wear a silk
scarf underneath. Another option for really cold water is dry
gloves, which are worn at the cost of some minor dexterity
loss. A word to the wise: Warm, dry hands are divine.
Several additional features to consider are bellows pockets
(with Velcro flaps and enclosed bungee cords for securing
items), crotch pads and kneepads.
If you plan to stay hydrated, which is critical for safe
diving, you will need a way to relieve yourself while wearing
your drysuit. If diapers aren’t your style, the P-valve system
consists of a balanced dump valve, mounted on the suit
near the inside of the thigh, which is attached to a length
of rubber tubing. Men attach the tube to a self-adhesive
condom catheter, and they’re good to go. Women wear a
self-adhesive external catheter cup, such as the She-P.
Suitable undergarments are typically made from
synthetic fleeces like Polartec or Thinsulate. Be sure to
select undergarments designed for the water temperature(s)
you plan to dive in. Layering is often a good choice. Also
consider choosing materials that maintain their thermal
properties when wet in case of a suit flood or serious
leak. Drysuits are rarely 100 percent dry. Despite modern
materials and advanced designs, they can leak, and moisture
and perspiration can accumulate. Sometimes getting wet
means getting wet. Ultimately, however, the thermal benefits
of drysuits are unmatched. Whether you’re trying to extend
your dive times or your dive season, diving dry might just be
the way to go.
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109
With a little
extra training,
divers can take
advantage of the
added thermal
protection
offered by
drysuits. These
remarkable
garments
allow divers
to comfortably
enjoy places
and seasons
formerly
inaccessible
to them.
BR A NDON CO L E
S T E PH E N F R I N K
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