Wet, semi dry or dry - which to use this w/e inland?

[blondie]

Ok so two days diving this weekend. Saturday at Wraysbury (if i find it) and Sunday at Stoney. I want to get more confidence and better bouyance before i hit the sea around the UK! (well might be going to swanage next w/e if i can find a room!)

Never dived during warm weather in the UK...... always used dry suit in this country and shorties abroad. I have shortie, full length wet, semi dry and a dry suit. So looking at the weather forcasts which would you advice for this w/e?

Also should i take dry suit inflator hose off regs if i use the wet stuff? or can i leave it on and just tuck it somewhere? (no suggestions where ta!)

ta in advance,
S
x

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by blondie

Ok so two days diving this weekend. Saturday at Wraysbury (if i find it) and Sunday at Stoney. I want to get more confidence and better bouyance before i hit the sea around the UK! (well might be going to swanage next w/e if i can find a room!)

Never dived during warm weather in the UK...... always used dry suit in this country and shorties abroad. I have shortie, full length wet, semi dry and a dry suit. So looking at the weather forcasts which would you advice for this w/e?

Also should i take dry suit inflator hose off regs if i use the wet stuff? or can i leave it on and just tuck it somewhere? (no suggestions where ta!)

ta in advance,
S
x

Well a lot are switching to semis in the briny and you can get away with it
at many inland sites such as Horsea etc. However it all depends how deep
you go. Many have thermoclimes that can get really cold, very quick.

We are at Vobster tommorrow and I know that although the site says 12
degrees, past 20m it will go right down to 8, maybe less!



TerryH

[johntemp]

Drysuit, Drysuit, Drysuit, Drysuit all year round in the uk. I know I could get away with a decent semidry but I prefer that little bit of discomfort whilst kitting up and then enjoying a very comfortable dive.

Also there are no hose issues, it's on because I always use it.

[Tonto]

We've been using our semi's (5mm + rash vest) for the last couple of weeks in Gildy, temps around 17ish in the first 12 metres and it drops to maybe 15 or so deeper, we've taken our dry suit feed off but others just wrap them around the first stage (just in case they don't like it cold and want to wear the drysuit for the second dive) I'd give it a go and see how you get on, maybe take the drysuit just in case?

[dave archer]

What John said - drysuit all year round in UK... why risk being cold?

Enjoy it,

Dave.

[Scuby]

You say you "want to get more confidence and better bouyance before i hit the sea around the UK" - unless you're going to be diving in a semidry / wetsuit in the sea (which can get cold if you're out on a boat between dives) then surely you want to be practicing that bouyancy in the suit you'll be using, ie a drysuit?

Personally I always use a drysuit in the UK (except for swimming pools obviously). It suits me fine, very comfortable, very warm, has all the pockets and things I need, and causes me no difficulties that would make me want to switch to a wetsuit. Some people prefer the "freedom" of a wetsuit, I assume because there's no air movement in the suit, but as I use my wing for bouyancy I don't have that problem in a drysuit either - I can happily hang upside down, back-to-front, inside out... (ok, ok, I made the last one up!) and no problems at all.

David

[blondie]

ok so decided on dry suit today and i'll take semi dry too tomorrow as the guys i'm diving with are in semi's and might persuade me ..... depends on weather! I much prefer getting out of the water and just taking dry suit off and not having to worry about drying off etc (apart from for hair which takes flipping hours!)

Thanks guys

[blondie]

oh well my buddies just pulled out for today so no diving til tomorrow

[Mark Davies]

Originally Posted by blondie

oh well my buddies just pulled out for today so no diving til tomorrow

Don't you just hate it when that happens? You get yourself all worked up and excited and then your partner pulls out right at the last minute, leaving you frustrated and dissatisfied!

Anyway, hope you enjoy it tomorrow. I'd echo those that have said drysuit. I have never understood why anybody chooses to use a semi-dry at all - I just can't see the point of it. Drysuits are not so difficult to use after a very little bit of practice and you can be sure of being comfortable.

Have a good time.

[Neil M]

I have never dived in the uk without a drysuit (execpt in a pool)..... I cant see me diving in anything else here!!

My OW open water dives were done in a DS and I havent looked back!