[luke284]

Hi, I’ve been diving every year on holiday since I was 14 (now 21)! I’ve done all my diving and training at the same dive centre in Cyprus. I got all my own kit (apart from tank & weights) when i was 18 and did my DM course...

Now... I want to start to dive in the UK as I’m fed up of waiting 12months for my next dive! Obviously now would be about a good time in terms of the weather to start, but I cant really im busy up until October (including a week in the red sea)!

so the weather is going to start to turn around then I’d guess. Now, I want to give it a go but I’ve only got a semi-dry suit (oceanic shadow titanium) so this probably won’t be warm enough. I don’t want to get put off by freezing my ***** off! Equally I don’t want to splash out on a dry suit if it isn’t for me (I’m almost sure it will be though).

What you guys recommend?
Freeze for the first few dives to see if it’s for me.
Buy a second hand suit - might be hard as I’m not average sized - 6'3", quite big build
Buy a new suit and hope I like UK diving.

If you think it’s worth getting a suit (new or second hand) what should i be looking for? I have very little knowledge about these things.

Regards
Luke

 

[mala]

there are some that dive in semi's in the uk-the water can be warmish in aug and sept.
or maybe do a drysuit course -suit hire is normally included.

2p.

 

[Dan Wilko]

agree with the above, book a dry suit course, this will involve a few dives, you will see if you like it and get a qualification at the end of it.

 

[672]

although ive no arguement with diving in a semi although if you want to dive all

year round in the uk or most of it you will need a drysuit!!

you should find some quality second hand gear from y-d if not from flee-bay

good luck with whatever u choose !

best wishes leigh :angel:

 

[purple vonny]

Some of our DMs are using Oceanic Shadows at the moment and they say that they are warm enough, so it's worth having a go in it and seeing if you feel cold. you will need hood and gloves and you could layer it up with a shortie.

If it's any consolation, I dived in a semi dry from April to November for the first 5 years that I dived in UK.

Dry suits aren't difficult to use, don't be scared of trying one out.

 

[ardhill]

I agree with the dry suit course route.

It will give you a couple of dives in a dry suit, give you some more information on the different types and variations, and give you a couple of dives in UK waters - great value for money

Also remember dry suits are not just another for of keeping warm underwater. They are dangerous if not used properly as you have air in them. Thankfully, they are not that difficult to learn how to use one - even I managed

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxessexbloke]

[QUOTE=purple If it's any consolation, I dived in a semi dry from April to November for the first 5 years that I dived in UK.

But she has a very hairy chest!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[672]

Dry suits aren't difficult to use, don't be scared of trying one out.

totaly agree vonny :angel:

 

[purple vonny]

How did you manage to notice that????? (the hairy chest)

 

[big_si]

Buy a second hand suit - might be hard as I’m not average sized - 6'3", quite big build

Hi Luke,

I've got an old suit knocking around that I replaced, admittedly because I was getting a bit damp around the groin area and before you ask.... Nope! Wasn't peeing myself!! I used that as a good excuse to splash out on a new suit instead

I'm 6ft 4 and hefty build. I got it off ebay for £100 and did about 30 dives in it. Very flexible suit and when it was completely dry it was a joy to dive in. I've no idea what it would need to get it sealed up well but if you're interested in it for a few quid (£30?) drop me a line and it's all yours.

I'm sure you'll love UK diving too! It's great out there!!!

HTH Si

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxessexbloke]

How did you manage to notice that????? (the hairy chest)

your have a nice clean patch on your window now:embarassed:

 

[luke284]

Hi, thanks for the input everyone.

I think ill book myself onto a drysuit course then either after exams (mid june) or when i get back from red sea (late sept) and go from there.

I eventually see my self diving on twins and doing some tech stuff - once i get a job having finished my degree!

p.s. big_si thanks! pm coming your way shortly!

 

[yazzyfooty]

there are some that dive in semi's in the uk-the water can be warmish in aug and sept.
or maybe do a drysuit course -suit hire is normally included.

2p.

2 of the guys I dived with today were in their semi drys, water temperature was 12 degrees at 18 metres 35 minutes and one with no hood and they were fine.

 

[Daz217]

I dive year round in a Oceanic Shadow both pieces with a rash vest underneath for good measure and i manage just fine. Having said that i seem to be fairly tolerant to the cold maybe because i work outside all year round too, i don't know.I don't find the cold too bad although in the colder months i'd be lying if i said it's not noticeble it is but it is bearable.
The issue really comes if you are doing multiple dives and taking the suit off in between then it is a bit of an uncomfortable feeling pulling it back on whilst it's wet.
If you can get an experienced Diver to show you how to "fly" the Dry Suit and Dive with you whilst you learn i would go down that route rather than pay out money for a "Dry Suit" course. You just need some one to show you how to do it without selling it as a course it isn't difficult.

 

[ray]

Hi.
Dry suits are a recent luxury, when I started you only had wet suits for year round diving. (And you had to make em yourself) I dunno I have spots on my arse older than you, get yourself in the sea and don't be so soft:teeth:

 

[Daz217]

Hi.
Dry suits are a recent luxury, when I started you only had wet suits for year round diving. (And you had to make em yourself) I dunno I have spots on my arse older than you, get yourself in the sea and don't be so soft:teeth:

lol at Grandad!!!!!!!!!:teeth: Danm them whippersnappers.

 

[ray]

lol at Grandad!!!!!!!!!:teeth: Danm them whippersnappers.

You better believe it!

 

[teddybeardiver]

Definately recommend a dry suit course to try one out, some of the guys I have dived with swear by the Pinnacle semi dry. It is lined with merino wool, we had an instructor doing three dives at Wastwater today diving in 10 degrees C and he was fine.

 

[tom]

If you just want to try out UK stuff to see if you like it, your Shadow (assuming it's the 5mm set) should be OK in October for some shallow sea dives. I'll happily use my Shadow down to about 15c, and the south coast is usually 15-16c at that time of year.

Means you can jump in and have a look using the gear you're used to, without the additional complications of a new suit.

Then, once you've had a couple of dives here and decided if it's for you or not, get a drysuit sorted.

 

[luke284]

i didnt think the water was that sort of temp in the UK ever! that should be ok in my shadow i guess ive dived in 19C with just the long suit on. Difference is that the air temp was about 30c so it might be a bit chilly back on the surface.

What sort of temps one expect on the south coast in about a months time? i guess not quite up to 15-16C as it hasnt had time to warm up yet?