Finally switched from drysuit to wetsuit after 10 years of diving in Puget Sound

I always thought drysuits were the only way to go for cold water, no question about it. Then I saw a guy named Mike doing a 4 hour hull inspection in a 7mm wetsuit with water temps at 48 degrees. He told me he just runs hot and moves fast. I tried it last month on a simple dock repair job and actually stayed warm the whole time plus I had way more freedom of movement. Has anyone else made the switch and stuck with it?

2 comments

2 Comments

alice_palmer201mo ago

You mentioned "just runs hot" like it's a permanent thing but honestly that's more about how hard you're working and your body's response that day. People who run hot in 48 degree water are usually moving constantly and their core temp drops fast once they stop. I'd still keep the drysuit handy for long stationary jobs or if you ever have to sit still during a decompression stop.

jennys721mo ago

It's like that thing where people claim they "don't get cold" but really they just haven't stopped moving long enough to notice. Same deal with folks who say they "never get hangry" but are just constantly snacking or distracted. Your body's feedback loop is always there, you just gotta pay attention to it when things slow down. It's one of those universal truths that applies to everything from diving to just sitting on the couch after a long day.