open water course and WORRIED about the water TEMPerature!

Hi all,

im currently on the last bit of my padi open water and just have 2 open water dives, the first of which i will be doing tomorrow at the eccleston delph diving centre.


The problem is im actually quite concerned about the dive... im really worried i will be to cold and freeze. It's a bit awkward because im not too manly when it comes to temperatures... i even had to wear a wet suit in the heated pool because i got to cold during my confined water dives.

so i guess im here seeking a little advice and comfort... Im told i will be wearing a 7mm long wet suit with a 3mm shortie over the top of it (+ a hood, boots etc). Will this keep me warm enough in the water i hear it's less than 14 degrees? Im obviously not trained or competent to use a dry suit.

Any advice appreciated
Thanks,

Danny.

I used to feel cold whilst in the pool so it's not unusual. I usually wear a 7mm semi-dry suit and that usually keeps me warm enough in 14-15c water. I must admit that I only start to feel cold between my dives, I don't get too cold in the water.

I know it's difficult to think this way but don't worry about it, if you start to shiver then signal to your instructor, I would not expect your dives to last for more than 20-30 minutes anyway. Lots of people are still diving in wetsuits at this time of year.

Just enjoy your dives!

Although everybody is different with regards to feeling the cold i would think you will be fine in a 7mm full and a shortie. you wont be in that long 20 mins is the shortist period to count as a dive for the Ow

It is only the surface interval where you may feel a chill putting it back on . Get yourself some hot stuff inside you on the surface interval to get your core Temp back up at As Jellybeanz as said if you do start to feel cold let the instructor know. Really though Do not worry yourself with it enjoy the dives and pass your course. Good luck

A flask of hot water over your suit before you put it back on helps.

If your lucky the fire will be lit in the cafe, try and plonk yourself next to that.

I was in Capernwray last weekend in a 5 mm. The first dive had to be cut short at 42 minutes because my 2nd stage started weeping but I felt okay. I went into the shower, unzipped the front and gave it a good flushing through. I stayed in the suit (outside) and then got in again for 55 minutes.

You'll be fine!

I was in Capernwray last weekend in a 5 mm. The first dive had to be cut short at 42 minutes because my 2nd stage started weeping but I felt okay. I went into the shower, unzipped the front and gave it a good flushing through. I stayed in the suit (outside) and then got in again for 55 minutes.

You'll be fine!

Just be careful taking a hot shower immediately after a dive as the hot water could be a precursor to a DCI incident. As does being cold, so if you feel uncomfortable then thumb the dive and either insist on a drysuit, wait until the water is warmer, do a referral in guaranteed warmer waters abroad or just HTFU. Your choice. What I will say is there is NOTHING underwater worth risking life and limb or being generally unhappy, so if you feel that way then after you have experienced the currently tepid waters of Eccy Delph then think whether diving in UK or cooler waters is for you. Personally I don't like diving with Pete, but the b@stard is always about making me feel uncomfortable.

We feel your distress, just his posts are enough for most of us.

I would suggest you will be fine but if you want be extra sure, try the following (part of which as already been said).
Make sure you are very warm before you start
Keep your wetsuit on between dives and drink lots of tea/hotchoccy (coffee is not advised but I like it)
Between dives wear a sapre fleece type jacket and a water/wind proof, this will stop evaporation from wind etc and keep you warm.
Eat well before and between dives. (Well does not mean ++ pies, but they are nice!)
Works for me, but after 45 mins in stoney in the snow and a wetsuit I did strip off under the shower after shuddering to the car for the 20p coins! After you finish OW steak to your instructor about a dry suit course, I preferr it to a wet suit in terms of feel in the water and ease of use over a wetsuit, warmth aside.
C
C

Edited by AG before release.

drink lots = piss lots =keeps warm =not your suit =lol
Pete

As others have said, try and stay warm between dives. Get out of your wet suit, dry off, dress in warm clothes (lots of layers, you can always take one or two off if you get TOO warm) and drink warm drinks (and eat warm food).

If you're cold when you start a dive, it won't get better, but if you go in feeling warm enough, you'll be ok I expect.

M.

stick your hood under a warm tap between dives - sticking a freezing cold wet hood on was horrible (i found out yesterday -_-)

youll be fine I was diving down in cornwall doing a spot of shore diving this weekend it was 12 degrees and I was in a 7mm semi as my dry suit is in for new seals and I was perfectly warm and to be honest after one dive I was sweating after I came out! as its the end of the summer the water is still nice and warm

Dived my 6.5 semi-dry til about this time last yr, water temp's perfect for it.