About Dry Suits

Many scuba divers wear dry suits to keep them warm in chilly to frigid water conditions. Dry suits also offer benefits in warmer waters for situations that may lead to thermal loss, such as unusually long, deep or repetitive dives. A dry suit also might be the right choice for underwater photography or marine study during which a diver remains still for lengthy periods. There are drawbacks to dry suits, however. They tend to be considerably more expensive and noticeably bulkier than standard scuba wetsuits. A diver also needs additional training before using a dry suit.

Function

Unlike wetsuits, dry suits are designed to prevent water from reaching a diver's body. This is accomplished through the use of a neck and wrist seals as well integrated boots that are sewn into the suit. In addition to maximizing their thermal protection by staying dry, many divers wear undergarments to keep warm while using a dry suit.

Types

There are two basic types of dry suits. Some dry suits are constructed from neoprene or compressed neoprene. In these suits, the neoprene material acts as the barrier between the diver's body and the water and provides insulation. Full thickness dry suits are more affordable and warm, but their added buoyancy can create challenges for divers.
Shell dry suits consist of two components: an outer shell made of materials like trilaminate or vulcanized rubber, and the diver's undergarments that serve as insulation. In these suits, divers can vary the thickness of their undergarments to stay comfortable in different water temperatures.

Features

To keep water out, dry suits feature durable, watertight zippers, as well as neck and wrist seals that are usually made of neoprene or latex rubber. Dry suits also are equipped with an inflator and exhaust valves so divers can add air while descending or release it when ascending. Some suits are self-donning, but getting in and out of others requires a dive buddy's assistance. Other features may include knee pads, thigh pockets and urine relief systems for use on long dives. Many divers also wear watertight hoods and gloves when using a dry suit in cold-water conditions.

Benefits

By keeping divers dry while underwater, dry suits allow users to expend less energy to stay warm. They reduce the physical and mental stress associated with being cold, which makes diving more enjoyable and safer. Dry suits also help divers avoid getting chilled when entering and exiting the water on cool days.

Warning

Because dry suits are designed to trap air against a diver's body, special training and practice are needed to master buoyancy techniques and emergency procedures. Instructional courses also will teach divers how to choose and care for dry suits.

Resources

• Scuba Dry Suits