Best Tips to Keep Warm While Diving in Winter
Feeling cold while diving is one of the most common problems faced by divers. So, it is important for divers to keep themselves warm while diving in water as it will help them to conserve heat so as to feel more comfortable underwater. The heat generated by a hot body will not lose too fast when it is cold. So before diving in winter you should stop wasting energy as even a small amount of energy is important at this time. Some of the tips that can help you in keeping yourself warm while diving in winter are provided below for your consideration.
OPT FOR A WETSUIT OF RIGHT THICKNESS
The thickness of the wetsuit you are using while diving is very important regardless of your level of diving skills. The air bubbles found in the material of wetsuits are the main things that will keep you warm underwater. These bubbles work as a barrier between the cold water and your body. While diving in winter your full body wetsuit should be 3-7mm thick, depending upon the temperature of the water, to keep your body warm. The level of warmth of your body directly depends on the thickness of your wetsuit.
PRESERVE HEAT BEFORE DIVING
You should keep your limbs and torso protected and covered from the cool wind while going to the site of diving. You should take hot drinks/eat a meal, wear a wetsuit coat, flush wetsuit with warmer water so that you can preserve the heat and feel comfortable in the cold water in the winter season.
IT IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER TO DIVE DEEP
As you dive deeper you will feel colder as the pressure of water after a certain depth will reduce the insulation of your wetsuit by compressing its air bubbles. You can maintain the insulation of your body by staying in shallow waters. You should avoid diving deeper unless it is necessary, due to any reason.
WEAR LAYERS TO PROTECT YOU
You should wear layers of clothes if your wetsuit is not enough to keep you warm. You can wear a hood on your head as it loses most of your body heat. Many divers wear boots, water socks and gloves along with hoods to keep them warm while diving in winter.
STAY WARM AFTER A DIVE
You should take a warm shower and wear a warm coat to remain warm after a dive.
NEXT DIVE? MAINTAIN YOUR DIVING EQUIPMENT
You should care about your wetsuit properly to ensure its good condition and durability for your next dive. It can wear out easily if overexposed to the sun and saltwater. So, after every use, you should rinse it properly and avoid drying it in the sun. It is better to hang your wetsuit away from heat and direct sunlight to allow it to dry with the flow of air. In order to maintain the elasticity of the material of the wetsuit for a long time, you can use a conditioner specifically designed for this purpose.
In this way, you can keep your body warm while diving in winter by following the tips provided in this write-up.