Diving in the southeast during the winter and spring months presents unique problems.  Though we seldom experience the conditions that our northern friends would see during the winter, we still have our need to stay warm while diving.  Of course, we all know that a properly fitting wetsuit, or even a dry suit, is essential for diving in lower water temperatures.  Nothing else can properly protect you from lower water temperatures.  However, staying warm BEFORE and BETWEEN dives is also essential for your health and your enjoyment.

When you come out of the water in lower-than-comfortable air conditions, your wet dive suit acts just like an air conditioner.  The evaporation of the water from the suit take swith it valuable body energy and heat.  Add a little breeze to the mix and you have all of the conditions necessary to make you really, really cold.  Of course, being cold is not good for you physically and it certainly is not comfortable.

Divers should remember to IMMEDIATELY cover themselves when they come out of the water.  Any large coat or blanket will probably do the trick.  There are even special coats, made to be worn over your wetsuit.  These “boat coats” will warm you quite nicely.   Anything that blocks the flow of air and reduces the rate of evaporation will make tons of difference and help your body recover the valuable heat lost from the dive.  While you might think you are “tough” enough to stand out in the elements while you change your tank over for the next dive, it is a bad idea.  While already chilled from the previous dive, things do not improve if your body continues to loose heat during the surface interval.  This only makes the second dive even colder and harder on your body.  This is not about being tough; it is about being smart.

ScubaMax Hooded Boat Coat.  This boat coat is designed to be worn directly over your wetsuit or dry suit when you come out of the water.  The long below-the-knee design covers you completely.  The nylon outer shell provides protection against wind, and the carbon fiber inner shell provides the insulation you need to stay toasty warm.  Extra large arms allow you to easily wear this coat without removing your wrist computer.  The dual zipper provides easy closure against the elements.  Available in 4 sizes.

So remember, use your head and stay warm between dives.  Subsequent dives will be much more fun and you will be protecting your health.

Phil Ellis

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