We’re thrilled to dive into one of our favourite topics: cold water diving. Now, if you’re anything like us and you live in a country surrounded by brisk, chilly waters, you might be asking yourself, Should I brave the cold and dive locally? Or should I save diving for tropical vacations?
As divers based in England, let us tell you—the answer is an enthusiastic yes! Diving at local beaches like Chesil can open your eyes to incredible underwater landscapes, and the rewards are well worth the effort. That said, we understand the hesitation. The cold can be a real deterrent, but with the right preparation, gear, and mindset, you can enjoy local diving without freezing your fins off.
In this blog, we’ll share some essential tips and advice to help you stay warm, cosy, and comfortable during your cold-water adventures. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best gear available at Mike’s Dive Store to keep you toasty. Let’s dive in!
1. Warm Up Before and After Your Dive
The key to a successful cold-water dive starts before you even hit the water. Here are a few essentials to keep your body temperature up:
- Pack a Flask of Something Hot: A thermos of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or soup can work wonders during surface intervals or post-dive. There’s nothing like a warm drink to chase away the chill and keep you energised.
- Bundle Up With a Changing Robe: One of our absolute must-haves is a changing robe. It’s perfect for staying warm while swapping out of your wetsuit or dry suit. Consider the Fourth Element Storm Poncho for a waterproof, windproof option that’s both practical and stylish.
- Layer Up With Warm Clothing: Don’t forget your fluffy socks, cosy jumpers, tracksuits, hats, and gloves. The Fourth Element Arctic Hoodie is a fantastic choice for keeping the cold at bay.
2. Choose the Right Dive Gear
When it comes to cold-water diving, your gear can make or break your experience. Investing in the right equipment ensures that you stay warm and comfortable underwater.
Drysuits vs. Wetsuits
- Drysuits: If you’re diving in temperatures below 15°C (59°F), a drysuit is your best bet. They keep you dry by creating a sealed barrier, and when paired with the right undersuit, they offer unmatched thermal protection. The Scubapro Evertech Dry Breathable Drysuit is a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Thick Wetsuits: If you prefer a wetsuit, go for one at least 7mm thick. The Waterproof W7 range of wetsuits offers excellent insulation and flexibility.
Undersuits and Thermal Layers
- Thermal Undersuits: For drysuit divers, a good undersuit is critical. The Fourth Element Arctic Undersuit provides exceptional warmth without adding bulk. For extreme cold, consider a heated under suit like the Venture Heated Vest, which is a game-changer for frigid conditions.
- Undersocks: Don’t overlook your feet! Cold toes can ruin a dive. The Fourth Element Hotfoot Socks are designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable.
Hoods and Gloves
- Dive Hoods: A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head. The Waterproof H1 hood is a great option for keeping your head snug and warm.
- Dive Gloves or Muttons: Cold hands can make simple tasks like adjusting your gear a challenge. The Waterproof G2 Dive Mitton's offer excellent insulation without compromising dexterity.
Full-Face Masks
For the ultimate in cold-water comfort, consider using a full-face mask. These not only keep your face warm but also eliminate the discomfort of cold water on your skin. Check out the Ocean Reef Divers Full-Face Mask for a reliable and user-friendly option.
3. Adjust Your Dive Strategy
Even with the best gear, managing your dive strategy is crucial for staying warm.
- Reduce Your Bottom Time: The deeper you go, the colder it gets. By staying shallower, you can enjoy longer, more comfortable dives. Shore dives are an excellent choice for cold-water diving, as they often allow you to explore shallower depths while staying close to shore for easy exits.
- Plan Shorter Dives: Instead of one long dive, consider splitting your time into two shorter ones with a warm-up break in between. This helps prevent hypothermia and ensures you stay comfortable throughout.
4. Post-Dive Warm-Up
Once you’re out of the water, the key is to warm up as quickly as possible. Here’s how:
- Dry Off Quickly: A highly absorbent towel, like the Fourth Element Towel, helps you dry off fast and stay warm.
- Hot Drinks and Snacks: Keep a stash of energy-rich snacks and a thermos of your favourite hot beverage close by. Not only will this warm you up, but it will also replenish your energy after an exhilarating dive.
- Heated Gear: Consider using portable heated pads or blankets for extra comfort during your surface interval or ride home.
5. Why Dive Cold Waters?
You might be wondering, Is it really worth all this effort? The answer is a resounding yes! Cold-water diving offers some of the most breath-taking underwater experiences, from dramatic kelp forests to encounters with unique marine life like seals and nudibranchs. Plus, you’ll likely have dive sites all to yourself—a luxury that’s hard to find in tropical waters.
Cold-water diving might seem daunting at first, but with the right gear and preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From high-performance drysuits and thermal undersuits to the smallest details like dive gloves and hoods, Mike’s Dive Store has everything you need to make your cold-water dives comfortable and enjoyable.
If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect gear, feel free to reach out to our friendly team at support@mikesdivestore.com. You can also explore our full range of cold-water diving equipment here.
Thank you for joining us on this chilly but exciting journey into the world of cold-water diving. Whatever gear you choose, happy diving and stay safe!
