Can one do shallow free diving in a dry suit?

[minno]

Hi All,

I do a bit of free diving, nothing deeper than 30'/1min, I built a small sailing dinghy so I could get to new spots and I've been looking at dry suits for sailing in, they're pretty pricy, not much less than some diving dry suits, so I'm wondering if I could just buy a diving dry suit and wear in and out of the water to save changing back and forth.

minno

 

[DRW]

I can't speak for freediving, but I have snorkelled, with occasional shallow dives, in the North Sea in a simple valveless vintage-style drysuit like the one below:

Santa Cruz Sentinel, 23 February 1961.​

The drysuit above was often used States-side from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s for caving, water-skiing, breath-hold diving, underwater hunting and scuba diving. Donning, venting and sealing the suit before entering the water took a little practice. If such preparations were done properly, the user remained warm and dry, as I have found when wearing one several years ago from my historical diving equipment collection. One manufacturer still makes drysuits of this type: Hydroglove.

I expect, however, that the freedivers on this forum will try to persuade you to settle for a modern-style freediving wetsuit instead.

DRW

 

[minno]

I can't speak for freediving, but I have snorkelled, with occasional shallow dives, in the North Sea in a simple valveless vintage-style drysuit like the one below:

View attachment 59221View attachment 59223
Santa Cruz Sentinel, 23 February 1961.​

The drysuit above was often used States-side from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s for caving, water-skiing, breath-hold diving, underwater hunting and scuba diving. Donning, venting and sealing the suit before entering the water took a little practice. If such preparations were done properly, the user remained warm and dry, as I have found when wearing one several years ago from my historical diving equipment collection. One manufacturer still makes drysuits of this type: Hydroglove.

I expect, however, that the freedivers on this forum will try to persuade you to settle for a modern-style freediving wetsuit instead.

DRW

I have a 7mm 2 piece unlined freediving suit for cold water and 4/3 lined suit for summer, in good weather I just dunk at the dock so I don't overheat and they're fine for sailing but they're cold and clammy in cold windy/rainy weather.
Qapla'

 

[Brochman]

Put waterproofs over your freediving suit to stop the wind chill etc. I use fisherman's type waterproofs.

 

[JessicaWade]

That's an interesting idea! While diving dry suits are designed for underwater use and may be a bit more rugged, they could potentially work for your sailing and free diving needs. Just keep in mind that they might be a bit bulkier and less comfortable for sailing compared to a dedicated sailing dry suit. Also, check if the seals and zippers are suitable for prolonged exposure to saltwater. It's worth a shot, but make sure it meets your comfort and safety requirements before committing to it.