Surfing Wetsuit for Diving?

[Have Blue]

Hi,

I recently took up freediving (sort of progressed from snorkelling at my local beach). I am a keen surfer so already have a wetsuit / boots / gloves.

The question I want to ask is whether my wetsuit is acutally suitable for diving? I have no idea about the different types (i keep reading about open cell?!?).

My surfing suit is only a summer suit 3mm/2mm so is not the warmest when fully immersed but i have never been too cold when doing a little bit of diving, but i'm wondering if it is just plain wrong for going down? and therefore need to buy a new suit?

 

[Have Blue]

Should also add that I think the suit is making me super bouyant so I use a lot of energy simply trying to dive! I know I need a weightbelt but I have no idea where to get weights. Websites that sell belts only seem to have belts but nothing to go on them! (although I am only aware of 1 site - apnea uk)

 

[monkeyhatfork]

I come from a similar background, having grown up surfing and bodyboarding in southern california. Surf suits are made for duability and ease of use utilizing neoprene sandwiched between two nylon layers. This makes them less flexible(though they have come a long way since the first suit I owned). Freedivesuits are usually opencell inside if not the whole suit, means minus the nylon layer, more flexible warmer and are usually a two piece rather than a zipper suit but more fragile and require lube to get into them. Triathalon open cells can work as well, aslo want a hood attached. I got my omer rubber weight belt and weights at leisurepro.com super cheap in 1and2pound. You can get away with more surfing, temp wise as conservation isnt as important, in freediving you don't nessesarily want to expent too much energy heating yourself or fighting an inflexible suit. but if its what you have you may as well try it till you have something else. I use a spring(surf) sometimes in the summer when lakes get in the eighties but breathing takes more effort than a more flexible open cell.

 

[foxfish]

Lots of guys start off with a surf suit but it wont be long before you will want to upgrade. Open cell 5mm custum made suit will keep you warm in GB for 2-3 hours & cost £120-200.
Keep posting dude you will find every thing you need to know on db.

 

[Gunnar]

I use (better used) a surfing suit too. But after a couple of month I ordered a suit. I was getting too cold and annoyed the surfing suit.

The point with surfing suits is, as long as it keeps you warm enough it should be fine to begin with (just my opinion). But a surfing suit is not very flexible, so depending on the model it will give you pressure on the chest. Besides it is harder to keep the hands in front of your body. You always work against the suit's "resistance". That uses up oxygen.

Of course it is hard to dive without weight. Did you check your local diving store?


You can start with you surfing suit (+ weight belt) and see how you are doing and how you like it. Once you discover that you are into the sport you might consider getting a freediving suit.

Cheers
Gunnar

 

[Have Blue]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Glad to hear my suit is 'ok' for the time being. My suit is only a summer suit so I think I will be investing in a nice proper dive suit that will keep me warm when the water starts to get too cold! Clear water days are too good to be missed due to being chilly

 

[Gunnar]

But be safe!
Being alone and being chilly is not what you want to be in the open ocean...

 

[Have Blue]

I always snorkel / dive with a buddy as I get too lonesome! Inner monologue is not my thing! I end up talking myself into thinking im about to get attacked by a shark!