When is cold...too cold?

[jaymzflood]

not been on the boards for a while due to working away alot.

id still like to get out there, but is this a point where the water is just bloody freezing?

i remember scuba diving in Janurary once and i hated every second of it because I was only in a 5mm. i have a 7mm cressi titanium now, will I survive or not?

 

[Highlander]

not been on the boards for a while due to working away alot.

id still like to get out there, but is this a point where the water is just bloody freezing?

i remember scuba diving in Janurary once and i hated every second of it because I was only in a 5mm. i have a 7mm cressi titanium now, will I survive or not?

I would say more than ample for a good few hours in the water, but I guess your question is a bit rhetorical....

I have a 5mm Cressi tecnica & was in last week for about 2 hours. No real problem with the suit, just feeling it on my hands & feet. 5mm gloves & 7mm socks. Mainly need the extra thickness in the feet due to not being able to flex them like your gloves.
My gun hand felt it the most, perhaps my hand was kept warm from the ambient heat off my Xtar torch strapped to my left hand, after a little flexing of the hands I was ok. But definitely need to get changed at home & drive back in the wetsuit, this getting changed lark in the cold is not fun at all.

 

[jaymzflood]

I would say more than ample for a good few hours in the water, but I guess your question is a bit rhetorical....

I have a 5mm Cressi tecnica & was in last week for about 2 hours. No real problem with the suit, just feeling it on my hands & feet. 5mm gloves & 7mm socks. Mainly need the extra thickness in the feet due to not being able to flex them like your gloves.
My gun hand felt it the most, perhaps my hand was kept warm from the ambient heat off my Xtar torch strapped to my left hand, after a little flexing of the hands I was ok. But definitely need to get changed at home & drive back in the wetsuit, this getting changed lark in the cold is not fun at all.

ive bought a hd hero 2 this week you see and i really want to use it. i think ill brave it over the next week or 2

 

[Trelawney]

It might be a bit colder up where you are, but the water doesn't get really cold until about Feb/March down here. Normally about 8 degrees and we can stay in for 1-2 hours before getting chilly. That is with a 5mm suit and 3mm booties. December and January are OK in the water,
it's just the air temp and the wind chill when you get out.

 

[BarnacleBoy]

When is cold too cold? I reckon when you're hands start to lose dexterity. That's when you defo need to get out.

 

[Kars]

You need to get out quickly when the second shiver phase sets in.

Eat some warm pasta beforehand, and have some warm green tea before you get in.

Also arrive warm at the scene, and sleep well.

Keep the head warm, put a silicone swim cap on your head and under your hood.

Squeeze hands and feet to keep them warm.

Be hydrated.

Have clothes ready, and a wind screen ready, and hot chocolate ready for when you exit.

Don't be in too long, maintain a bit more reserve, it's saver too.

In your gear choice, go for comfort instead of performance.

 

[Jonny250]

Loads of good advice above, i would like to add that i think you get used to the cold, so if weather and time permits then regular cold dives will help you acclimatise to colder conditions.

 

[arronthompson]

Went for a dive in Devon last weekend. The water was reading 11°C on the dive computer and we managed to stay in for nearly 4 hours and felt plenty warm enough. Although, I do tend to stack the layers underneath with a rash vest, thermals and an undersuit. My socks are only 2mm and I wear three pairs of normal socks underneath but they're always the first thing to go numb. Keep moving you'll be fine.