Tag: scuba

5 Disadvantages of using a drysuit

A drysuit is the type of suit that divers use for diving in cold water, and not only that: I dive in a dry suit in winter in the Red Sea, where the lowest temperature is 19-20 degrees. Comfort is very important to me, and during winter time I want to be fully concentrated on the divers I’m diving with, not counting the minutes until I get out of the water to warm up.

The idea behind a drysuit is that you stay completely dry and the insulating layer between you and the suit is air, not water like in a wetsuit.

Sounds promising, but there are some things we have to consider.

5 Disadvantages of using a drysuit

So, let me tell you the 5 disadvantages of using a drysuit.

I think it’s worth mentioning that of course, you can count more disadvantages, in general, as well as advantages. So let us gradually uncover this topic, which will require more than a single article. First things first.

1 A dry suit doesn’t always mean you’re dry 😂.

Sometimes water can seep through the neck seal or wrist seals, because of the increased mobility in the water or because of damages of the suit, through the zipper if it’s not closed properly; or through the valves because of poor maintenance, improper rinsing, etc.

2 You are less mobile in the water, a drysuit limits your ability to move compared to wetsuit mobility.

3 Most of the time you will need more weight compared to a wetsuit, often because of the thickness of the undergarments that you use.

4 The neck wrist seals need regular replacement, and the zipper needs regular maintenance. (more on this in another article). If this is not done in time, you may find yourself in a situation where you will have to cancel the dive, because the drysuit will not function as it should.
A torn seals on a drysuit or a wetsuit is not the same thing.

5 You cannot rent or dive with a drysuit without prior training.

Not all disadvantages are exactly disadvantages, but the nuances: price, necessary manipulation with the suit underwater, and more.

You may have thought that diving with a drysuit was a bad idea, but it really isn’t, we’ll definitely talk about the benefits in another article.

Share your experience, do you dive with a dry suit or a wet suit?

What disadvantages have you experienced or would you add to the list?

#diving #travel #redsea #egypt #tourism #drysuit #scubadiving #hurghada #padi #courses #instructor

6 Tips for making a good dive even better

How many dives do you have?

Are you just a beginner or already have some hours of making bubbles under the water?

You probably already have your favorite dives in your memory, where everything went smoothly, you saw something very special or something you had wanted to see for a long time.

How to make an upcoming dive one of the best? How not to loose the excitement and curiosity of going under the water, how even after hundreds of dives not to loose interest?

Let’s talk about it and see what we will find out. There are many things we need to keep in mind and consider, not everything will work in every particular dive for everyone, but this list of tips might help you to increase your awareness and create new opportunities.

Tip 1: Stay positive, take opportunities to learn

Dives can be different: a broken fin strap, before entering the water for the drift dive, foggy mask, low visibility, ear problems. Would this happen all at once? Probably not, but each of this instances teach us to anticipate and take precautions at least in the parts where we have an influence. Prepare your mask in advance, not just before jumping in the water. Descend slowly and equalize often to prevent ear problems. Low visibility? Maybe time to learn how to use a compass, widening the range of conditions where you feel comfortable. Getting out of our comfort zone, that’s what stimulates our ability to grow and helps us to develop our skills. Take this challenge and widen your horizons.

Tip 2: Less expectations

Go into the water with your eyes open, do not limit yourself to see a particular creature. Enjoy the present and magic of life to be just what it is, no plans and predictions needed. The most beautiful encounters are the unexpected ones. Waiting for dolphins the whole dive limits you so much from seeing all the surroundings, and all the other creatures which you do not even recognize. There is always so much to discover in every dive, you will be surprised, just try.

The most beautiful encounters are the unexpected ones.

Tip 3: Buddy team

Keep in mind that being a good buddy is very important for a nice and smooth dive, clear communication, responsible behavior and trust – this creates a good environment for a great,  hassle free dive.

Tip 4: Increase your comfort level

Stay fit, have better buoyancy control, efficient fin kicking, work on your air consumption – all of that will widen your abilities for different diving opportunities , which opens the door to new dive sites, types of dives, conditions etc.

Tip 5: Thinking like a diver

After each dive make a debriefing with your buddy. What worked exactly as you wanted, what felt comfortable or what didn’t, did you face any challenges or how good was your communication. Build up a good connection and real teamwork to enjoy diving even more, learn from each dive, there is always room for the improvement.

Tip 6: Record and share you experiences

Fill up your logbook, so many options are available for that: a paper version, an app for your phone or you can even make your own customized one. Time will pass and little details will be forgotten, do not let them fade away.

There are never two exactly the same days in our lives, the same is with dives. If all of them were absolutely perfect we would loose the feeling of special moments, so be open and let it tell it’s own unique story.

There are never two exactly the same days in our lives, the same is with dives.

Do you have any tips to help make dives an even better experience? Let me know in the comments, share your experience.