How to stay warm and love your diving!

It's December and the weather has changed.  As I write the sea is warmer than the land, but it still can't really be classed as 'toasty'!  It's certainly not 'good-lord-it's-a-spot-chilly' just yet but definitely hood and glove time - apart from the seriously hardy!

So here we are going to explore how you can make sure that you stay warm and have a great time diving through the winter. 

The first thing is to make sure you arrive at the dive site warm and that you stay warm whilst you set your kit, plan your dive and chat to your buddy.  It might sound silly, but if you get cold before you dive, you'll stay cold all day.  Invest in a warm coat and a beanie - the essential bit of kit every diver should have - check out some of these: https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/gift-ideas/hats-scarfs-neck-gaiters 

Next think about taking a waterproof and windproof jacket with you, something you can put on over your suit, even if it's wet.  The wind chill can really get to you, especially if you're going out by boat.  Something like one of these: https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/gill-mens-os31-coastal-sailing-jacket

If you're going to be getting changed at the dive site then have a look at the dry robes and storm ponchos..  warmth and a bit of privacy all at the same time.  https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=+Dry+robes

Dive kit fit for the job.  That's the next bit to look at - but not just the big stuff of drysuit/undersuit or semidry.  Think about the ancillary bits.  if your hands get cold quickly it'll be miserable for you.  Gloves come in all sorts of thicknesses. The thicker the warmer, and whilst you might think you'll lose dexterity, actually you don't once you're underwater.  https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=+Gloves

The same is true of hoods. - remember what your Mother always used to say about losing heat from your head... she was right!  Protect that barnet and you'll stay warmer!  https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=+Hoods

And yes you will stay warmer in a dry suit. But the ket to that is the undersuit you're wearing underneath! In the winter you need layers, but the right layers. A proper undersuit will be made of material that wicks any moisture away from you, simply adding a t shirt or 2 will not do this and will make you colder in the long run.  Most manufacturers do different thicknesses of undersuit. In the summer the thinner ones are great. In the Autumn and Spring you will want a thicker version.  In the depths of winter you'll need the thickest - or a combination of lightweight and medium weight suit (in other words wear both!).  https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=+undersuit

And yes you will stay warmer in a dry suit. But the ket to that is the undersuit you're wearing underneath! In the winter you need layers, but the right layers. A proper undersuit will be made of material that wicks any moisture away from you, simply adding a t shirt or 2 will not do this and will make you colder in the long run.  Most manufacturers do different thicknesses of undersuit. In the summer the thinner ones are great. In the Autumn and Spring you will want a thicker version.  In the depths of winter you'll need the thickest - or a combination of lightweight and medium weight suit (in other words wear both!).  https://www.diveshoponline.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=+undersuit