The RAID Way™
DEEPER… LONGER… OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Drysuit diving can seem a challenge and to some, used to seeing ads and stock photos of scuba divers in microthin wetsuits, just the thought might be intimidating. After all, drysuits are complex and costly… or that’s the perception. However, if you peel back the layers, you’ll find a world of benefits that make it an appealing choice for many divers. The biggest benefit of a dry suit is the ability to use it in various conditions, which makes it the better option compared to any wetsuit. This flexibility is because a diver can add or subtract undergarments to suit the water/surface conditions. Many divers use their dry suit year round, from warm water locations to under the ice in winter.
IF YOU LIKE COMFORT, THINK ABOUT THIS
You know that feeling when you put on a pair of well-worn jeans? The ones that fit just right and let you move around freely? Well, that’s kind of what wearing a drysuit feels like, but underwater. Sure, it might look a bit more complex than your favorite pair of denim, but let me tell you, a good drysuit delivers maximum comfort and mobility when you’re submerged.
Unlike wetsuits, drysuits give you plenty of room to do your thing underwater. Whether that’s gracefully gliding around a coral reef or navigating through a narrow underwater cave, a drysuit fits the bill. You can twist, turn, and somersault to your heart’s content. No restrictions, no limitations—just you and the open water.
And here’s the kicker—once your dive is over, you’re not all soggy and wet. Imagine finishing an epic dive and being able to get right back into your regular clothes without having to wrangle a wet wetsuit off or wait for it to dry. Now that’s convenience. So yeah, if you’re all about comfort and freedom when diving, it’s time to give drysuit diving a whirl. You’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
THERE IS THE SAFETY ASPECT TO CONSIDER
Let’s get real for a moment, shall we? Diving can be risky business. No matter how skilled you are, there’s always a certain degree of risk involved when you’re exploring the underwater world. But here’s the thing: with proper training behind you (LINK), drysuits can help keep those risks to a minimum. You see, they do more than just keep you warm and dry. They’ve got some pretty nifty safety features built right in.
One of these is a buoyancy control device. This handy-dandy feature lets you control your ascent and descent underwater. So, instead of bobbing around like a cork, you can smoothly glide up and down. Not only does this give you more control over your dive, but it also lowers the risk of see-saw dive profils and the complications of decompression sickness.
On top of that, the superior insulation provided by drysuits reduces your risk of hypothermia when you’re diving in colder waters. So even if you’re up for an epic iceberg dive in Norway or Canada, you can keep warm and cozy in your drysuit, minimizing the risk of getting too cold.
Safety is always paramount in diving, and drysuits are all about safety. They’re not just about comfort or exploring colder, deeper waters, they’re designed with your well-being in mind. So, while you’re planning your next big dive, remember: a drysuit doesn’t just keep you dry; it keeps you safe too. Let’s call it the superhero of diving gear, shall we? It might not have a flashy cape, but it’s got your back when you need it most. Dive in with a drysuit and experience safer dives like never before.
IT’S GOING TO LAST LONGER
Let’s talk about longevity, friends. If a drysuit and a wetsuit were to go head-to-head in a durability contest, the drysuit would take home the gold, no question about it. Picture this: You’re suited up, ready to dive into the rough and rugged undersea landscape. You need gear that can withstand those conditions, right? That’s where the drysuit steps in.
A modern drysuit from one of the several leading manufacturers supported by RAID dive centres around the world, are made from tough stuff. We’re talking neoprene, crushed neoprene, or some hardcore trilaminate. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! These materials aren’t just there to sound cool; they serve a purpose. They resist the wear and tear that comes with exploring those harsh underwater environments.
But don’t just take my word for it. Ask any seasoned diver, and they’ll tell you the same. A well-cared-for drysuit can hang around your gear locker for years on end. So, while it might seem like a bit of a splurge at first, think about all those replacement wetsuits you won’t have to buy. Suddenly, that drysuit starts looking like a pretty smart investment. So, if you’re a diver who’s in it for the long haul, do yourself a favor and give drysuit diving a try. You’ll be thanking yourself dive after dive.
BUILDING SKILLS
Here’s a little secret: diving with a drysuit is a game-changer for your scuba skills. Think about it. Mastering a drysuit means you’re dialing in on techniques like buoyancy control, which is a major deal in the diving world. It’s like the fine-tuning knob on your dive control panel, requiring an extra level of precision and finesse. So not only does drysuit diving expand your underwater playground, but it also turns you into a more skilled diver. Double win!
But hold on, there’s more. Becoming a certified drysuit diver with RAID also paves the way to more advanced diving opportunities. We’re talking explorations in untouched underwater territories, specialized dives, and all that jazz. So, buckle up, buddy! Diving with a drysuit is more than just an upgrade in gear; it’s a boost to your diving prowess and a passport to even more exciting underwater adventures. Time to up your diving game: are you ready?
NEED MORE CONVINCING?
Other than being dry at the end of your dive (well, you should pack a towel for your hair), here are some key differences.
1. Warmth and Comfort.
2. Buoyancy control and Safety.
3. Ability to dive in varying conditions.
4. Cost of ownership over the long-haul.
To uncover more about the benefits of drysuit diving, contact your RAID dive instructor to see if it’s a wise choice for you.
You can also review RAID’s drysuit program anytime by visiting FREe-Learning or visit your local RAID Dive Centre to find out more.
NOTE TO RAID PROS. Contact your RRO to take advantage of the February Special Promotion.
