Dive in and Stay Dry - Sportdiver.com

DIVE IN AND STAY DRY!

Many people hear drysuit diving and think, technical and complicated. However, with today's latest innovations in diving technology, companies like DUI, Bare and White's have created sleek, streamlined and easy-to-use suits for recreational divers.

Contrary to what you may have heard, drysuit diving isn't reserved for wintry and icy destinations; more and more divers have come to realize that drysuits can make any dive— warm- or cold-water—more comfortable. But it isn't for everyone and it's a good idea to do some research before you dive dry.

PADI Drysuit Diver Course
PADI's Drysuit Diver course requires the following:

Must be a PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver (or hold a qualifying certification from another training organization) and at least 10 years old

Course covers the following:

Don and doff techniques specific to your drysuit
Drysuit buoyancy control skills
Drysuit maintenance and storage
Undergarment (fleece or overall-type garments worn under the drysuit) options
The PADI Drysuit Diver certification credits toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating

Most dive centers offer several confined water dives and two open-water dives as part of the coursework. Check with your local PADI dive shop for their specific course curriculum.

Drysuit Online Resources
There are many online resources to check out before you take the plunge. Your first resource is the official PADI website, which gives the course requirements and a search tool to help you find the nearest PADI dive center.

DRYSUIT DEALER SPECIFICS
There are myriad resources on the Internet to help you in your drysuit information quest. Some websites offer drysuit purchasing advice, how-tos for donning gear, drysuit try-out events and more. Here are some links to helpful information about drysuits and equipment.

Diving Unlimited International (DUI):
•    Find a DUI dealer near you: dui-online.com/dealer_search.aspx
•    DUI offers special events across the states to test-dive a dry suit. Check out DUI's 2008 DOG Rally & Demo Tour event location near you.
•    Women Designing Equipment for Women: dui-online.com/tech_women_divers.htm
•    Check out the Behind the Seams and the DOG Rally and Demo Tour videos below:

BARE:
•    Find a Bare dealer near you: barescubadiving.com/usa/where-to-buy/default.aspx
•    Size up your next dry suit with Bare: barescubadiving.com/usa/size-charts/default.asp

WHITES:
•    Find a Whites dealer near you: whitesdiving.com/fusion/dealerfinder.php
•    Size up your next drysuit with Whites: whitesdiving.com/fusion/sizechart.php
•    See what others have to say about Whites drysuits: whitesdiving.com/fusion/reviews.php

DRYSUIT BASICS:
Where To Dive:
Dry suits may be used in any dive environment from chilly northern lakes and quarries to tropical ocean waters and springs in southern states like Florida. There are a surprising number of divers who belong to dive clubs located in the colder parts of the world and there are websites devoted to those who like to "dive dry." Check out the cold-water diving tips from UKdivers.net along with drysuit basics and gear considerations.

If you decide cold-water diving is for you, check out our special coverage on cold-water diving:

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