How Exactly Should You Prepare for a Cold Water Diving Excursion?
No matter how many dives you’ve had, diving in cold water is a different battle altogether. So if you’re planning on a cold water excursion soon, here’s how you should prepare for it:
Choose the right outfit
Cold water hurts and it can affect your diving experience if you don’t prepare for it. A good wet or dry suit should be first on your list. The rule here is to find one that allows you to move freely while giving you the warmth and protection you need. A dry suit is the best option for diving below 10 degrees Celsius. If you can’t decide what type of suit you should buy, ask at your dive shop or from other diverse for recommendations.
Invest in the right regulator
Your regulator plays a vital role in your safety during a dive, and your typical regulator might not do the job when you’re diving in cold water. This is because of the over expansion of air due to the cold that could cause freezing and affect air supply during a dive. So make sure to invest in a regulator that’s designed for cold water and one that’s environmentally sealed Also, have that regulator serviced regularly by a qualified technician so you don’t run on dangers while in the water.
Prepare your body and mind for the cold water
More than the right gear, you have to prepare your mind and body for the cold water during your dive. A lot of divers recommend drinking hot liquids and taking a warm shower just to warm up your body from the inside. You can also do some light exercise before the dive to prepare your body for the heavier gear and the thicker suit.
As you hit the water, it’s normal for the body to feel some sort of shock and you may even feel some difficulty in breathing. Don’t panic because it’s only your body’s response or what is called the mammalian diving reflex. Ease into the cold water slowly and relax before you start your dive. Be comfortable on the surface first and give yourself time to adjust to the water.
It’s also very important to start your ascent before you feel your hands shake or you’re already going numb because that’s already a sign of hypothermia. Cold water dives are usually shorter, so just enjoy every minute you have underwater.
