New to Drysuits

[microbe boy]

I'm going to buy a new drysuit, and before I make the leap, I want to check on a few things.

I know I will need some sort of undergarment to keep me warm, but other than this, what else do I need.

Boots, gloves, Hood??? I have a wetsuit hood and gloves, will these work???

Thanks

[BouzoukiJoe A.K.A. wrecker130 AKA Chuck Norris AKA joeforbroke (banned)]

Your wetsuit hood might work fine with your drysuit- mine does. You can also wear wet gloves with a drysuit. If the water's really cold you will want dry gloves. The wetsuit boots are not going to work. BTW, lots of drysuits have built-in boots. Others use a 'rock boot' type solution (high top tennis shoes will also work).

[tc_rain]

PADI offers a class for drysuits that will cover the different types of drysuits and what gear is needed. You will also get to make a couple of drysuit dives to learn how to handle problems specific to drysuit diving. You might also want to look into DUI Dog Days to try on various DUI suits before jumping in and buying a suit. They are expensive and can last many years so be sure what you want before buying one.

[Rainer]

If you have a cowled hood, you might need to buy a new one for the DS.

You can use wet gloves, or change to dry gloves (I strongly prefer the latter in cooler waters).

Boots will almost certainly need to be replaced, which might mean new fins as well.

You'll need an undergarment.

You'll also need another LP hose off your first stage.

[CompuDude]

Well...

I'll note that I currently wear wetsuit booties with my drysuit.

But I'd agree a very limited number of wetsuit booties work with drysuits... and those that do, probably need to be at least a size bigger to accomodate the drysuit socks and thermal layers.

Gloves, probably not an issue, unless they have especially long gauntlets that interfere with the seals. Hood, the only issue is the bib... it'll work no matter what, but the bib may or may not flip up in an incredibly annoying manner.

[CFDAlden]

My "Rockboots" are actually a pair of Chuck Taylor style high top canvas shoes by Airwalk. $20 on sale at Payless Shoes!

[Skred]

Originally Posted by CFDAlden

My "Rockboots" are actually a pair of Chuck Taylor style high top canvas shoes by Airwalk. $20 on sale at Payless Shoes!

How much larger are your "rock boot chucks" sized compared to normal?

[Rainer]

I have a pair on Converse for use with my backup DS. I think I went two sizes larger.

[microbe boy]

Thanks for all the replys. I like the chucks...don't think I'll go that route though.

I'm in San Diego, so I've checked out DUI, but they are really expensive. I've been looking at the White's Fusion and like that, price is more reasonable as well.

Will take the PADI course, and if I buy my suit from my local DS I can get the course for free which is something to think about I guess.

[CFDAlden]

Originally Posted by Skred

How much larger are your "rock boot chucks" sized compared to normal?

I had to go a size and a half. I use latex socks under ankle seals, so it was easy to bring the socks, my heavy socks that I wear on the dive, and try things on.

I got weird looks for the latex socks. I wonder what I would have gotton if I hauled my DS in?