Do you need different equipment if you want to go cold-water scuba diving?

Question

As opposed to warm water scuba diving, is cold water diving distinctly different when it comes to equipment? Other than maybe a thicker wetsuit, are there differences in equipment or the way you should shop for equipment?

Answer 1

1.  Thicker wetsuit or even a drysuit.

2.  You'll need booties as well.  This full foot-pocket fins would leave your feet exposed.

3.  Thicker gloves.  Those reef gloves are only good for guarding against cuts and such.  They don't offer much in the way of thermal protection.

4.  Full hood.

5.  Cold water regulator.  This primarily relates to the first stage.  Something that is environmentally sealed would be good.  A warm water regulator has a greater chance of freezing (leading to free flowing) in cold water.

6.  Added weights for the thicker wetsuits/drysuits.