I'm taking Scuba Diving classes, and we are going this weekend to the beach @ 7AM (Cold), should i be worried?

Question

I have 7mm wetsuit, and shoes and gloves, and the head/face mask thing, but still... even when we were practicing in the heated pool it was a little cold at times.. and going that early, the temp outside is like in the 40's... I'm freaked out, i hate the cold!

Answer 1

You might be cold at first but you will warm up eventually! you have nothing to be worried about! i go swimming in the sea on christmas day without a wetsuit and i'm oly 13 !

Answer 2

Talk to your instructor and ask them what they advise so that you don't freeze.  I have heard that the wet suit protects you and keeps the body temperature constant.  I don't blame you I can't imagine anything worse then being cold.  Can't you transfer to a class in Mexico.  Just kidding.

Answer 3

No need to worry. Have some warm and dry stuff to put on after-wards. They won't let you do it if you were going to get hurt. Have your gear checked by your instructor if it makes you feel better.

Answer 4

7mm is a pretty thick wetsuit.  I dive with a shorty over a farmer john and have just 6mm over my body core.  You're be fine.

Answer 5

I noticed you are from S.D. The water temp here off the Shores (where I presume your OW dives are) is 56 right now at 60'.  You will not go any deeper.  You will be kneeling in one place for the probably the second and third dives especially and may get a little chilled, but for the other two you will also do short "tours" so the movement will help keep you warm.  As you will not be going too deep, it will not get much colder.  Have a few jugs of boiling water in a cooler that you can pour down your wetsuit after dive #1.  This will help to warm your core.  Also a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee.  Too, bring a few towels and warm clothes (pants, jacket or fleece and beanie cap...even gloves for after the dive).  There are restrooms at the Shores to change in.  

Remember that the pool is also cold because you were in there for hours barely moving and as you learned water cools the body much faster than air.  

Have fun, relax! Barring rain, visibility has been great this week!

See you out there :-)

ps...for all those who say 7mm is thick, yes it is, but most divers here are diving Drysuits this time of year.  We shore dive a lot so there is a fair amount of exposure to the cold air during the swim and walk.  The 56 degrees is at 60'...it drops about 8 more at the next thermocline at about 80'.

Answer 6

7mm is pretty thick,

but yes.  If you're sensitive, you'll be at least a little cold.  Shouldn't be too bad.  And- while standing on the shore in a 7mm wetsuit, you'll be sweating inside.

Ya' know.  You could postpone the open water portion until warmer weather arrives.  Any good school will hold your $$'s.

Answer 7

If you are enjoying the course, you will be too excited with your first open water dive to be worried ;^)

It is not the outside temperature, but the temperature of the water that is a concern.

The wet suit will trap water next to your body, which will get warmed up to your body temperature, and act like an insulator, so you will not feel the cold of the water (as much).  It is only the first shock as the cold water trickles in that you will feel.

Enjoy your first dive, I remember mine, but I was able to do it in warmer conditions.