Always thought dry suits were overkill in the Gulf until I got hypothermia last March

I was working a platform inspection off Grand Isle and figured my wetsuit would be fine in 68 degree water. After 90 minutes down there I was shaking so bad I couldn't sign my name on the log. What brand dry suit do you guys trust for warm water work?

2 comments

2 Comments

jackson.kim1mo ago

Man, I hear you. I once wore a 5 mil wetsuit in December off Port Fourchon thinking I was invincible and spent the next three hours wrapped in a survival blanket like a burrito. For warm water work I actually went with the OS Systems because they are breathable and not too hot when the sun is beating down. Just make sure you get the relief zipper or you will learn some VERY personal lessons about the meaning of the word "regret" while hanging off a ladder.

rosed321mo ago

And that's exactly the thing, right? It's like life is always teaching you that hard way that you gotta match the gear to the actual conditions, not just what you think you can handle. I see this same pattern everywhere, not just in diving but in how people approach their jobs, their workouts, even their relationships. Everyone wants to look tough or be prepared for the worst case scenario, but they end up miserable because they didn't think about the little practical stuff, like needing to pee in a wetsuit or wearing a coat that's too heavy for a mild day. It's like we all need to learn that being comfortable and functional beats being macho or impressive every single time. So yeah, that relief zipper tip is gold, because missing that one detail can turn a good day into a three hour survival burrito situation real fast.