Drysuit Diving: Is It for You?

I have lived in Iceland for 10 years, and all but one of my dives have been conducted in a drysuit. In fact, I originally moved to Iceland just to become a proficient drysuit diver. I made this decision because I wanted to pursue technical diving, and to be a good tech diver, you need to be skilled in drysuit diving. Notice that I didn’t say “cold-water tech diver”—that’s because one of the biggest misconceptions about drysuit diving is that it’s only necessary for extreme cold-water environments like Iceland or the Arctic. That’s simply not the case. Drysuit diving offers additional safety by providing redundant buoyancy and also addresses many thermal insulation challenges that divers face, even in water that could be considered subtropical.

For me, I wear a drysuit in any conditions colder than 25°C (77°F). I love my wetsuit and warm-water tropical diving in 3mm or 5mm wetsuits, but if I start needing hoods, 7mm or thicker suits, and vests, then a drysuit is the way to go. That’s because I’ve invested the time and training to become a skilled drysuit diver, rather than using it only occasionally and struggling each time.

While wetsuits provide some thermal protection, they become less effective as temperatures drop. Adding thicker or layered wetsuits does little to solve the issue beyond increasing discomfort—while still failing to keep divers warm enough for an enjoyable experience. Drysuit diving, on the other hand, allows divers to explore cooler environments while staying warm and dry, making it an essential skill for those looking to expand their diving capabilities. But is drysuit diving for everyone? This article breaks down everything you need to know about drysuits, including their benefits, challenges, and whether making the switch is the right move for you.

A drysuit is a piece of diving equipment designed to keep the diver completely dry by sealing out water and relying on insulation layers worn underneath for warmth. Unlike wetsuits, which allow water to enter and depend on body heat to warm the trapped layer, drysuits provide a waterproof barrier that maintains warmth more effectively in cold-water environments. This makes them the preferred choice for diving in temperatures below 25°C (77°F), where extended exposure can lead to discomfort or even hypothermia.

To adapt to different water temperatures, divers wear various underlayers beneath the drysuit. Personally, I’m comfortable diving my drysuit in all conditions from 25°C (77°F) down to 1°C (34°F) by simply rotating between three different undersuit types—while using the same drysuit for each.

So, let’s take a deeper look at drysuit types, seal types and drysuit customization 

Drysuit Types

Drysuits come in different materials, each offering unique advantages. Neoprene drysuits are thicker and provide inherent insulation, making them ideal for divers who want extra warmth without layering multiple undergarments. However, they tend to be heavier and can compress at depth, reducing buoyancy and thermal protection.

Membrane drysuits, often made from trilaminate material, are lighter and more flexible but require thermal layers underneath, as they provide no insulation on their own. They are popular for technical diving and situations requiring maximum mobility.

Crushed neoprene drysuits offer a balance between durability and flexibility, with better resistance to compression at depth than standard neoprene suits. Neoprene drysuits are generally a lower price point than membrane suits making them good entry suits.

Choosing the right material depends on diving conditions, personal preference, and budget. Personally, for maximum comfort, flexibility, and adaptability to all water temperatures, I prefer a custom-made trilaminate (membrane) drysuit.

Seal Types

Drysuits have waterproof seals at the neck and cuffs to prevent water from entering the suit. These seals come in three main types:

• Neoprene seals are permanently attached to the suit. If they become damaged, they must be physically removed and replaced with a new one using glue, a process that takes a minimum of 24 hours.

• Latex seals are also glued in permanently. They are slightly easier to replace than neoprene but still require about 24 hours for proper installation. While comfortable, they are prone to overstretching over time and can become brittle, making them more susceptible to tearing.

• Silicone seals are the most modern option and are mounted on quick-release rings for both neck and wrist seals. This system offers the best solution as silicone seals are comfortable, stretchy, and can be replaced in 30 seconds or less—often saving a dive. Their ease of replacement also encourages regular maintenance, helping divers stay dry.

The suit is secured with a waterproof zipper, which can be positioned on the chest for self-donning or across the back, requiring assistance to put on. Integrated boots or socks keep the feet dry, with some designs incorporating separate rock boots for added protection. Inflation and exhaust valves allow the diver to control the amount of air inside the suit, impacting both buoyancy and comfort. Together, these features create a system that enables divers to explore colder environments safely and efficiently.

Drysuit Customization 

The suit is secured with a waterproof zipper, which can be positioned on the chest for self-donning or across the back, requiring assistance to put on. Personally, I prefer a plastic zipper positioned at the front, allowing for easier self-zipping.

Integrated boots or socks keep the feet dry, with each option offering distinct advantages. Integrated boots are more durable and provide better insulation, while socks paired with separate rock boots offer a more secure and adjustable fit, as the over-boots can be tightened for added support.

Inflation and exhaust valves allow the diver to control the amount of air inside the suit, directly affecting buoyancy and comfort. It’s important to choose a valve that is easy to operate with one hand for smooth and efficient adjustments during the dive.

Choosing silicone replaceable seals also provides greater flexibility when selecting a glove system. With these seals, you have the option to dive with no gloves, wet gloves, or dry gloves, giving you the widest range of choices to suit different conditions. This added versatility is another key reason why I would only choose a suit with silicone wrist seals.

Most custom drysuits also allow you to choose pocket configurations. I always opt for two thigh pockets—one on each leg—for maximum storage. These pockets are ideal for carrying essential accessories such as a spare mask, SMB, and other dive gear.

A custom-fit drysuit is far superior to an off-the-rack suit, providing better comfort and reducing drag in the water. A properly tailored suit ensures a snug yet flexible fit, allowing for improved mobility and overall diving efficiency.

How Does Diving a Drysuit Compare to Diving a Wetsuit?

Drysuit diving comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to buoyancy control. Unlike wetsuit diving, where buoyancy is primarily managed through a buoyancy compensator (BC), a drysuit contains trapped air that divers must actively control. This requires adjusting techniques to maintain neutral buoyancy and prevent uncontrolled ascents.

The suit features two key valves: an inflation valve, connected to the tank, that adds air as you descend, and an exhaust valve, typically located on the shoulder, that vents air as you ascend. Properly managing the air volume inside the suit allows you to control buoyancy and adjust the amount of "squeeze" the suit applies as you descend. With practice, divers can master this balance for a more controlled and comfortable drysuit diving experience. 

What Training Do I Need?

Drysuit diving requires specific training to ensure both safety and proficiency. Many diving organizations offer drysuit certification courses that cover essential topics such as suit operation, buoyancy control, emergency procedures, and maintenance. Proper training helps divers adapt to the unique challenges of drysuit diving, including managing buoyancy differences and handling potential issues like uncontrolled ascents, inverted positions, and suit flooding. Completing a course not only enhances safety but also builds confidence, allowing divers to transition smoothly and enjoy the benefits of drysuit diving without unnecessary risks.

Almost all diver training agencies offer a drysuit course, and in reality, they are quite similar across the board—so don’t worry too much about the agency. The key factor is choosing an instructor who regularly dives in a drysuit themselves. Training with someone who wears a drysuit daily makes a significant difference in the quality of instruction and the practical insights you'll gain.

Here in Iceland, drysuit certification is mandatory for diving, yet I often see divers who took a course at home with an instructor who rarely uses a drysuit and only covered the basics from the course curriculum. To get the most out of your training, seek out an experienced drysuit diver and a dive shop that offers a variety of drysuits. This way, you’ll not only learn proper techniques but also gain a deeper understanding of different drysuit options and their advantages.

What About the Cost? Is It Worth It?

Drysuits are significantly more expensive than wetsuits, with the initial investment covering not just the suit itself but also thermal undergarments, specialized fins, and potentially dry gloves. Additionally, regular maintenance is essential to keep the suit in good condition, including proper cleaning, zipper lubrication, and periodic seal replacements.

This added cost is an important factor to consider when deciding whether to invest in a drysuit. Given the expense, it’s best to ensure that you’ll be using the suit regularly to justify the investment. For divers who frequently explore colder waters or plan to advance into technical diving, the benefits of staying warm, dry, and comfortable often outweigh the initial and ongoing costs.

Before making the switch to drysuit diving, you should assess your diving environment, frequency, and comfort levels. Those who frequently dive in cooler waters will find that a drysuit significantly enhances their experience. Even divers in temperate waters may appreciate the added warmth and protection, especially if they dive regularly throughout the year. Personal comfort is another factor—some divers naturally tolerate the cold better than others, but for those who struggle with staying warm in a wetsuit, a drysuit can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

One of the main reasons divers invest in a drysuit is to explore cold-water destinations that would otherwise be too uncomfortable in a wetsuit. Locations such as Silfra Fissure in Iceland, where divers can experience crystal-clear water between two tectonic plates, are only accessible with proper thermal protection. British Columbia offers vibrant cold-water marine life, including Giant Pacific Octopuses and wolf eels, while Norway provides opportunities for Arctic diving and orca encounters. Antarctica represents the ultimate extreme environment, requiring high-quality drysuits and thermal gear to navigate freezing conditions. Even well-known wreck-diving locations such as Scapa Flow in Scotland benefit from the use of drysuits, as the water remains cold year-round.

But learning to use a drysuit, owning one, and training for it just for occasional dives isn’t the best approach. A drysuit is a worthwhile investment if you plan to use it regularly in cooler and temperate waters, making those dives far more enjoyable. Think of places like the Mexican Cenotes, where thermoclines can make a drysuit beneficial, or the temperate waters of California, where year-round diving becomes more comfortable with proper thermal protection.

Also, consider your local diving conditions. Do you only dive in summer but wish you could enjoy winter diving without discomfort? A drysuit can extend your dive season and allow you to explore your home waters in all conditions.

Drysuit diving is not for everyone, but for those who dive in cooler conditions, it is a game-changer. The ability to stay warm and dry significantly enhances comfort and safety, allowing divers to explore environments that would be otherwise inaccessible. While the initial investment and learning curve may seem daunting, the benefits far outweigh the challenges for those committed to cold-water diving. If you find yourself frequently diving in cold temperatures or wanting to extend your diving season beyond the warmer months, making the switch to a drysuit could be one of the best decisions you make for your diving journey.

Would you make the switch? If you have long-term plans to dive in cooler environments, the answer is likely yes.