Always said hot water suits were for wimps until I did a winter river job

I used to think diving in a dry suit with layers was enough, and hot water systems were just extra hassle. But after spending hours in near-freezing water fixing a bridge piling, my hands were so numb I couldn't hold my tools. The next day, I tried a hot water suit on the same job and felt like I could work twice as long without shaking. Now I won't take a cold water job without one, it's that simple.

3 comments

3 Comments

jamieknight1mo ago

Ha, nothing like near frostbite to make you drop the tough guy act! Too proud to admit you want a hot bath until it's suddenly your best friend down there.

the_thea1mo ago

What if you just toughen up instead?

the_thea1mo ago

During an underwater check at Lake Superior, the water was so cold my regulator almost froze. I thought layers were enough until my dive buddy had to surface early with hypothermia signs. What got me was that hot water suits don't just keep you warm, they keep your mind clear to spot critical flaws you'd miss when shaking. On that job, we found a crack in a support beam missed on three past dives done in dry suits. Now I see them as a basic tool, like a flashlight that works when you really need it.