Temperature, Environment & Your Dive
By Ghost

Now that Summer is here and the heat is at full blast, more divers are actually out enjoying the sport they love. Many however

forget the importance of temperature and environment for scuba diving.

During my last boat dive, I noticed that many of the divers did not realize the temperature at sea was actually very different from the temperature on land. Divers can actually feel bad after or even worse, during the dive instead of enjoying their time underwater just because they felt cold.

Very common among divers on a boat dive is that they do not have the proper clothing to protect them from the change in temperature or the wind that can be very harsh sometimes. During the boat trip, the diver continuously loses body heat and calories, leaving the possibility of cramps and shivering during the dive which can literally ruin his or her dive not mentioning the dives of their dive buddies.

When diving in cold water, you might want to have a chocolate bar an hour or so before doing your dive or eat something that can generate a lot of calories which will allow your body to produce more calories and to help regulate your body temperature underwater.
Also, fruits such as bananas, which have a large concentration of potassium can help and prevent unwanted leg or muscle cramps during a dive. Eating two bananas before your dive would greatly help.

Contrary to what many believe, for divers that are no longer going back in the water, it is better to get out of the wetsuit. With time, and wind gusts, your wetsuit can rapidly take body heat away from your body instead of protecting you from the elements. If you are done for the day, get out of the suit and dry yourself up.

Try some of the tips above. I am sure at the end of the day, you will be less tired and you will have enjoyed your dive day a whole lot more.