5 Tips for Buying Drysuits When Going Cave Diving
Cave diving pushes the limits of exploration, plunging divers into dark, narrow passageways that demand both mental focus and top-tier gear. The deeper and colder you go, the more your equipment needs to perform without compromise, starting with your drysuit.
Now, the US has around 2.5 million active scuba divers, but not all of them can go cave diving. Only the experienced ones can. As suggested by Cristina Zenato, an advanced cave diving instructor, you must be an experienced diver before you opt for cave diving.
Then, when going cave diving, divers need drysuits that meet specific standards. For cave divers, a drysuit isn’t just about warmth; it’s a survival essential. It helps you maintain core body temperature, move fluidly, and stay protected in challenging underwater environments.
But not all drysuits are made equal. Choosing the wrong one can mean the difference between a safe dive and a dangerous mishap. There are several things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a drysuit. These tips can help you invest in the right suit for your underwater goals.
#1 Choose a Drysuit That Matches the Diving Conditions
Not all caves are the same, and neither are all drysuits. Some caves may be warm with minimal silt, while others are icy cold and packed with sharp rock formations.
It’s important to select a drysuit based on the water temperature, terrain, and average dive time. Neoprene drysuits provide insulation and are often cheaper, but they can compress at depth and reduce warmth. Trilaminate drysuits offer more flexibility in layering and are a favorite for cold cave diving where you need mobility and thermal protection.
The right choice depends on where you’ll be diving, how deep you’ll go, and how long you plan to be underwater.
The suit’s sealing system also needs to be considered. For cave diving, latex or silicone neck and wrist seals help maintain waterproof integrity and are easier to replace if damaged. A front-entry zipper is often more convenient for solo gear-up sessions, while a rear-entry suit might offer a more comfortable fit.
#2 Avoid Drysuits Laced with Harmful Chemicals
When shopping for drysuits, the focus is typically on performance and comfort. However, it’s just as critical to consider what’s in the suit itself.
Some manufacturers use materials that include toxic chemicals or coatings to make the suits waterproof, stain-resistant, or longer-lasting. Unfortunately, these additives can have long-term health and environmental consequences.
One class of chemicals raising alarm is PFAS which have been found in many waterproof garments and gear. Presence of these harmful chemicals has also been found in raincoats.
PFAS are linked to serious health concerns, including cancer. Over the years, their presence in firefighting foams has sparked a wave of litigation.
The AFFF lawsuit centers around these substances, with firefighters and military personnel citing AFFF exposure as the cause of various cancers. Now, AFFF cancer lawsuits have begun drawing attention to consumer products as well.
Recent updates surrounding the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits have brought renewed focus on PFAS contamination in gear beyond firefighting. Drysuits are among the items being scrutinized. Choosing PFAS-free suits is safer for you and also better for the water systems where you dive.
#3 Make Sure the Suit Truly Fits
Fit isn’t just about comfort; it directly impacts your safety. A drysuit that’s too loose will balloon underwater and throw off your buoyancy control.
One that’s too tight can restrict your movement and make it hard to reach valves or manage your gear. Unlike wetsuits, drysuits aren’t meant to cling to your body like a second skin. They should have just enough room to accommodate an insulating underlayer without creating air pockets.
When buying a drysuit, it’s worth getting professionally measured or trying on multiple sizes in person if possible. Many manufacturers offer custom sizing or tailored alterations. A good fit also minimizes drag, making your dives more energy-efficient and reducing the risk of entanglement in narrow cave passages.
#4 Opt for Durable, Repairable Materials
Cave diving environments can be brutal on gear. Scraping against rocks, maneuvering through tight crevices, and frequent diving all wear down materials over time.
Your drysuit must be made from tough, puncture-resistant fabric. Look for reinforced areas on the knees, elbows, and buttocks, places most likely to face abrasion during a dive.
Equally important is how easy it is to repair the suit. Even the best drysuits suffer wear and tear eventually. Choose a suit that offers patch kits or is compatible with widely available repair systems.
Some divers also favor suits with replaceable seals and zippers so they can make small fixes themselves instead of waiting for manufacturer servicing.
#5 Don’t Forget the Valve System
Cave diving requires extremely fine control of buoyancy, and your drysuit’s valve system plays a big role in that. High-quality inlet and exhaust valves allow you to regulate air inside the suit and maintain trim underwater.
The placement of these valves also affects usability. Most divers prefer chest-mounted inflation valves and adjustable shoulder dump valves for better control.
Valve responsiveness matters too. You’ll need a system that reacts smoothly without sudden pressure changes. Before buying, test how easy the valves are to operate with gloves on, as dexterity underwater is often limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s so fascinating about cave diving?
Cave diving combines the thrill of underwater exploration with the mystery of hidden, untouched environments. Divers are often drawn to the beauty of submerged caverns, intricate rock formations, and crystal-clear waters that are rarely seen by the average person. For many, it’s the sense of discovery, like navigating tight passages, uncovering ancient fossils, etc., that makes cave diving so fascinating.
Can you do cave diving in normal swimwear?
No, cave diving requires specialized gear beyond just swimwear. The water in caves is typically cold, even in tropical climates, so a wetsuit or drysuit is necessary to prevent hypothermia. Additionally, cave divers wear helmets with mounted lights, diving fins, gloves, and a full diving system which include backup lights and safety lines. Normal swimwear doesn’t provide protection, warmth, or the equipment needed for such a risky environment.
Should you carry oxygen cylinders when going cave diving?
Yes, you must carry scuba tanks filled with either compressed air or a specialized gas mix (not pure oxygen) for cave diving. Oxygen at high pressures can be toxic, so divers use carefully calculated gas blends depending on the depth and length of the dive. Most cave divers also carry multiple tanks. Proper training and planning are essential before attempting any cave dive.
Cave diving takes preparation, experience, and trust in your gear, especially your drysuit. It’s the one layer standing between you and freezing water, sharp cave walls, and potential emergencies.
Choosing a drysuit isn’t just about brand or budget. It’s about fit, functionality, safety, and increasingly, the hidden materials used in its construction. So take your time, ask the right questions, and make a decision that ensures every dive feels a little more secure.
