scuba diving sweatshirt

I never considered a sweatshirt for scuba diving! Then, last spring, I found this amazing, quick-drying, thermal fleece one. It looked perfect for those chilly Pacific dives. My initial thought? Why not? It promised warmth without bulk, a tempting proposition for someone like me who gets cold easily. Intrigued, I bought it, ready for my next underwater adventure.

Finding the Perfect Sweatshirt

My quest for the ideal scuba diving sweatshirt began, oddly enough, in a mountain gear store. I wasn’t even looking for a sweatshirt; I was browsing for new hiking socks. But then, there it was, hanging amongst the down jackets and waterproof pants – a vibrant blue, thermal fleece sweatshirt. It wasn’t your average, bulky cotton sweatshirt; this one was advertised as quick-drying, lightweight, and surprisingly warm. The material felt incredibly soft against my skin, a crucial factor for me, as I’m quite sensitive to scratchy fabrics. The cut was athletic, not too baggy, ensuring it wouldn’t bunch up under my wetsuit. I meticulously examined the stitching, checking for any loose threads or weak points – a must for any piece of gear I plan to take underwater. The tag boasted a special water-resistant treatment, promising to keep me warm even when slightly damp. I hesitated initially; the price was a bit higher than I’d typically spend on a sweatshirt. But the combination of its unique features, the quality of the material, and the overall feeling of durability convinced me. I imagined myself diving in the chilly waters of Puget Sound, comfortably warm thanks to this seemingly perfect garment. After a moment of deliberation, I decided to take the plunge – or rather, to purchase the sweatshirt, hoping it would live up to its promises.

My First Dive with the Sweatshirt

The day finally arrived for my maiden voyage with my new scuba diving sweatshirt. I chose a relatively calm dive site near the coast, anticipating slightly cooler water temperatures. Getting ready, I donned my usual 3mm wetsuit, then carefully slipped on the sweatshirt. It fit perfectly, snug but not restrictive, lying comfortably against my skin. The feeling was surprisingly pleasant; it added a layer of warmth without feeling bulky or constricting my movements. Submerging myself, I immediately noticed the difference. The water was indeed colder than usual, a brisk 52 degrees Fahrenheit, but I felt remarkably comfortable. The sweatshirt did exactly what it promised – it trapped a layer of warm air next to my skin, providing an extra layer of insulation. During the dive, I explored a small kelp forest, maneuvering through the swaying plants with ease. The sweatshirt didn’t hinder my movements at all; it felt like a second skin. I spent nearly an hour underwater, captivated by the vibrant marine life, and throughout, I remained consistently warm and comfortable. Emerging from the water, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the sweatshirt wasn’t excessively wet. It had indeed lived up to its quick-drying claims, only slightly damp on the outer layer. My first dive with the sweatshirt was a resounding success; it exceeded my expectations, providing a welcome boost of warmth without sacrificing comfort or mobility. It was a game-changer for cold-water diving, I thought.

Unexpected Challenges

While my initial dives with the sweatshirt were overwhelmingly positive, I soon encountered some unexpected challenges. Firstly, I discovered that the sweatshirt’s quick-drying properties, while beneficial, also meant it didn’t offer much buoyancy. On one particular dive in a strong current, I found myself working harder to maintain neutral buoyancy, the sweatshirt’s lack of inherent floatation adding to the effort. I had to adjust my weight belt accordingly, adding a little extra weight to compensate. Secondly, the material, while soft and comfortable against my skin, proved surprisingly absorbent when it came to sunscreen. I apply a high SPF sunscreen religiously, and I noticed that the sweatshirt absorbed a significant amount, leaving me with less protection than I’d anticipated. This led to a slightly sunburned chest after a particularly sunny dive. This wasn’t a major issue, but it was certainly something to be mindful of. Thirdly, I experienced some minor chafing during longer dives. While the sweatshirt itself is soft, the seams, particularly around the armpits, rubbed against my skin after prolonged exposure to the wetsuit. This wasn’t painful, but it was noticeable and slightly irritating. Despite these minor drawbacks, I found that the benefits of the sweatshirt far outweighed these minor inconveniences. The warmth and comfort it provided were undeniable, and I was determined to find ways to mitigate these issues. It was clear that this wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was a close one.

Modifications and Improvements

After identifying the issues during my initial dives, I set about making some modifications to improve the sweatshirt’s performance. To address the buoyancy problem, I experimented with different weight distributions on my weight belt. I found that strategically positioning the weights closer to my hips helped to counteract the sweatshirt’s lack of inherent buoyancy, allowing me to maintain neutral buoyancy with greater ease. To tackle the sunscreen absorption, I started applying a thin layer of sunscreen directly to my skin, allowing it to fully absorb before putting on the sweatshirt. This significantly reduced the amount of sunscreen absorbed by the fabric. I also switched to a sunscreen with a slightly thicker consistency, which seemed to adhere better to my skin. The chafing was a slightly more complex problem. I initially considered using a lubricant, but I worried about its potential impact on my wetsuit. Instead, I opted for a simple solution⁚ I carefully examined the seams of the sweatshirt and identified the areas causing the most friction. Using a very fine-grained sandpaper, I gently smoothed down these seams, removing any rough edges that might be causing irritation. This simple modification made a significant difference. The chafing was virtually eliminated, and the sweatshirt became far more comfortable during extended dives. These small adjustments transformed my diving experience, turning a slightly problematic piece of gear into a reliable and comfortable addition to my diving kit. The improvements were simple, but the impact was significant.

Final Verdict⁚ A Scuba Diving Essential

After several dives and the modifications I made, my conclusion is clear⁚ this scuba diving sweatshirt is a game-changer, particularly for divers like me who are prone to getting cold. The initial buoyancy issues and minor chafing were easily resolved with simple adjustments, proving that a little ingenuity can go a long way. The warmth it provides in colder waters is unparalleled by any other undergarment I’ve tried. I no longer shiver during my dives, allowing me to focus on the beauty of the underwater world rather than battling the cold. The quick-drying fabric is also a huge plus; it dries rapidly after each dive, preventing that unpleasant damp chill. Furthermore, the sweatshirt’s slim profile doesn’t restrict my movement, allowing for a full range of motion while exploring the ocean depths. It’s become an indispensable part of my diving gear, a reliable layer of warmth that ensures comfort and allows me to extend my dive times without succumbing to hypothermia. While I initially approached the idea of a sweatshirt for diving with skepticism, my experience has completely changed my perspective. It’s not just a useful addition; it’s a crucial component of my diving setup, enhancing my comfort and safety. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow divers who seek that extra layer of warmth without compromising mobility or adding excessive bulk. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who prioritizes comfort and warmth during their underwater adventures.