Dry Suits & Underwear

Drysuits vs. wetsuits for Canadian diving

Frequently asked questions

When should I switch from a wetsuit to a drysuit for Canadian diving?

Most Canadian divers find a 7mm wetsuit manageable in summer lake temperatures above 15°C but uncomfortable for repeated or long dives in spring and fall when water temperatures drop to 5 to 12°C. A drysuit becomes the practical choice when water temperature falls below 10°C, when you are doing multiple dives per day, or when dive duration exceeds 45 minutes in cold water. For year-round Canadian diving — whether it's along the BC west coast, an Alberta lake, the Great Lakes in Ontario, or along the East coast in the Maritimes — a drysuit is the standard rather than the exception. Many divers who switch to a drysuit find they never want to dive a wetsuit in Canadian water again.

Do I need special fins and weights for drysuit diving?

Yes — both typically need adjustment. Drysuits will change your buoyancy compared to a wetsuit and will require adjusting the amount of lead weight that you wear. For fins, many drysuit divers use fins with a larger foot pocket to accommodate drysuit boots — these are often different fins from their warm-water set. It is worth having a dedicated drysuit fin and weight configuration and knowing your numbers before diving in open water.

What is the difference between latex, silicone, and neoprene drysuit seals?

Latex seals are the most common — they form a very reliable waterproof seal against the skin and are relatively inexpensive to replace. Some divers develop skin reactions to latex, and latex seals can degrade with UV exposure and ozone over time. Silicone seals are an alternative for divers with latex sensitivity — they are softer, longer-lasting, and more resistant to UV degradation, but more expensive to replace. Neoprene seals are thicker and warmer than latex or silicone, providing some additional insulation at the neck and wrists, but they do not seal as tightly and are most often found on entry-level drysuits. If purchasing a drysuit, look for brands like DUI and Scuba Force who have quick-change seals, making it easier, quicker, and less expensive to change out a ripped seal.

How often does a drysuit need to be serviced?

Inspect your seals and zipper before every dive season and ideally before every trip. Latex seals should be inspected for nicks, thin spots, or tears — a small cut can propagate into a full seal failure during a dive. Replace seals that show any compromise. The drysuit zipper should be cleaned with a soft brush and lubricated with zipper wax or appropriate lubricant at regular intervals — a seized zipper is one of the most expensive drysuit repairs. Have the suit pressure-tested by a professional technician annually to check for pinholes and seal integrity, particularly at the zipper ends and valve fittings.

Is it a good idea to purchase a used drysuit?

A used drysuit can save you money, but be aware that repairs and replacement parts such as seals and zippers can be expensive. If possible, have the suit leak-tested before purchasing and inspect the condition of the seals and zipper. Proper fit is also important, as an ill-fitting drysuit can affect comfort, warmth, and safety underwater. Be sure to factor any repair or replacement costs into the overall value of the suit.