Drysuit Diver 

What gear is included in the cost of the class:

• Two scuba cylinders for open water
• Weight
• Students are responsible for bringing all other gear required for class. We do offer 50% off rentals to any student taking a specialty

What gear is required for class:

• The dry suit rental comes with the dry suit, a base thermal layer, hood and dry gloves
• Personal gear - mask, snorkel and fins
  • If you are renting a dry suit from us, the boots are attached to the suit
  • Please make sure you have the appropriate sized fins for dry suit boots. Your typical fins will not fit a dry suit boot
• Life support gear - regulator, BCD, dive computer
  • Please ensure your regulator is environmentally sealed for cold water under 55 degrees
• Cylinder
• Weight
• Signaling device, like a whistle
• Cutting device
• Thermals - re recommend 2 layers, one for whicking and one for warmth at a minimum
  • This includes socks

Who this course is for:

The certified diver looking for advanced training in dry suit equipment, selection and diving techniques. This diver can extend their diving season, spend more time diving in cooler environments and/or enjoy enhancing their dive experience by staying warm and cozy in a dry suit.

Course prerequisites:

• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver, SDI Junior Open Water Diver, or equivalent
• Minimum age 18, 12 with parental consent

What you can expect to learn:

The SDI Dry Suit Diver course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:

• Types of dry suits
  • Shell style
  • Crushed neoprene
  • Neoprene
• Types of seals
  • Latex
  • Neoprene
• Features
  • Self don
  • Rear entry
  • Boots
  • Zipper guard: protect waterproof zipper from chaffing
  • Warm neck collar
  • Suspenders
• Dive wear insulation (often times called undergarments)
  • Cut to be close to the skin
  • Compression resistant
  • Components
• Dry suit valves
  • Inflator and deflator considerations
• Buoyancy control
• Maintenance and care
  • Cleaning
  • Zipper care
  • Minor repairs
• Dry suit emergencies

The required skills you will have to demonstrate include all of the following and more:

• Planning a dive
• Proper donning of a dry suit
• Review functions of the dry suit
• Buoyancy check and proper weighting
• Practice dry suit skills
• Inflate and deflate dry suit
• Roll out from an inverted position
• Buoyancy skills such as hovering in a fixed position
• Emergency procedures for dry suit malfunction
• Safety stop
• Ascend and exit
• Log dive

What’s in it for you?

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in dry suit diving activities without direct supervision of the SDI Instructor* so long as the following limits are adhered to:

• The diving activities approximate those of training
• The areas of activities approximate those of training
• Environmental conditions approximate those of training

The SDI Dry Suit Diver certification counts towards a single specialty rating to complete the SDI Advanced Diver Development program or SDI Master Scuba Diver Development program.

How to Prepare for Class

You will receive a detailed email with instructions regarding how to prepare for class from training@aquaticadventuresohio.com. If you do not receive this email, please be sure to let us know ASAP. 

Here is an overview of what is required before your first day of class:

• Send us your proof of certification unless we already have this on file
• Log into your SDI account and sign the required waivers. There is a medical waiver that may require a doctor's signature if you answer YES to certain questions. For instructions on how to access this, please click here
• Complete all ELearning in SDI. For instructions for how to access your ELearning, please click here
• Contact us ASAP if you need to rent any gear for class. If you need to rent a suit from us, the cost is $150 and will include the dry suit, thermals, a dry hood and dry gloves. Be sure to stop in and get fitted for your suit ASAP
• Sign up and pay for your diving at Gilboa Guarry for the days of the class, please click here
• Stop by the shop the Friday before your class to pickup the gear provided for class and any gear you rented from us

What to Bring to Class

• Dr signature on your medical form, if required. You can also upload this to your SDI account
• Your life support gear, a wetsuit and your personal gear unless you are renting from us
• Swimsuit - we also recommend a rash guard or skin if you have one
• Towel
• Water
• Snack

Cancellation Policy

We understand that issues and sickness due arise. You can find the details of our cancellation policy by clicking here