scuba diving gear

Cold-water scuba divers have more choices than ever in their exposure protection. Here are the features you should consider when purchasing a drysuit, plus a look at the newest suits and undergarments on the market.

Buoyancy, comfort and a whole lot more. New BCs don’t just provide buoyant lift on the surface and underwater; they do it in comfort, style and with features that’ll make you never want to come up for air.

Cressi’s Spring 3.5 one-piece wetsuit is designed to be worn in waters ranging from the tropical to the marginally warm. Made from Ultraspan neoprene, the suit comes with pre-shaped legs and provides lots of freedom of movement. Its glued and blind-stitched seams minimize water seepage. Wrist and ankle seals are made with a new Aqua-stop smooth-skin cuff. The adjustable neck seal is also smooth-skin neoprene. It is available in six mens sizes and five Spring Lady sizes.

At depth, you shouldn’t count on your dive buddy to be arms’ length away when you find yourself in a jam while scuba diving. Learning how to rely on yourself first and your buddy second is going to radically improve your chances for avoiding panic — and maybe even survival.