Cool Surfing Gear

Do you wear wetsuits when training for scuba in a pool?

I am taking a scuba class this semester at my school. I'm older than the traditional students and definitely don't have the blond hair, stick thin, super tan body that I'm sure the rest of them do. I will probably just drop the class if this is going to be a baywatch episode. So I'm hoping we just wear wetsuits instead of itsybitsy bikinis. Anyone know?

Public Comments

1. It depends on the class. Chances are, no. Wetsuits aren't really needed in a pool. You might be able to wear one but you would likely have to buy one yourself. Contact your school and ask, they are the only ones who can tell you about the particular class in question.
2. It depends. First, will the owner of the pool allow it? The shop that I work for owns the pool. Other shops might have to rent pool time from the local school, gym, city, etc. Sometimes, these organizations don't allow non-bathing suits in the pool. Second, what is the temperature of the water? At our pool, knowing that the students will be wearing wetsuits, the pool is kept at a lower temperature (and it saves money). I also like to spend the time with students to find a proper fitting wetsuit so that they know what size to look for when they go on vacation. I recommend wearing "serviceable" bathing suits for the class instead of "itsy bitsy" bikinis. You'll put the wetsuit on over your bathing suit if you wear them.
3. No need. Wetsuits are made to keep you warm in cold water. Swimming pools are heated to keep you warm enough without a wetsuit. Also wetsuits add buoyancy and weights are required to counteract that buoyancy. If you aren't wearing a wetsuit much less weight is need to maintain neutral buoyancy.
4. I agree with Doug. I would add that the amount of time spent in the pool is also a factor, the longer you spend immersed in water (even relatively warm water) the more body heat you will lose. When I'm teaching we spend several hours in the pool and students regularly get chilled even while wearing wetsuits. So the amount of time spent in the water per pool session will also dictate whether wetsuits will be needed/recommended. So, as for most things, the right answer is "it depends".
5. I'm a scuba instructor and I encourage all my students to wear wetsuits in the pool. Divers wear wetsuits in the ocean, so might as well get used to wearing one while you're training in the pool. I would call the store and ask if wetsuits are provided. If not, renting a wetsuit would not be unusual. One last thing: don't worry too much about how you look. Diving isn't about glamour. All divers end up with boogers, bloodshot eyes from salt water and messed up wet hair. The cool thing about all of that? It weeds out the prissy people and only the true adventurers remain. Have an awesome time in your class.