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Fit Dry

Scuba diving dry in Arizona - It's a dry heat

As the summer rolls to an end around the country, the Phoenix area is still scoring 100 degree days.  Unlike most cities around the United States, summer doesn’t come to an end on Labor Day weekend.   In fact, it is common to have 100 degree days well into the month of October.  And, when those cool days come, it is a welcome relief to most residents in the valley of the sun.

However, for us Scuba divers, Labor Day is a signal to start thinking about the cooler water that will soon follow.  Diving in the Phoenix area is a year round activity.  In fact, most divers prefer the winter months as the water is clearer, more dive sites are available (due to lake conditions) and there are less boaters on the water.  The trade-off: water temperatures get significantly cooler in the winter months.

While the west coast water temperatures may be pushing low 50s and even high 40s in the winter time, the lakes around Phoenix Arizona range in the mid 50s to low 60s.  This leaves a lot of Phoenix divers shivering for warmer waters.  However, for many hearty divers, they are suiting up in a heavy 7mm wet suit with hood and gloves or, some divers, desiring to stay longer and head to deeper colder realms of the local lakes may be in a dry suit. 

Jeff Varner, owner of AZ Divers on 40th Street and Bell, says “many of his divers have switched over to diving dry, because it’s simply more comfortable in cold water“.  Varner continued to say, “that this is the time of year, before the water gets cold, when divers come in and start asking about dry suit classes and purchases“.

Dry suits work on the premise of sealing off your body from the cold water, using an air tight suit.  Neoprene or latex seals on a diver’s neck and wrist, keep water out of the suit.  Underneath the suit, a diver wears thermal protection to keep him or her warm.  Of course, this air space must be managed.  When a diver gets in the water, pressure is applied to the outside of the suit and starts to collapse on the diver.  At some depth, this can be a crippling squeeze.  Divers have a valve on their suit, usually mounted on the chest, which has a low pressure inflator hose attached to it from his or her Scuba tank.  To keep the squeeze to a minimum, a diver can add air to (1) reduce the suit’s squeeze, and (2) the air acts as an insulating source. 

Air is a much better insulator than water.  A body in a wetsuit conducts heat 20 times faster that a body in a dry suit.  This type of heat loss can cause diver discomfort causing a premature end to a dive or, worse, can be a cause of hypothermia.  Of course, like your lungs, mask, ears and BCD, a dry suit becomes an additional air space to manage.

As a diver, managing air spaces is vitally important.  Managing your ear and mask air space is as easy as blowing into your mask or equalizing your ears.  Managing the air space in your lungs is done by following the number one rule of scuba diving -- never hold your breath. Managing your BCD and a dry suit is key to proper buoyancy.  Proper buoyancy means that you are in complete control of yourself underwater.  You, generally, remain neutrally buoyant preventing uncontrolled ascents and bouncing off the bottom which can cause impaired visibility or damage aquatic life.

“Simply put, the biggest benefit for dry suit divers is staying warmer longer underwater“, says Tim Moore, a local Phoenix instructor.  “While the benefits are significant and obvious, you have to weigh those advantages with the cost and training issues“, Moore continued.  

There are two types of  dry suits.  The most common dry suit is a tri-laminate shell with latex seals.  Known as “tri lam”, this type of dry suit has incredible flexibility and uses ranging from tropical caves to ice diving.  The tri laminate shell has little insulation to it.  However, it comfortably allows you to put an insulating barrier underneath it.  The thicknesses vary depending on water temperature.  The other dry suit type is neoprene dry suits.  The sizes range from 1mm to 7mm.  These tend to be less flexible.  However,  neoprene acts as the insulator.  Thus, multiple barriers are not necessary.  In some cases, such as with a 7mm dry suit, a bathing suit and tee-shirt is all that is needed underneath. Costs can vary wildly on a dry suit.  A low end neoprene dry suit can cost as little as a high end wet suit.  However, a high end tri laminate dry suit can run a couple of thousand of dollars.

While materials are the predominant factor in determining price, dry suit options can certainly spike the cost of new suit.  Options for dry suits include a variety of accessories include zip seals, zipper location, valve location, thigh pockets, built in shoes, suspenders, and of course, the suit’s colors.  Options, at the time of ordering, seem expensive.  However, dry suits tend to last a lot longer than wet suits.  So, you options aren’t the place to skimp.  Buy what you want, as you should only have to buy a dry suit once. 

Off the Rack or Custom Fit?

While many shops around town have “off the rack” dry suits available for sale.  Fit is the absolutely most important factor to buying a dry suit.  A poorly fitting dry suit can cause a loss of flexibility, air management issues, and discomfort.  Not many of us are a perfect off the rack fit.  A little to tight in one area and a little too loose in another is very significant while diving. 

I strongly advise to choose a custom fit option for your dry suit.  Your local dive shop can measure you and determine exactly what you need to order your dry suit. 

Training Considerations

Unlike a wet suit, you can’t just jump in the lake and dive a dry suit.  Even a seasoned diver will find his or her first several dives clumsy and uncomfortable.  It is imperative at this early stage that new dry suit divers get properly trained.  Most dive shops, in Phoenix, offer dry suit classes.  Prices range from $100 to $150 including a certification card upon successful completion.  A dry suit class usually has a little self study and classroom work.  This is where you will learn the characteristics of a dry suit.  Classroom lecture is followed by a 1 to 2 hour pool session or shallow water session so you can ‘dial in’ in the mechanics and special skills necessary to dive a dry suit.  After a pool session, dry suit divers are taken out into the open water and complete two training dives with an a qualified specialty instructor.

Once you are certified as a dry suit specialty diver, practice is essential.  It is generally recommended that new dry suit divers spend a significant time, with a qualified buddy, practicing the skills learned in their dry suit course.  Special attention should be placed on slow ascents and safety stops.  After a couple of dozen dives, it is common for to hear divers say they prefer diving dry.  It’s also common to hear new dry suit divers question why they did this in the first place.  When you find yourself in that position, keep practicing.

Diving dry is a financial, time consuming, and educational commitment.  This commitment offer numerous rewards and allows divers to maximize their dive season.  No longer is a diver restricted to warm waters or being cold and uncomfortable in cold water.  Whether it’s a deep wreck, a long cave penetration or that mid winter need for blowing bubbles, dry suit diving is a safe way to keep warm.

Visit the author at http:///www.academyofscuba.com 

About the Author

John C. Flanders, Jr., a seasoned and well traveled diver for over 20 years, is a recognized leader in both the dive and business communities.

Mr. Flanders is an SDI/TDI Instructor Trainer, NAUI Instructor Trainer and a PADI Master Instructor. Mr. Flanders is a SeaSigns Instructor Examiner and the Director of International Training. Mr. Flanders is also trains divers in over 50 different specialties, technical diving and public safety diving. As an Instructor Trainer for both Emergency First Response and Divers Alert Network Courses, he assists in training instructors to teach these valuable safety courses.

John has published numerous articles and manuals for the dive industry and is a frequent contributor to Diverwire, an industry leading portal for Scuba Divers.

In over 20 years of diving John has explored almost every ocean and/or sea in the world off the coasts of 6 continents. He is an avid cave and wreck diver. He also enjoys hiking, kayaking, rock climbing,camping, golfing, sky diving, reading and writing.

Dry $10 Dry

Purina Fit and Trim Dry Dog Food 17.6lb $16.99 Purina Fit and Trim Dry Dog Food The more fit your dog is, better are the chances of it remaining hale and healthy. This diet comprises of fiber from whole grains, proteins, chicken, vitamins and minerals which promotes fitness and great health. Features • Fiber from Whole Grains for Digestive Health • High Quality Protein Including Real Chicken to Help Maintain Lean Muscle Mass • 23 Vitamins and Minerals including Antioxidants for Overall Good Health Item Specifications: Size 9lb, 17.6lb & 37.5lb Ingredients Whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, whole grain wheat, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, corn germ meal, soybean germ meal, chicken, egg and chicken flavor, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), animal digest, turkey by-product meal, salt, calcium carbonate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2), potassium chloride, Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, manganese proteinate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, calcium pantothenate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite. Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein (Min) 25.0% Crude Fat (Min) 7.0% Crude Fat (Max) 9.0% Crude Fiber (Max) 5.0% Moisture (Max) 12.0% Vitamin A (Min) 10,000 IU/kg Feeding Guide Dog's Current Weight Feeding Amount* Feeding Amount* 3 to 12 lbs. 1/3 to 1 cup 1/2 to 1-1/4 cups 13 to 20 lbs. 1 to 1-1/3 cups 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 cups 21 to 35 lbs. 1-1/3 to 2 cups 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 cups 36 to 50 lbs. 2 to 2-1/2 cups 2-1/2 to 3-1/4 cup

Dry Heat $9.99 Half a century after the unsolved murder of an FBI agent, the victim's missing badge is found on the body of a dead transient. The case seems a perfect fit for David Mapstone, history-professor- turned-Maricopa- County-deputy-sheriff. That is, if he can get past a forced partnership with rival cold-case expert Sgt. Kate Vare and the FBI's strange stonewalling about the details of the agent's killing. To complicate matters, there are the crimes making history today, like the arrest of Russian mafia members in a multimillion-dollar fraud case. David's wife, Lindsey, star of the sheriff's Cybercrimes Bureau, was on the task force that busted the case wide open. But her triumph is short-lived when a hit in Scottsdale leaves three task-force members dead. Lindsey's life in danger, Sheriff Peralta stashes Lindsey and David in a safe house. Then Sheriff Peralta inexplicably demands that David solve the cold case. The trail will take Mapstone to the most forlorn parts of Phoenix, as well as to San Francisco and picturesque southern Arizona, as he slowly uncovers the bloody secrets surrounding the mysterious FBI badge. He's got the brains and the leads. Now all he and Lindsey have to do is live long enough to bring justice to a fifty-year-old crime.

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Dry Tech Liner $44.99 Joe Rocket Dry Tech Liner The Dry Tech Liner from Joe Rocket uses their trade marked seam sealing designs and manufacturing techniques to give you the 100% waterproof comfort you want. It is a great addition underneath any riding jacket, but with a fit and finish this nice, it can also be worn on its own. It also zips into all of Joe Rocket's mesh jackets. Features: Breathable 100% waterproof membrane Can be worn separately or underneath any jacket Elastic cuff and waist

Moc Dry Clean $1295 Moc is a loose fit with a high waist and a straight leg. It has tilted belt loops at the back, taken from classic denim trousers. The stitching at front and back pockets and fly is tighter than on other styles. Moc is a great relaxed style, which is preferably worn loosely on the hips. This wash has been sprayed with resin to give the pant a dry feel. It has one back pocket stitched in a matching thread, and the other in a contrasting one, and the thigh has been hand scraped to create a softer area.

Women's Dry Tech Liner $44.99 Joe Rocket Women's Dry Tech Liner Lost your original Joe Rocket liner? Or just looking for a 100% waterproof option? The Women's DryTech Liner is made to fit and zips into any textile or mesh Joe Rocket jacket. Features: Breathable 100% waterproof membrane Can be worn on it's own or with any mesh or textile Joe Rocket jacket Elastic cuff and waist

Dry Guy DryGuy Transporter™ $49.95 The DryGuy TRANSPORTER Boot and Glove Dryer is a simple way to dry or pre-warm boots and gloves simultaneously! The DryGuy TRANSPORTER Boot and Glove Dryer includes two rotating adjustable arms that telescope in and out. The "arms" easily insert into all sizes ski boots, snowboard boots, skates, boots and more, as well as gloves and mittens. The DryGuy Transporter silently moves warmed "Forced Air" to quickly remove warmth-stealing moisture. The DryGuy TRANSPORTER Boot and Glove Dryer helps reduce latent bacterial and fungal growth eliminating stink while encouraging dry, comfortable, healthy hands and feet. Boot and gloves that are pre-warmed for as little as 15 to 20 minutes help improve circulation and promote proper fit. Damp items resulting from normal daily use dry in 30 to 60 minutes while washed – spun dried – gloves and mittens dry in 4 to 5 hours. Features Digital count down timer Voltage switch for International traveler Safely warms and dries one pair of boots and one pair of gloves at once Gently heated "forced" air flow dries and warms any style footwear Quiet, Compact and collapses for easy transportation No loud humming noises with the whisper quiet fan Dry Time – 2-3 hours Power – 8 hours maximum drying time. Dual voltage selector switch (120V/230V) simplifies international travel Weight – 1.5 lbs Material – High-quality thermoset plastics Warranty – One year Product code: DG00401 View our full line of DryGuy products here.

Floods Upon the Dry Ground $16.99 "SUPRISE The original Church founded by Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles was actually a Church sustained and guided by the Holy Spirit. In Floods Upon the Dry Ground, Charles Schmitt gives an inspiring and thought-provoking history of the Church from a charismatic perspective. You won't want to put it down and will be profoundly enlightened by the author's insights. Allow him to carefully draw you into the realization that history is not yet finished and neither is God. Rediscover your roots and learn how the current rivers of renewal and revival fit into God's great plan for this world. In this study, God wants to immerse you in His presence."

A Rich Man for Dry Creek $4.95 Tiny Dry Creek, Montana, was the last place on earth personal chef Jenny Black would come to find a husband--and a wealthy playboy was the last man on earth she'd find appealing. But when her employer's son caught her off guard with a kiss, Jenny didn't have a prayer of resisting him! Fed up with jet-set gold diggers, Robert Buckwalter III was on the lookout for a faithful female who'd settle for a simple lifestyle out here in God's country. Jenny fit the bill--and Robert was willing to trade his fat wallet for a little help from the man upstairs to win her over...

Royal Canin Adult Fit 32 Dry Cat Food 7lb $24.89 Royal Canin Adult Fit 32 Dry Cat Food Cats with outdoor access need a nutritional answer that has a higher calorie supply to match their higher activity level. Also, the cat with outdoor access can come into contact with other animals or parasites that can put her immune system under heavy stress. Since she also spends time indoors grooming herself, she also needs nutrition that helps manage hairballs. The 52 ingredient formula of Royal Canin Adult Fit 32 Dry Cat Food focuses on overall health and hairball management for your active adult cat. Features: . For active adult cats with outdoor access, 1 to 10 years old . The right combination of nutrients in the correct amounts to achieve your cat's best health . Fiber that encourages intestinal transit and helps to eliminate the hair your cat swallows everyday . Antioxidants to support immune health by reducing the impact of free radicals on cells Item Specifications: Size: 3.5 lb bag 7 lb bag 15 lb bag Flavor: Chicken Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat, Natural Chicken Flavor, Pea Fiber, Dried Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed), Rice Hulls, Dried Brewers Yeast, Soya Oil, Anchovy Oil (Source Of EPA/DHA), Calcium Sulfate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Brewers Yeast Extract (Source Of Mannan-Oligosaccharides), Dried Egg Product, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Monosodium Phosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Vitamins [DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Trace Minerals [Zinc Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Preserved With Natural Mixed Tocopherols (Source Of Vitamin E) And Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (minimum) 32.0%, Crude Fat (minimum) 14.0%, Crude Fiber (maximum) 5.8%, Moisture (maximum) 8.0%

GO Fit and Free Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food 25lb $65.99 Go! Fit and Free Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food High levels of proteins and fats result in excretion and could do more harm than benefit your pet. Now Go! Grain Free Endurance Formula has the right levels of proteins and fats, optimal for your pet. Each batch of food has been subjected to a comprehensive triple check safety program to ensure the best quality. Item Specifications: Ingredients Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, de-boned Chicken, Russett Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols (vit. E), Whole Dried Egg, Salmon Meal, Apple, Peas, Natural Flavour, Tomato Pomace, Duck Meal, Salmon Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Yeast Extract, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Pumpkin, Carrots, Bananas, Blueberries, Cranberries, Lentil Beans, Broccoli, Spinach, Cottage Cheese, Alfalfa Sprouts, Chicory Extract, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei, Enterococcus Faecium, Bifido-bacterium Thermophilum, dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Extract, Vitamins (vit. E, vit. C, niacin, inositol, vit. A, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, beta-carotene, vit. D3, folic acid, biotin, vit. B12), Minerals (zinc proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite), Ascorbyl-polyphosphate, Garlic Powder, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Rosemary. Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein (min) 34% Available in 1lb, 6lb, and 25lb bags Crude Fat (min) 16% Crude Fiber (max) 4% Moisture (max) 10% Calcium (min) 1.8% Phosphorus (min) 1.2% *Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min) 3% *Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min) 0.5%

Dry Erase Lap Desk $23.49 Great for on the go, this Dry Erase Lap Desk by The Board Dudes is a unique and fun way to get things done. Constructed of durable plastic, the desk is contoured to fit comfortably and snuggly on the lap. Great for doing homework, crafts, games and more, the lid opens up to reveal extra storage space and provide an easel. Since the writing surface is reusable and erasable, you can do your part to save paper and the environment. The lap desk is a versatile accessory for the home, office and even the car and folds flat for easy storing and also equipped with a handle for easy toting. Features: Constructed of durable plastic Contoured to fit comfortably and snuggly on the lap Writing surface is reusable and erasable to help conserve paper Folds flat for easy storing Equipped with a handle for easy toting Great for home, office and carSize: 7 1/2"tall x 17"wide x 12"deep When folded, desk rests at 2"tall Please Note: Color choice is not available.

Watershed Zip Dry Bags Futa $93.95 Part float bag, part dry bag, but all business. Intended primarily for kayak sterns, the Futa tapers to fit most boats and the ZipDry closure ensures your contents are dry at the takeout. Three external lash points and four deck attachment points keep the bag in place. Over-the-top compression straps allow the bag to be sized down to fit contents and the stern of the boat.

Dry to Very Dry Skin Care Management System (5 piece) $295 A daily skin care regimen that will have you glowing from the inside out. Each product is specially customized to fit your dry skin needs. Non-irritating cleanser helps wash away impurities and dirt, preparing it for treatment. Anti-aging eye and face cream help moisturize, repair and restore the skin. Dry to Very Dry Skin Care Management includes: Bioglycolic Face Cleanser (8 oz.) C-ESTA Face Serum (1 oz.) Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Cream(1 oz.) Age Intervention Face Cream (1 oz.) Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 (2 oz.)

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Pampers Baby Dry Diapers $24.99 Up to 12 hours of nighttime protection 3 layers of absorbency versus 2 in the other leading brand Flexes for a snug and comfortable fit For 16-28 lb (7-13 kg) Made in USA Baby, Children & Toys , Diapering , Diapers & Wipes , Diapers

Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Glove $30 Updated ultimate moisture-transfer running glove keeps your hands dry, warm, and protected. Thumb pad flips back for easy MP3-player navigation on the run. • Fit: Fitted • Moisture-transfer polyester • Terry wiping surfaces • Polyurethane finger grips • Handy retractable MP3 thumb pad • Convenient magnet holds gloves togetherBrooks Shelter Fabric: Vapor-Dry (93% moisture-transfer polyester/7% spandex)