## What to Wear Scuba Diving in Warm Water
When scuba diving in warm water, it is important to choose the right clothing to ensure your comfort and safety. The water temperature, depth, and visibility all play a role in determining what to wear.
### Water Temperature
The water temperature is the most important factor to consider when choosing what to wear scuba diving. In warm water, which is typically above 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), you will need to wear less clothing to stay comfortable.
### Depth
The depth of your dive will also affect what you wear. As you go deeper, the water becomes colder and darker. You will need to wear more clothing to stay warm and to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
### Visibility
The visibility in the water will also affect what you wear. In clear water, you will be able to see more clearly and you will not need to wear as much clothing. In murky water, you will need to wear more clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s rays and from being scratched by coral or other objects.
### Clothing Options
There are a variety of clothing options available for scuba diving in warm water. The most common options include:
* **Wetsuit:** A wetsuit is a full-body suit that is made of neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your skin. This layer of water helps to keep you warm. Wetsuits are available in a variety of thicknesses, so you can choose the one that is right for the water temperature you will be diving in.
* **Drysuit:** A drysuit is a full-body suit that is made of waterproof material. Drysuits keep you dry and warm, even in the coldest water. Drysuits are more expensive than wetsuits, but they are a good option if you plan on diving in cold water.
* **Rash guard:** A rash guard is a lightweight shirt that is made of Lycra or other synthetic material. Rash guards protect you from the sun’s rays and from being scratched by coral or other objects.
* **Dive skin:** A dive skin is a thin, form-fitting suit that is made of Lycra or other synthetic material. Dive skins provide a bit of warmth and protection from the sun’s rays, but they are not as warm as wetsuits or drysuits.
### Accessories
In addition to clothing, there are a few other accessories that you may want to consider wearing when scuba diving in warm water. These accessories include:
* **Dive mask:** A dive mask is a waterproof mask that covers your eyes and nose. Dive masks allow you to see clearly underwater.
* **Snorkel:** A snorkel is a tube that allows you to breathe underwater without having to come up for air. Snorkels are great for exploring shallow water areas.
* **Fins:** Fins are webbed foot coverings that help you to swim more efficiently underwater. Fins are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose the ones that are right for you.
* **Dive computer:** A dive computer is a device that tracks your depth, time, and air pressure. Dive computers help you to stay safe and to avoid decompression sickness.
### Tips for Choosing the Right Gear
When choosing scuba diving gear for warm water, it is important to consider the following tips:
* **Try on the gear before you buy it:** Make sure that the gear fits comfortably and that it is not too tight or too loose.
* **Consider the water temperature:** Choose the right type of clothing for the water temperature you will be diving in.
* **Think about the depth of your dive:** The deeper you go, the colder the water will be. You will need to wear more clothing to stay warm.
* **Consider the visibility:** In clear water, you will be able to see more clearly and you will not need to wear as much clothing. In murky water, you will need to wear more clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s rays and from being scratched by coral or other objects.
* **Don’t forget the accessories:** In addition to clothing, you will need to wear a dive mask, snorkel, fins, and a dive computer.
By following these tips, you can choose the right scuba diving gear for warm water and ensure your comfort and safety.