My hands and feet get cold very easily, how can I stop this from happening?

Question

I go diving in some very cold water(29 degrees) and my feet get very very cold pretty soon after entering the water. I dive a neoprene dry suit. I have tried everything I can think of.

Answer 1

Well, I really wouldn't try using those hand warmers like someone else recommended. Those work via chemical reactions, and you never know how stuff will react under the pressure of diving, even if it is kept dry.

Second, I know someone recommended another layer of coldwater diving neoprene gloves to use inside your suit, but again, don't think it would do much for you. Wetsuit type gloves need a layer of water between your skin the the neoprene to keep you warm, and since you're using a dry suit there should (hopefully!) be no water in there.

I would go to an outdoor store (REI or similar) and find booties and gloves that are thin, but made for extreme cold temperatures. They certainly don't have to be for diving or for water, as you'll wear them inside your suit. Just make sure that they're thin enough to allow you to manipulate your gear without too much bulk, and that your fins will still fit.

Here's 2 that look like they'd work well:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47661354&parent_category_rn=4501422&vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47942147&parent_category_rn=40001352&vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC

Additionally, make sure you're generally well hydrated, and try to stay in decent shape (as cold extemeties are often caused by poor circulation, in turn caused my being out of shape). Working on your cadio can help with this if you think it may be the culprit.

And don't listen to those nay-sayers about going to florida or giving up cold water diving. Some of the best diving I've ever experienced has been in cold water; if anyone limits themselves to warm water then they're missing out on a whole lot the ocean has to offer. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 2

Try some cold weather gear for hands and feet, inside the dry suit. An additional layer of neoprene or polypropylene may help. Another possibility is improve your circulation. Drink plenty of liquids long before the dive so you are properly hydrated, that way there is time for you can relieve yourself before the dive. Avoid things that are adverse to good circulation like smoking, caffeine and alcohol.

Answer 3

You have a medical condition. Go to WEB-MD on the net as there's a term for your condition and i think they can help you alleiviate it to some extent. Good luck! I had this problem, still due to some extent, but better now. So, go check it out, there is help for the condition!
P.S. -- I didn't read your entire Q b4 answering, so you may not have medical condition. You are probably just diving in way toooooooooo cold water. ADVISE: DO NOT DIVE IN THIS COLD WATER!!! There is a place called: FLORIDA which has excellent dive sites in places like: KEY WEST, FT. LAUDERDALE and since you favor cold water (cold to me) go to CRYSTAL SPRINGS AND SILVER SPRINGS -- this is where the TARZAN MOVIES of the 1930s were made with THE REAL AND ONLY TARZAN: Johnny Weismeuller (sp?) !!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is the most fabulous diving !!! The is also cave diving in FLA !!! There's also fabulous diving in BELIZE !!!!

Answer 4

Dive in warmer water.

Answer 5

He comprado recientemente un traje de baño, muy bonito, en los sitios web ha sido un traje de baño para mi hija, el traje además de ser bonito es muy práctico porque se seca rápido y ofrece una buena protección contra el sol, lo hemos empleado todo el verano y no hemos tenido ningún problema con él, esta compra ha sido seguramente una compra muy buena.

Answer 6

have you tryed using hand warmers? theres little sand bags that would fit inside your suit called hand warmers. you can get them at most outdoor rec stores like REI. you can also try polypro socks and gloves, those work good for keeping heat in.

Answer 7

You can rub your hands together before you get in the water... Maybe you should talk to a sports doctor or a coach.. they should be able to help you.

Answer 8

one trick us swimmers have known for years in order to stay warm while marshalling or listening to the coach is to stand with your arms cross and your fingers under your arms with your thumbs sticking out pointing vertically.

This works cos ur covering ur temperature sensors so you dont feel cold. I dunno how it will work through ur wetsuit though, try maybe thermal socks or something

Answer 9

the water was 29 degreez why would you not get cold.

Answer 10

you can die in that kind of water. why are you worried so much about your feet?!?