If you’re new to cold water diving or paddling in cold environments, knowing how to stay warm, safe and dry is key. That’s where drysuits come in.
Unlike wetsuits, which rely on a thin layer of water for insulation, drysuits create a fully sealed barrier between you and the elements. They keep water out completely, so you can layer up for warmth and control your body temperature.
This form of exposure protection is especially important for technical diving, long time on the surface, or colder climates.
In this beginner’s guide to drysuits, we’ll look at how they work, what to wear underneath, common mistakes to avoid, and how to look after them.
What Is a Drysuit?
A drysuit is a waterproof suit that seals out water at the neck, wrists and ankles. These closures, or drysuit seals, are typically made from latex, neoprene or silicone.
Latex seals offer a tighter, more secure fit.
Neoprene seals (including neoprene neck seals) provide warmth and added comfort.
Drysuits are often made from membrane suits (like trilaminate) or neoprene drysuits. Crushed neoprene suits offer built-in insulation, while membrane suits are lightweight and flexible — ideal for layering.
You’ll also see drysuits with either integrated boots or separate ones like rock boots. A snug fit is important, but leave room for drysuit undergarments.
Key Features and Components
Here’s what makes up a typical drysuit:
Neck and wrist seals – prevent water ingress
Dump valve – vents air to control buoyancy and avoid suit squeeze
Low pressure hose connection – lets you inflate the suit while diving
Pee valve – optional but helpful on longer dives
Dry gloves – used for thermal protection in colder environments
If you’re diving, you may also have two low pressure hoses to control suit and wing inflation separately. Managing air properly helps avoid suit squeeze and improves comfort throughout the dive.
What to Wear Underneath
Drysuits keep you dry — but not warm on their own.
That’s why what you wear underneath matters. Choose layers based on the air temperature, dive duration and your activity level.
Recommended drysuit undergarments:
Base layers (moisture-wicking)
Mid-layers (fleece or synthetic insulation)
Merino wool (warm and breathable)
Dedicated thermal suits with high thermal properties
Don’t forget thermal socks and gloves — or wetsuit boots if you’re using a sock-foot drysuit.
Learning to Use a Drysuit
Planning your first dry suit dive? A drysuit course or PADI dry suit certification is a smart move.
You’ll learn how to:
Manage buoyancy
Use your dump valve
Handle extra air space
Stay safe and confident in new conditions
Drysuit diving is a different ball game to wet diving. You’ll need more weight, and buoyancy will feel different due to being more positive.
Common Drysuit Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few mistakes new users make:
Not doing a fit check – test your suit with all layers on before you go
Overlooking seal care – protect latex seals and neoprene neck seals from oils and damage
Bad air management – learn to inflate/vent properly to avoid suit squeeze
Wearing too much weight – it reduces control and increases effort
Assuming dry means warm – without good drysuit undergarments, you’ll still feel the cold
Quick Maintenance Checklist
Proper care keeps your drysuit performing at its best. After each use:
Rinse with fresh water, inside and out
Hang it to dry, away from direct sunlight
Dust latex seals with talc to preserve them
Unzip fully when storing to avoid creases
Check seams, seals and zips for wear
Store it in a cool, dry place (never folded)
Why Palm?
Looking for reliable, high-performance gear? Palm drysuits are used by divers and paddlers across the UK.
From lightweight membrane drysuits to robust neoprene options, their suits are designed for comfort, movement and cold water performance.
They have:
Articulated cuts
Reinforced areas
Reliable wrist seals
Smart design features like twin waistbands and secure zips
Final Thoughts
Drysuits make all the difference whether you’re diving, paddling or guiding others in cold water.
Take the time to get to know your options — neoprene seals to drysuit undergarments — and you’ll have longer, warmer and safer time on the water.
With proper care and training, your drysuit will keep you comfortable in the toughest and most rewarding places.
