Hoods, Gloves, and Socks: Protection, Comfort and Style
Investing in the right dive accessories increases your comfort and extends your bottom time when diving. Whether you have already purchased all your own gear or you are just starting out, choosing the right accessories will elevate your diving experience.
If you are lucky enough to be diving in Playa del Carmen, you get to experience year round warm Caribbean waters with current temperatures around 29-30°C and dropping to lows of 26°C in the winter months, between January and March.
Playa del Carmen, a world renown site for diving gives you access to not only diving in the Caribbean Sea, but also to explore Mexico’s magical cenotes.
Cenotes are naturally occurring formations that are specifically found in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. They are culturally significant to the Mayan people of the region and offer breathtaking natural geological formations.
Diving in cenotes is an experience unique to this region in Mexico, it provides divers with a feeling of connecting with the past and history of this region, cenotes offer crystal clear visibility and stunning rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years.
Water temperatures in cenotes tend to be cooler than in the sea, with temperatures ranging between 25-26°C all year around. Diving in cenotes you will tend to get colder than you expect. The combination of hot outside temperatures on the surface compared with cooler water and the darkness of cenotes, tend to impact your core temperature. Ensuring that you have the right exposure protection and accessories will prolong your dive time, and ensure more pleasurable dives.
You have probably noticed your dive instructor or guide using a range of different suits, equipment and accessories. Even in the warm Caribbean sea, many instructors and guides will often use hoods and gloves.
Your body loses heat up to 25 times faster in water than in air. Especially if you are doing multiple dives per day you might find that you get chilled more easily. Adding thermal protecting accessories can aid in the reduction of heat loss without impacting your mobility underwater. Investing in accessories like socks, gloves and hoods are economical investments that can extend your bottom time and make dives more enjoyable.
Socks
If you are diving here in Playa del Carmen, in warm Caribbean waters you can skip heavy boots and choose closed-heel or barefoot fins. When you are renting your gear you will find most rental fleets in the area opt to use these styles of fins.
Bonassi Orca, Closed Heel Fins $1200 MXN
Of course, using fins while barefoot often means painful blisters, scrapes or stings. Adding a layer of protection with a neoprene sock can prevent rubbing and painful blisters, while keeping your feet warm and comfortable for your dive. Neoprene socks are also a great option if you are between fin sizes or for women who typically have narrower feet than are designed for standard fins.
Neoprene Socks come in a variety of styles and thickness. For the shorty aficionado we have low cut socks so you don't end up with mid-calf tan lines.
Aqualung Ergo Low Grip 3mm Neoprene Sock, $950 MXN
At Xico Dive Shop we offer a range of neoprene socks ranging between 1.5mm-3mm. The thickness you choose will depend on your fins, how much extra padding you need for fit, and of course how quickly you get chilled. Trying on socks with the fins type that you usually use will ensure that you get the perfect fit.
C4 Zero 1.5mm Neoprene Socks, $800 MXN
Bonassi 2mm Metal Socks, $900 MXN
Mares Classic 3mm Dive Socks, $900 MXN
Gloves
Do pruney crinkly hands make you uncomfortable?
For some people this type of water logging happens between 5-15 minutes after being submerged and can make it difficult to get a good grip on your gear underwater. Many other people with skin sensitivities and allergies often opt for gloves as an extra layer of protection.
While the water temperatures in the Caribbean don’t typically call for gloves, they can be a great line of defense against fire coral, jelly fish and aggressive triggerfish.
Do research on your dive location in advance to know if there are any restrictions on the use of gloves. Cozumel and cenotes often do not allow the use of gloves. Check with the dive center and ask about the specific sites you will diving to know if gloves are permitted or required.
Women's 2mm Aqualung Admiral III Gloves in Purple and Black, $850 MXN
Men's 2mm Aqualung Admiral III Gloves in Charcoal and Black, $850 MXN
Hoods
The warm Caribbean sea does not necessarily require a hood for warmth, however you might notice that your instructor or guide uses a hood and you've wondered what the hype is all about.
Even in tropical dive destinations a hood will keep you warmer, safer, and more comfortable, especially if you are doing multiple dives in one day. Diving in cenotes can be significantly cooler than the sea with temperatures between 24–26 °C, so a hood is often required.
A neoprene hood will help reduce heat loss from your head, which can extend your bottom time and keep you warm and comfortable in cooler waters. Not only that, hoods will protect your hair from damage that comes from water and sun exposure and prevent nasty mask tangles.
Most importantly, a hood makes you more streamlined and can help with buoyancy control and maintaining better trim.
At Xico Dive Shop we have two different styles of hoods, one with a collar and one without. It is important that you get a nice snug fit in your hood, but it should not be suffocating or restricting. Trying on different hoods for the right fit is critical. For women braid your hair or put it in a tight bun before trying on hoods. You don't want hair flying out under your hood and tangling in your equipment.
Hoods also range in a variety of thickness, ensure that you choose the right thickness for your diving.
Aqualung Unisex 5mm Hood, $700 MXN
Aqualung Seawave Flex 7/4mm Hood, $1800 MXN
Hooded Vests
A hooded vest is a great alternative to a wetsuit for diving in the Caribbean. It provides the extra thermal protection for your core and head while leaving your arms free with more mobility. Many Caribbean divers choose to use the vest with shorts and a rash guard especially when the waters here are between 28-30°C.
Hooded vests come in a variety of thickness. Some brands have unisex styles, while others offer women or men specific cuts.
The debate continues about whether it is better to use your vest under or over your wetsuit. The most important consideration is that you try it on with the layers you will be wearing for your dives. If you plan to wear it under a 3mm wetsuit, bring your 3mm to the shop so you can try the vest on with your wetsuit for fit.
Remember that neoprene is very stretchy and will stretch out with use in the water. Your vest should fit snuggly when you try it on.
Aqualung 2.5mm Undervest with Hood, $2500 MXN
Bonassi Undervest with Hood $2500 MXN
Final Thoughts
Ensuring your comfort during a dive is the most important factor in having a safe and enjoyable underwater experience. Don't underestimate the power of your gear to make or break a dive. Sometimes, something as simple as a pair of socks will provide the adjustment you need to make a difference in your dive.
When shopping for accessories, such as gloves, socks and hoods, trying on is the best way to ensure perfect fit.
As each brand comes with different sizing it is important to check size charts if you are shopping online.
If you are in Playa del Carmen, stop on by the shop located on Calle Flamingos. We are open daily from 9.00 am- 8:00 pm and our team will be pleased to assist you with finding the right size and style for your diving adventures.