If you're a female diver, you know that the connection with the ocean is magical, but the logistics beforehand on the boat... sometimes not so much. At Antara Ocean, we love the sea and want to help make your experience seamless, from the moment you open your dive bag until you emerge from the water.
We know that scuba gear often seems designed without considering our specific needs. Olympic-level fights to get into the semi-dry suit? Hair tangled in the mask strap? Broken nails before the dive?
Based on our personal experience and that of other girls in the Antara Ocean community, we have compiled 10 tips for putting on your scuba gear and managing your dive that will make your life easier.
The neoprene challenge 🤿
The moment of putting on the "diving suit" is usually the most dreaded, especially when using suits of 5 or 7 millimeters (and if it is a semi-dry suit, don't even get me started!).
Here's how to do it without breaking a sweat before getting in the water.
The eco-friendly alternative to the "plastic bag"
This is one of the best-known tricks: putting a bag on your foot so the suit slides on better.
We suggest a more sustainable alternative to prevent that bag from ending up floating in the sea: use old, thin Lycra socks. The neoprene will glide just as easily, and you won't create any waste. Always keep them in your jacket pocket so you never forget them!
The stocking trick
This is a classic trick that works wonders. Wear old tights (the kind you're going to throw away because they're full of holes) under your wetsuit. Not only does it help the suit slide up your legs and hips effortlessly, but it also adds a tiny extra layer of warmth that's much appreciated in cooler water.
The diving swimsuit
Using a technical swimsuit, like the ones we make at Antara Ocean, will make it easier to put on your wetsuit and will give you abit of extra protection against the cold. You can forget about those uncomfortable bikinis that shift around when you take off your wetsuit and dig into the back of your neck with the knots.
In addition, our swimsuits protect you from UV radiation when you take off your suit, while also reducing the use of sunscreens that pollute the sea.
The "reverse" technique
Don't try to just jump into the suit. Turn the wetsuit inside out up to your waist. Put your legs in and pull it up comfortably to your hips. Then, unroll the torso upwards. It's much easier to pull the wetsuit up from the waist than to try to pull it all the way up from your ankles at once.
Water's coming!
If you're on a boat and the weather permits, the quickest way to get into a tight wetsuit is to wet it. A bucket of seawater over you, or wading into the water with the suit half-on, breaks the friction and makes the suit spring into place almost magically.
Controlling the mermaid mane 👧🏻
Long hair and diving have a complicated relationship. Avoid getting out of the water with dreadlocks and protect your hair from salt damage.
The braid (or braids)
It's our favorite option. A simple ponytail is usually not enough; hair tends to get very tangled underwater with movement.
A tight braid (or two French braids) is the best way to keep your hair under control and prevent it from getting into your field of vision or the regulator's purge.
Another option is using small elastic bands that you can place at different heights after making a ponytail. This also works wonderfully, although it does require remembering to take the elastics with you and being careful not to lose any in the sea to avoid creating unintentional waste.
The neoprene cover for the mask
Does the silicone strap on your mask pull your hair? It's incredibly annoying. Get a neoprene cover for the mask strap. Not only will it prevent pulling and breakage, but it will also make putting on and taking off your mask underwater much easier.
The "buff" or bandana
To control those short hairs that always escape from the braid and end up breaking the mask's seal (letting water in), use a tubular fabric bandana on your head before putting on your mask. It will keep everything in place.
Details that make the difference ✨
Nails vs. neoprene: a delicate battle
Neoprene, especially if it's smooth on the inside (microporous) like the neck of a semi-dry suit, is very susceptible to cuts. Long fingernails are like knives for your wetsuit. The practical advice is to keep them short on your diving trips.
If you don't want to give them up, use thin cloth gloves to handle the suit when putting it on and taking it off, and always use the pads of your fingers, never the tips, to pull it.
Ecological post-immersion hydration
Saltwater and sun are extremely drying to skin and hair. When you get out, rinse thoroughly. Apply a leave-in conditioner. Look for biodegradable options that won't harm the reef and apply the product after your last dive of the day.
You can also use natural oils like coconut or argan oil on the ends of your hair to gently detangle.
The equipment adjustment is safety
Many brands now manufacture buoyancy compensators (BCDs) and wetsuits with a specific cut for women. It's not just about aesthetics; a unisex BCD can be very uncomfortable in the chest or too big in the shoulders, affecting your buoyancy and safety. Invest in gear designed for your anatomy.
At Antara Ocean, we believe diving should be about enjoyment and awareness. We hope these tips help you get equipped faster so you can spend more time doing what really matters: observing the wonders of the deep blue.
Your turn, Antara Ocean Community! 👇
I'm sure you have that "secret trick" you learned on some trip that changed your life underwater.
What are your essential tips as a female diver?
Share it in the comments or on our social media and let's help more women enjoy the ocean!
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