AboutMike Giles Expertise I am a Master Scuba Instructor with over 6000 dives. I can answer questions on general diving techniques, diving education and diver training. I can offer suggestions on the use and selection of proper dive equipment, general maintenance of dive equipment as well as diving equipment repair. I can also offer suggestions on air conservation techniques and buoyancy control. As a dive shop owner for 17 years, I can offer suggestions on starting/running a dive business.
Experience I have been diving for 52 years, teaching diving for 47 years and owned a diving business for 17 years. I am a certified regulator repair technician for several different brands and a certified scuba cylinder inspector.
Organizations I am currently a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Divers Alert Network (DAN), International Resort and Retailer Association and the Better Business Bureau
Publications Undercurrent magazine and Divers Chapbook
Education/Credentials I am a Master Scuba Diver Trainer with 15 distinct specialty instructor ratings, Rescue Diver Instructor, Medic-First Aid Instructor and I have degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biology and Radiologic Technology.
Question Dear Mr. Giles,
I'm about to start my open water dive certification class and was just wondering what I should wear under my wetsuit? Underwear, swim trunks, nothing? What would you suggest? Thanks so much!
Andy
Answer Hi, Andy
Good question...and I'm glad you're thinking ahead!! Wetsuits need to fit skin tight in order to work properly so what you wear under the wetsuit should be close fitting. Since we're usually donning and doffing our wetsuits in public, it's best to wear something like a swimsuit under it. Most of us will wear something like a speedo or bicycling shorts so they won't bunch up under the suit. Some guys will wear baggy trunks under the wetsuit but I find that to be very uncomfortable so I don't recommend it. Of course, you could wear nothing at all but you might attract more attention than you bargained for if a changing room isn't handy.
Andy, I wish you the best in your scuba course and thanks for writing!
