When you start out into scuba diving you wonder about what to wear underneath a wetsuit, trying to figure out the correct weights to use and learning how to use the dive logbook. One of those questions over time that some divers wonder about is can you sweat underwater.
The main purpose of sweating is to cool your body down. So being submerged underwater in water reduces the need to sweat but if your dive is vigorously enough you will sweat. You probably will not notice it because your skin is already wet and surrounded by water is carrying away your sweat.
In today’s post, we will go through in more detail about can you sweat underwater, so let’s get started!
Why Do We Sweat?
Sweating is a normal process where the body tries to lower the body temperature when it is higher than normal. If you are exercising or the weather is hot you can expect to sweat as your body temperature will have increased.
Why Does Sweat Smell Bad?
If your sweat has a bad smell, it does not necessarily mean that the smell is caused by your sweat, it can be caused by the sweat mixing with bacteria on your skin. Or it would be caused that your body is excreting unwanted toxins that can produce a bad smell through sweat.
Can You Sweat Underwater?
Being underwater reduces the need to sweat but if your scuba dive is strenuous enough you will sweat. You probably will not notice it because your skin is already wet and the surrounding water is going to wash away the sweat.
Why Is Hydration Important When Scuba Diving?
Staying hydrated while scuba diving is important like any other sport. To stay hydrated you simply need to have a good intake of water along with a healthy diet. And avoid alcohol and coffee a few hours before going diving.
Why Does A Scuba Diver Become Dehydrated?
Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration since your body loses a good amount of water. There are other factors than sweating that can cause dehydration when scuba diving. These are as follows.
- Warn Climate – If you are diving in tropical waters in a wetsuit can lead to increased sweating. As well as having to carry the scuba tank and equipment.
- Seawater – The salty water can dry out your skin. This can cause dehydration as it takes the moisture out of your skin.
- Alcohol – Alcohol consumption actually dehydrates you. It is never advised to mix alcohol and scuba diving.
- Compressed Air – Dehydration can be due to the diver breathing filtered and very dry compressed air.
Can You Drink Water While Scuba Diving?
Yes, you can drink water when scuba diving. You will need a hydration container for scuba diving that has a valve. The container has a valve, as you squeeze the container the water will enter your mouth without letting saltwater get in.
Some people remove their regulator to drink. Instead, you should try to drink enough water before you go diving.
Can You Drink After Diving?
You should leave a few hours after the dive before drinking alcohol to let your body recover from the dive such as to get the nitrogen out of your body.
Drinking can increase dehydration especially in combination with breathing compression dry air heat, cold water, and immersion diuresis.
Wrapping Up
Finally, the main function of sweating is to cool your body down. Being submerged underwater reduces the need to sweat but if your dive is vigorously enough you will sweat. You probably will not notice it because your skin is already wet and the surrounding liquid is washing the sweat away.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on can you sweat underwater has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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