Gloves — What It Is and Why It Matters
Diving gloves are neoprene or textile hand coverings that provide thermal protection, abrasion resistance, and grip enhancement for scuba divers. They range from thin 1 to 2mm tropical gloves to thick 5 to 7mm cold-water mitts. Some dive sites prohibit gloves to discourage divers from touching coral and marine life.
The trade-off with gloves is dexterity — thicker gloves provide more warmth but make it harder to operate clips, buckles, camera controls, and dive computer buttons. Dry gloves with wrist seals that mate to a drysuit provide the warmest option for extreme cold-water diving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear regular gloves for diving?
No. Regular gloves are not designed for underwater pressure, lack neoprene insulation, and will not provide adequate grip on wet equipment. Diving gloves are specifically designed for the underwater environment.
Why are gloves banned at some dive sites?
Some marine parks and reef sites ban gloves to prevent divers from touching coral, grabbing marine life, or bracing against the reef. Without gloves, divers are more careful about what they touch, which helps protect fragile marine ecosystems.
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