12mm hoods

“Years ago, when high altitude trekking in the Himalayas to Mount Everest base camp, I noticed that I could hike in shorts, although it was snowing, as long as my head was adequately covered with a warm cap. So, when I signed up for scuba dive expedition to Antarctica, I was concerned about proper head cover. My local SoCal buddies knew about and recommended Otter Bay Wetsuits, which they proclaimed makes the best hood available anywhere. So, I contracted Cricket, the proprietor, and soon I had a customized, well fitting and well constructed 12mm hood. Wow! Indeed it is the best hood I’ve ever used. This I don’t say lightly as I dived in waters below the freezing point, i.e. 28F in Antarctica, 29F near the North Pole, and 35F in South Georgia Island. Now I use my Otter Bay hoods (yes, I own three) for local diving in California, as they make all my cold water dives so much more enjoyable. Big kudos and thanks to Cricket and Otter Bay Wetsuits for making such a great product!”

Kevin Lee

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I bought and learned to dive a drysuit in Southern California because winter water was 49F in 2005, and deeper than 100fsw it was 50F all year. No matter how much money I spent on expensive off-the-shelf hoods, my ears were achey in winter and hard to equalize on descent. I was wearing warm socks and dry gloves but my hands were still stiff and blocky at the end of colder, deeper dives.

When I noticed Monterey and Seattle divers wearing "Otter Bay Hoods", I ordered my first one. Incredible difference!

I felt warmer and my ears became easier to equalize on descent because the Otter Bay 12mm custom hood allowed water to warm up in my ear canal within minutes.

My hands and feet were warmer because I was losing less heat from my head.

Extra bonus: When scootering enthusiastically with buddies, doing barrel rolls and flips, the hood acts as a protective bumper to my noggin in case of sudden stops against hard objects.

I just received my 4th custom 12 mm hood from Otter Bay (Maybe my 5th? Each hood lasts about 350 to 400 dives.) And with El Nino warming our local SoCal ocean, I've also ordered my first custom Otter Bay 6.5mm hood for local SoCal shallow recreational diving. The fit and workmanship are remarkable, durable, and adds both warmth and comfort to all my diving.

Thanks, Cricket, for the wonderful custom-sized Otter Bay Hood!

Claudette

3,000+ temperate ocean dives.

Otter Bay Custom Hood Fan for Life.

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“Tried the hood in 39 degree water and my hand & head have never been warmer!” D.Z. in Maryland

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“Hi Cricket! I received the hood today and it completely exceeds my expectations. The fit is perfect and the workmanship is outstanding. Thank you very much! I will be showing off this hood all winter and hopefully send a few more Canadians your way! Cheers, Bob”

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“Just a word of elation and gratitude. The hoods are sleek, lovely and cozy. Thanks so much.” Jeff

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"I just got out this evening to dive with your hood for the first time. Due to having to cut the face to the right size, I wanted to test it on an easy shore dive first. My head has never been so warm during a dive. It felt like there was a heater warming the water around my head. The water was still fairly warm for this area - around 50 degrees - but I can tell that this is going to work fantastic as the temperatures drop to the upper 30s. This is one of my favorite purchases."

Jessica M.

Custom Wetsuits

“Thank you so much for my new suit! I was able to test it out last week and I couldn't believe how comfortable I was in the water. The 12 mm booties are fantastic.My feet did not get numb for once!!Thank you!” Leslie H.

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“Just wanted to thank you one more time for the awesome suit! I am so excited to get in the water now that I know I will be warm and toasty!”

Chelsea, student giveaway winner.

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“I got a 6.5mm “jumbo sized” wetsuit with additional top part & 2 hoods. Went to Tahoe, near Ryan Falls and the suit worked great! There were some people on the boat that saw your logo on the suit and said, ‘Oh ....Otter Bay! We LOVE Cricket!’ Anyway, thanks soooo much for such a great suit!” Shawna H.

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Other Testimonials

“Thank you for standing behind your work.” R.A, picking up his 10 year old suit he brought back in for guaranteed seam repair.

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“I have had Otter Bay Wetsuits alter and repair my wetsuit and drysuit several times. Cricket is the best. The work is impeccable, great price, and quick turnaround time. If you need any work done, Otter Bay is the place. Thanks Cricket. Mark S, Pleasanton, CA

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“My drysuit sleeves were done poorly by another company. Otter Bay redid the sleeves, and they are fabulous. They look good and fit perfectly. The material is high quality. Thank you so much for the great work and reasonable shipping costs. I would recommend you to anyone.” Naomi W. Fresno, CA

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