For decades, the classic image of a scuba diver has been practically universal: a sunburned adventurer in a brightly colored rash guard, stepping off a boat into 28°C (82°F) turquoise water. Tropical reefs have always been the undisputed kings of the diving world.
But if you look at the dive boats loading up today, you’ll notice a massive shift. The neon shorties are being replaced by sleek, black drysuits. The bulky, pocket-covered jacket BCDs are giving way to minimalist metal backplates.