I'm not going to lie, it is always cold in Melbourne water.

Think back to jumping in at St Kilda beach or Angelsea or wherever you might have gone as a kiddie - you know that initial shock as you hit the water? You get the same thing with scuba diving. The initial shock as you hit the water and then the excitement of what you are actually doing/seeing takes over.

I learned in wetsuits, I have my own wetsuits, I only upgraded to a dry suit when I could afford it (they are like 2k to buy). The first "date" that DH and I went on I was a dive and I was still in a wetsuit. I wear thermals underneath my wetsuit to help. We can find you a hood, that makes a big difference. But when you turn your head and cold water hits your neck between the top of the wetsuit and your hood, that can be a bit bitey.

But honestly, you won't be in the water for long those first few dives (20-30mins) and you'll be near the surface where it is warmer. I'm pretty sure once you realise you are BREATHING UNDERWATER and LOOK! a fish!, you'll put the cold to the back of your mind.

Then you get out and hopefully it'll be nice and sunny while you hop round stripping off icky wet wetsuits and you'll be warm before you know it.

Has that convinced you at all?