What thickness wetsuit for New England diving?

[mike0479]

Hi Guys,
Im new to scuba diving, just took the course and did the pool part. Waiting for warmer weather to do the open water certification. In the meantime I was wondering what thickness wetsuit I should be looking at? The guy at my LDS sold me a 3mm suit and said I would be fine for diving in Long Island Sound. I thought he was wrong but Im the new guy so I didnt argue with him. I was thinking about going back there and trading it in for a 7mm suit. That way I could dive longer both in the water and later into the season. Thanks for the help

 

[RJP]

The guy at my LDS sold me a 3mm suit and said I would be fine for diving in Long Island Sound. I thought he was wrong but Im the new guy so I didnt argue with him.

Go back and argue with him.

In fact, don't argue with him. Ask for the boss or anyone else in that shop. 3mm in the Northeast is absurd, bordering on irresponsible. I wouldn't listen to another word coming from someone who would sell a new diver a 3mm suit for diving in the Northeast - ever!

Don't know about CT, but here in NJ a 7mm suit is the MINIMUM I've seen anyone dive. Maybe a few hearty souls diving a 5mm in August. Most of us dive dry.

PS - as a new diver, question anything/everything. Don't sell your instincts short. If something doesn't seem right to you... you're probably right. Speak up - diving is no place to be shy!
Ray

 

[CT Sean]

7mm is pretty standard, there are even people who dive dry year round. Personally I'd be a bit concerned about a dive shop that doesn't know the proper protection for the area they service (feel free to share the LDS name - even in PM)

3mm won't get you very far. Maybe 1 (or 2 if you're particularly hardy) shallow dives on a day very late in august or september - and that's with hood and gloves. You'll be surprised how quickly water sucks the heat out of you when you are fully submerged in it.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

piss in it, THEN return it for full refund and go elsewhere..... Selling sandals to eskimos in Decemeber...

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

7MM is the minimum. Lots of divers need either a core warmer or a FJ+Jacket to build up even more neoprene on their core. Even then you are pretty much summer / fall diving.

 

[mike0479]

Thanks for all the responses. I definately learned what I needed to here from you guys. I appreciate all the help. Any suggestions on a particular brand or is it just something that i need to go try on for comfort and fit? I want to be able to dive as often as I can and not jump into the cost of a drysuit just yet. As I said im new to this.

Overall is it same for me to assume a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves will allow me to dive a good amount of time in Long Island Sound?

 

[Tug]

Thanks for all the responses. I definately learned what I needed to here from you guys. I appreciate all the help. Any suggestions on a particular brand or is it just something that i need to go try on for comfort and fit? I want to be able to dive as often as I can and not jump into the cost of a drysuit just yet. As I said im new to this.

Overall is it same for me to assume a 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves will allow me to dive a good amount of time in Long Island Sound?

I dove a 7/5 up in Mass April to November before I got my suit, you should he fine with a 7mm suit and some well fitting gloves and hood. As for brands, look for something that fits well and that you're comfortable in.

EDIT: Depending on where in CT you are, check out Scuba Shack in Rocky Hill. Ed and the guys there are very knowledgeable and won't steer you wrong when it comes to equipment.

 

[diver 85]

Sounds like you need to take the LDS guy along & let him wear the 3 mil & you wear your 7 mil rented suit....

 

[mike0479]

I'm gonna check out Scuba Shack, I drive by the exit on my way to work. First im gonna return the 3mm that I haven't worn yet. I just bought everything from the LDS store and now realized that I should have done a little more research. I just figured out of convenience I would be better off buying from the local guy and forming a relationship with him. That seems to have not worked out too well for me. Well, I guess you live and learn.
What does that mean in lewisevans post. 7/5?

 

[Tug]

I'm gonna check out Scuba Shack, I drive by the exit on my way to work. First im gonna return the 3mm that I haven't worn yet. I just bought everything from the LDS store and now realized that I should have done a little more research. I just figured out of convenience I would be better off buying from the local guy and forming a relationship with him. That seems to have not worked out too well for me. Well, I guess you live and learn.
What does that mean in lewisevans post. 7/5?

They'll take care of you there, when you stop by check out their Buoyancy 1 and 2 classes. Ed runs some great programs.

As for the 7/5, it has 7mm over the core and 5mm on the arms and legs.