Wetsuit Layering for Cayman Islands

[Scubanoobi]

I'll be heading to grand cayman in a month and was wondering what would keep me warmer. I have the following I'm considering bringing:

Bare 3/2 mm full
Bare 2 mm shorty
Bare 3 mm hooded vest

I'm doing 2 dives / day, would I be warmer with the shorty + full or the hooded vest + full? Water temp will be around 80 degrees. I'd like to go with the warmer option (without layering all 3)

I normally dive a 7mm full locally in 73 degree water and I'm comfortable.

Thanks

 

[mnstevet]

If you use a 7 mil at 73, I'm guessing you're going to want 5 mil at 80. I use 3 mil full at 80, but I'm from MN, and it's a bit cooler here. Most people from southern climates will go at least a couple mil heavier than those of us from the frozen tundra. Also, your weight belt should be at least a few pounds lighter depending on whether you normally dive in fresh or salt.

 

[Laurie S.]

I would be using a 1 mm there.

 

[Scubanoobi]

I had a 5mm full in Hawaii at 80 and was comfortable, I also had a 2mm shorty in Turks and Caicos at 77 and was cold after 25 mins. I'm guessing a 3/2 full with either the 2mm shorty or hooded vest will be fine, I'm just trying to figure out which one, or if it even matters which one.

 

[KD8NPB]

I'd leave the shorty at home.

Most of your heat is lost through your head.

Wear the hooded vest with the full suit.

 

[theduckguru]

If you are diving 73 degree water in Ottawa, aren't you diving much colder water at the thermocline? Typically, the water temps in the Caymans are high 70s-80 at depth.

 

[enduser]

Question why wear more than one suit and layer? why not just wear a 7mm instead a 3mm and a 5mm?

Going to Coz in 1 week (can't wait) own a henderson 7mm and trying to decide to bring or rent. I usually dive cold in utah so 79 degrees sounds like a bath.

 

[Scubanoobi]

I was going to bring the 7mm but thought it might be a little warm (although I've never been too warm on a dive), I'll probably bring the 3/2 and the hooded vest if I need it.

No thermocline in the St. Laurence seaway so it's a nice steady temp.

 

[RTee]

I think you should be OK with the full length 3mm + Bare Chicken vest. I dove 84F in Cuba wearing only the Bare chicken vest with shorts and rash guard and was very comfy (average was two dives a day with three on one day). Bonaire 79-81F (three to four dives a day) and Cozumel 81F (three to four dives a day) I was OK with 3mm but still brought the Bare Chicken vest just in case. Bahamas 73F (Blackbeard 4 dives a day), I used my 7mm full length. Leaving next week for Roatan and I only packed my 3mm full length.

 

[divin'dog]

I was going to bring the 7mm but thought it might be a little warm (although I've never been too warm on a dive), I'll probably bring the 3/2 and the hooded vest if I need it.

No thermocline in the St. Laurence seaway so it's a nice steady temp.

I would bring the 3/2 with the hooded vest esp if you are usually a little colder than others. I know a woman who will wear a full 5mm in 79º-80º water because she is always cold. On our last trip to Honduras, some of the macho men started wearing a hood or some kind of head covering to keep warmer. Our weather was rainy and cold and taking a toll on multiple dives per day. I think the 7mm would be a little to much... Layering gives you options. You could also wear a skin under it all too for more flexibility.