Wetsuit for PG/Sabang in May?

[Luky]

Looking at the many threads and reviews on diving the PG area I see anything from a 3mm - 5mm listed for diving there. I realize it depends on the season/water temp as well as a persons susceptibility to chills.

I have a Pinnacle Shadow 1.5mm full suit that I bought for Cozumel and worked ok diving there (82F/28C), but I could get chilled after a few dives if it wasn't sunny/warm out that day. I am just curious if this is likely to be enough for Sabang next month? What I could find seems to show current water temp there is about 27C now. Is there a thermocline there and at what depth?

I was looking for a deal on a 3mm and found a closeout on Leisurepro for an Aqualung 3mm Quantum Stretch in a 2XL for $115 but I think it may be a bit long in the arms/legs. (I am 5'10" and 220lbs/38" waist and was looking for a XL-short or 2XL-short depending on the brand). I also found a Pinnacle Cruiser 5mm full suit in 2XLS that looks like it should be a good fit for $160 that I had added to my cart, but I think 5mm may be a bit much? (I feel pretty uncomfortable zipped up in my 7mm full suit when out of the water). I ordered both as the prices jumped up the next morning when I looked again but I already had the lower prices in my cart and I figured I can simply return one or both if the fit is not good.

The other items I have been reading about is a muck stick and a reef hook for holding your place in the current. Are these items likely to be allowed in PG? I don't typically touch corals or critters, but like to wear some thin leather gloves as I have received painful pokes in my hand from a long spined urchin when the surge pushed me into it, and some stings when I was trying to hold onto a nub of rock/dead coral in the current waiting for my dive buddy taking a picture (reading about fire coral stings in PI). I have had some DM's tell me no gloves and some say no problem. The muck stick seems like a good tool to hold in place if I am not allowed gloves...

 

[outofofficebrb]

My travel group just spoke with Asia Divers a few days ago. Their exact email said this:

“Right now the water temp is around 26-27 degrees, but it should go up to 27-28 by the beginning of May.”

I get cold easily and always err on the side of warmer, especially for back to back days of diving 4-5 tanks a day. It is easy enough to flood your suit for a bit of air conditioning than it is to warm up at depth when cold. I brought along a vest just in case and am wearing my 5mm though with use it’s probably more like a 4mm now.

I’m not sure on rules for muck sticks and reef hooks but I brought mine. I like using the muck stick to stabilize my camera in some light surge or current. I can understand why some operators or parks ban these items. Many people use muck sticks inappropriately (touching live coral, poking and touching things instead of with their hands) or are hooking into live coral/reef areas.

Urchin spikes will penetrate gloves and wetsuits so I wouldn’t worry too much about the gloves.

 

[Centrals]

I am NOT aware that "pointer" or gloves being banned in PG.
Multi-layers is better than one thick one.
A brand new 5mm is too much in May.
Asia Divers might be able to offer you shortie for nothing!!!!!! Worst comes to worst, you should be able to buy a shortie at White tips(scuba retailer) in Sabang.

 

[Damselfish]

I don't think there is any problem with using a stick or hook in PG. I'm sure I at least used a stick. I would say travel with both anyplace in the region so when it's the right tool, you'll have it.

 

[Searcaigh]

I was cold last week in Anilao wearing a 3mm, in particular since most of my dives were no less than 80 mins and water temp 26C.

I really wished I'd brought my 5mm!

 

[Wingy]

I read something about Octogenarians feeling the cold Sear .....

Seriously I'm in love with my 5mm it's become my go to wetsuit nowadays.

 

[Searcaigh]

I read something about Octogenarians feeling the cold Sear .....

Oi Cheeky, still got 15 more years to go before you can call me an Octogenarian

 

[Divenut1959]

I am going in early July and I am planning on wearing my 3mm...might be a bit over what I need but I don't want to spend the money for a lighter suit and I would not go in a shorty to avoid any painful coral contacts etc. Specific to the comments about gloves and a stick. I have a stick to stabilize me depending on the currents or to point something out to a fellow diver. I personally never felt the need to wear gloves however if I did wear them I would be responsible and not be touching things I shouldn't be touching. When I see divers with gloves in PG I am thinking why are they wearing them until I see them in the water clawing and grabbing at everything.

 

[Oz Chris]

I’ve just been diving in Donsol/Ticao and Malapascua for the last week or so.

Water temps have been mostly 27-29C (one dive to 30m had a minimum temp of 26C).

I’ve been wearing 3mm hire suits, but after the first day or so added my Probe Insulator sleeveless / hooded top. Have been toasty warm ever since (even describe it as hot above 10m)

 

[Luky]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I did not like the first two suits I ordered. The 3mm was too long in the arms/legs and the pinnacle cruiser at 5mm was thicker/stiffer than I need I think. I really liked the construction of the pinnacle suit so I returned it and got the same model in a 3mm. Only difference is no zips at the ankles of the 3mm suit, but a local surf shop can put them in for $40 if I decide I need them (to fit over my big feet). I packed my dive bag and it was about 46lbs with all my gear. Guess I will need to take a small carryon too for my clothes.