Always wear a wetsuit?

[edoralive]

Noting that the OP is from the Minneapolis area, I will observe that in Minnesota I wear a wetsuit when there is any chance of encountering swimmer's itch, and when it's cold. There are very few places in Minnesota where the viz is greater than 12", it's warm, and there's no swimmer's itch. I have a 3mm two-piece freediving suit that is good to around 65 F and I mostly use that.

On a reef bimble in Key Largo, if it's warm enough, I just wear a swimsuit, because I enjoy the dive more that way.

Solid point. In MN it's a drysuit for me year round unless there's a compelling reason to wear a wetsuit... like for a class-specific reason, maybe.

Maybe as a northerner it's just nice to feel the water for once!

 

[JMJ Wetsuits]

If you're doing multiple or long dives I'd suggest a 2-3mm suit even in the warmest of waters. Not just because I work for JMJ either . I've been chilled in 83 degree water when I didn't have a suit on. Lots of other reasons already mentioned.

...how in the world does one plan for this? Plan for the worst, hope for the best?

I would suggest having a light hooded vest with you in case it gets cold. Not much to pack and saves you from having to rent a suit!

Hope that helps,
Derek & JMJ

 

[Rick Brant]

If it is over 80F I ditch the wetsuit for a bathing suit and a long-sleeved poly shirt. On long dives especially I like being able to piss whenever needed and I don't like doing that in a wetsuit. Also, the comfort of not having a wetsuit is great, and it also saves me from rinsing and drying the suit. I can do two 60+ minute dives easily without getting cold. I do wear a beanie. For me ditching the suit saves me six pounds of lead too.

On the plus side for wearing a wetsuit, I do like having the added buoyancy in case of emergency, and as others have mentioned it provides sun protection, so on boat dives where I know there will be a lot of sun, I always wear my suit.

 

[Resqdivemedic]

"any water below body temp is water you can get cold in."

100% agree with this quote. I've always worn a 3mm full suit in warmer waters. Being a New Englander I usually dive a 7mm full suit most of the year then 8/7 semi dry or drysuit in winter months. I remember taking my ice diving class in the semi dry and had no issues being cold.

 

[CuzzA]

Agreed. This thread has got me thinking about how I can better protect myself, but without a 3mm shell. Swimming with shorts and a rash guard feels excellent.

I use convertible fishing pants to protect my legs. They are light weight, dry in about 15 minutes and I can zip the pant legs off after my last dive.

 

[Kimela]

If the water temp hits 82 or below I'm wearing a wetsuit of some kind - but if the water requires more than 5mil, I'm out! Higher than 82 and I'll be crossing my fingers in rash guards. It's such a personal thing.

 

[DiveClimbRide]

The warmest water I've experienced was 26c (80f) in a pool and I wore an 8mm full wetsuit but without hood and gloves. And even then after a couple hours I would put the hood on when I started to get cold. I'd probably move to a 5mm at ~30c (90f)

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

I don't bother with a wetsuit in summer, the water is 30C+ (yesterday was 33), i get hot just thinking about it.

Bathing suit for the win

 

[CT-Rich]

Below 60F I use my drysuit, above 60F it is my 5mm. When it gets over 70F I shed the gloves and hood. I don’t get enough diving above 80F, but would stick with the 5 mm just to avoid the sun and chafing.

 

[Annie Shaw]

What about a lava core or similar brand? I'm not sure if you'd get as much protection from stings as a 3mm suit though. I went to cozumel recently with the top and pants and it honestly was so easy to move in, not like a wetsuit. I didn't even feel warm on the boat before we got in the water. Pain in the ass to dry but very comfortable.