Panglao/Moalboal - Exposure protection

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andrethediver

Contributor
Messages
568
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Location
Philadelphia, PA
# of dives
500 - 999
Is 5mm too much for dive sites around Balicasag/Alona and Moalboal dive sites in April? I gather the 'usual' water temp range is 27-29C but that varies. I know exposure protection is very personal but as a reference point I was freezing my a.. off EVERY SINGLE dive in Cozumel this past December (hypothermia with shivering and all) in 77F water with perhaps slightly compressed 3/2 Mares full suit with a 3mm Pinnacle vest. Thanks!
 
No thermoclines? We are planning to do a full week of diving, multiple times a day. So given my tendency to get chilled I am a bit worried - hence my question.
 
Is 5mm too much for dive sites around Balicasag/Alona and Moalboal dive sites in April? I gather the 'usual' water temp range is 27-29C but that varies. I know exposure protection is very personal but as a reference point I was freezing my a.. off EVERY SINGLE dive in Cozumel this past December (hypothermia with shivering and all) in 77F water with perhaps slightly compressed 3/2 Mares full suit with a 3mm Pinnacle vest. Thanks!

I don't think it is overkill. Depends on how much diving you will be doing and if you are a photographer - i.e. don't move around much. I usually dive 3-5 dives a day including night dives. I'm bought a new full 5mm Bare wetsuit and hood (head protection from sun too as I am kalbo) as I will be able to use the suit even after it gets compressed as I keep diving it as my 3mm didn't make it past a few trips. I think a hood will help you out quite a bit for warmth too.
 
Thanks, perhaps I should get a hooded vest or a separate hood and gloves to my wardrobe.
 
Judging by your description of your trip to COZ, 5mm will definetly not be too much... I also agree with the others: a Hood will help a lot! Some gloves too while you're at it... But don't use that as an excuse to touch everything...:no:

You might even consider a thin vest (2mm) to slip over/ under the 5mm to add a bit more... But that might be overkill...
 
I did two tank dives in Moalboal in the beginning of May 2009, water temperature of 29 dec C in a 2/3mm farmerjohn without rashguard, hood and boots to a depth of 18m, and I had no problems. I think if you use 3mm full wetsuit (no a shorty) that should be more than adequate in April. You can bring a hood as a just in case item no harm in that, but I dont think you will need it. If you need extra protection then you can buy an extra rashguard to slip over at almost every resort in the Philippines.
 

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