3mm, 5mm, 7mm for SoCal?

[scubadobadoo]

I dive a neoprene dry suit all year long and I love it. I get cold easily. Even after a long hike to the water on a hot day I am glad I dive dry after a few minutes in the water. The only down side is the extra time it takes to properly clean it and put it away.

 

[eelnoraa]

Anywhere in CA coast line, at least 7mm wetsuit if not more. Drysuit is more preferrable.

 

[CaboJim]

Depends on how often you're planning to dive. Age can be a factor as well..If its like once or twice a month/season, 7mm, or a semi-dry suit is sufficient. If more, go dry....

 

[Six2Life]

How would a 5mm farmer john with hood and gloves fare in San Diego waters? I'm thinking of diving there in August and would like to just use what I already have.

 

[CaboJim]

How would a 5mm farmer john with hood and gloves fare in San Diego waters? I'm thinking of diving there in August and would like to just use what I already have.

It may work in August. Water temps are usually in the mid 60's. If you wear a cheater vest, ie lavacore, 4th element, you should be fine.
I wouldn't advise diving the Yukon, though. There's a very cold current that runs right over that wreck.
Good luck...

 

[mdb]

7mm for southern cal.

 

[muzikbiz22]

7mm for southern cal.

+1 for 7mm & hooded vest all year round, mostly Catalina diving.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

How would a 5mm farmer john with hood and gloves fare in San Diego waters? I'm thinking of diving there in August and would like to just use what I already have.

FWIW: San Diego can be deceptively cold, even in August. I dived it in a 7/5 last August and was kicking myself for not packing my d/s and almost skipped my 3rd dive. The next day, I drove up the cost to Catalina and did 3 dives in the same 7/5 and was fine as the water was 8-10F warmer.

 

[drbill]

Hard to advise you when I don't know your body's response to cold. During winter I dive in a 7mm with a 3mm hooded vest, during summer I dive in a 3/2mm with the hooded vest. Currently I'm diving a 7mm Neosport XSPAN that has an effective thickness of 0.0mm in many spots. Yes, I'm a bit chilled... waiting for my new wetsuit to arrive.

 

[hoopa]

Another way to go is a 7/5 mil suit then get a full lavacore suit to go under... The lavacore is 1.5 mil but is as warm as a 3 mil and is neutrally buoyant (no need for extra weight)..This way your modular... If its warm-- your 7/5 will be more then enough(i actually go with a 5mil)-- if its cold you throw the lavacore under and your all snuggy.. Also-- if you go to places that are warmer but a body suit is still good--- then you can just wear the lavacore by iteself..