7mm jumpsuit for channel islands?

[raviepoo]

I'm considering going to the Channel Islands. The only problem is, the drysuit I ordered has not arrived yet so I have to make other arrangements for exposure protection. The water temps are in the 50s and 60s. Is a 7mm jumpsuit sufficient or do I need a two piece? I do fine in a 3mm jumpsuit in the 72 - 75 degree range.

 

[kelpmermaid]

In California? I was out at Santa Barbara Island late last month, and the water was in the low 60's. I had on a 7 mm 2-piece suit, but that's what I own. I tend to run cold, and if you are doing a multiday trip, that is something to consider. Others had on one pieces, some with hooded vests. A hood and gloves are necessary.

 

[sactomags]

I just dove Los Coronodos (further south, more by San Diego) two weeks ago and water at depth was 53. I had on a 1-piece 7 mm and also a hooded vest (Henderson Gold Core) and I was fine. Although I have been told that my cold tolerance is good -- my husband dove in a 7 mm with a regular hood and he said he was only a little cool after the second dive. Go to www.catalina.com and you can contact one of the local shops to find out the water temp. I believe they are in the 60s now, so a 7 mm suit should be fine -- again, depends on how you handle the cold.

Margaret
Counting the days to Saba (Oct. 30-Nov. 9)

 

[DiveSoCal]

Last week I was diving from a boat off of Catalina Island with a group of about twenty people, many first time divers. The temperature was in the low to mid 60 range. However, I did observe a temp. of 58 degrees at 78 feet down. All of us were wearing 7mm wetsuits and only a few were wearing hooded vests. I did not hear any complaints about the water temp..

 

[rickyd]

I dove the southern Channel Islands (Santa Barbara, San Clemente) the first week of August. Water temps were generally mid 60's, down to the low 50's where the thermocline hits. On one dive it was at 30 feet. That one got pretty nippy fast!

I dive in a one piece 7/5mm, with a 3/5 hooded vest. I considered swapping to just a hood, but after 3 days of diving, I decided to wear it all. I was confortable all the time.

If you are diving the southern islands, water temps are a little warmer than the northern islands, but, heck, it's September