Question Bare arms & legs in Bangka, Bunaken & Lembeh in April?

[JonnieB]

I second all the reccos for full length leggies...just thin Lycra/spandex one is fine to protect mainly from accidental brushes against hydroids and fire coral. I wear my shorts over the leggings. I once backed a knee into a hydroid colony and had a killer ichy rash for weeks!

 

[Centrals]

Those are the idiots you see walking on corals, usually during low tide.

They are NOT idiots just being ignorant.

 

[Green Frog]

Another vote for a minimum of a full suit of Lycra. It packs to about the size of a T shirt and is cheap insurance against sunburn as well as seaborne nasties. I personally go one step more with a dive skin, but if I get back to really warm water, I still have the Lycra.

 

[matts1w]

I am in Bangka right now, and we have had to blow jellyfish out of the way and/or swim for a minute or two on several ascents. I am very happy to be covered.

 

[paulcalf]

Just ordered myself a full stinger suit, including hood and gloves.

Then i saw all the latest replies and am even more glad i did.

Thanks very much

 

[scrane]

I always dive a shorty. Quick to don and doff. Keeps me honest when swimming close to the reef.

 

[Green Frog]

@scrane,
30 years ago I discovered the “trilaminate” dive skin. It goes on as easily as a set of long johns and packs to about as small as the size and weight of a pair of jeans. Thermal protection is about equivalent to a 1 or 2mm neoprene suit, but provides very little buoyancy. It proved perfect for year round use in the Bahamas.
My current set is getting pretty tatty so I’m hoping to find a replacement this year, but the company that made my last one is long gone. . I’ve got a like-new Lycra skin and a good neoprene shorty, so I DO have options.