Hi,
I'm recently OW certified (and completely addicted -- can't wait to go out again) and am starting to buy my own gear. My first purchase is going to be a wetsuit. I'm going to be diving in San Diego, strictly recreational, and I'll mostly dive in summer and fall when the weather is warmest. (Winter is for trips to Hawaii!)
I was out last week (boat dive to the kelp) using a rental 7mm full suit down to 50ft and water temp in the mid 50's below the thermocline. I was very comfortable, but the extra weights needed for the thick suit were a pain.
Prior to that I was at La Jolla Shores in the same 7mm suit and felt a bit too warm, even at depth.
So I'm thinking maybe a quality 5mm suit is ok for San Diego, more comfortable, and easier on the weights? What do other San Diego divers tend to use? Is it a good idea to layer something thin with a 5mm suit over it? Or am I nuts to go with anything less than 7mm or 7/5?
And what's the best wetsuit material to get? I'll gladly pay a bit more for quality, but don't want to overspend on something I don't really need. Thanks for the help!
Crispix
I'm recently OW certified (and completely addicted -- can't wait to go out again) and am starting to buy my own gear. My first purchase is going to be a wetsuit. I'm going to be diving in San Diego, strictly recreational, and I'll mostly dive in summer and fall when the weather is warmest. (Winter is for trips to Hawaii!)
I was out last week (boat dive to the kelp) using a rental 7mm full suit down to 50ft and water temp in the mid 50's below the thermocline. I was very comfortable, but the extra weights needed for the thick suit were a pain.
Prior to that I was at La Jolla Shores in the same 7mm suit and felt a bit too warm, even at depth.
So I'm thinking maybe a quality 5mm suit is ok for San Diego, more comfortable, and easier on the weights? What do other San Diego divers tend to use? Is it a good idea to layer something thin with a 5mm suit over it? Or am I nuts to go with anything less than 7mm or 7/5?
And what's the best wetsuit material to get? I'll gladly pay a bit more for quality, but don't want to overspend on something I don't really need. Thanks for the help!
Crispix