Catalina diving in spring/summer 5mm or 7mm

[drbill]

I've sen temperatures here in the 70s down to 150 fsw on rare occasions. You just never know. Last year was somewhat toasty, this year could be quite different.

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

I am going to be doing a 3 day boat trip to Channel Islands in July. Flying out from Florida. They try for 2-3 dives a day and maybe a night dive as well.

I have Mares 7 mil Isotherm semi-dry, with matching 7 mil hood, 3 mil gloves and 3 mil boots. I roasted in it with the hood, gloves and boots when I dove 74 degree water here in Fla for half an hour. Was comfy in 70 degree water on a 2 hour snorkel with the hood but no gloves or boots. I am not a "cold" diver necessarily.

I do wonder if this will be enough for that boat trip, or should I bring the drysuit which is much more hassle?

 

[tracydr]

We dive drysuits when we go to Catalina or San Diego, no matter what time of the year it is. So much nicer than a 7 ml.

 

[fnfalman]

Like Dr. Bill said, last year was quite warmer than usual. However, the temps at Catalina is very predictable. During the summer it easily gets into the low-60s, and to me in a 7mm suit, that's like tropical diving.

 

[vladodessit]

7mm semi-dry in a summer should be very good. I use 7mm year round, leaving 5mm hood and 3mm gloves topside in the summer and fall. Also, in the warmer months I find front zipper on my el cheapo suit very nice, as I just unzip it when buttom temps are in mid 60s. You'll be just fine.

 

[lamarpaulski]

I use 5mil and hooded vest but I tend to be warm...I will admit that is occasionally cool in winter. I don't dive extremely deep and usually Catalina or Laguna which run warmer than some other places.