Cayman Brac in July - what exposure suit level?

[tlehman]

I'll be spending a week in Cayman Brac in July and need advice on what type of exposure suit I'll need. I've only done a few dives in PR and the Bahamas with rental wetsuits and in the April timeframe. At $20 a day for a rental, it makes sense to buy something before I go. LDS says I'll be more than warm in a 3mm and might consider a lavacore or sharkskin instead. I'm guessing I'm pretty average in terms of getting cold, but as an older person, perhaps that means a little more likely to get cold than a younger person.

Advice? Thanks

Tom

 

[PatW]

I dive a skin at Cayman Brac even in January. My wife uses a three mil. If you are cold tolerant, a skin is enough. If you are more normal, a three mil or equivalent is a good choice. The more time you spend in the water, the more thermal protection you need. You can always wear a hood or a rash guard under your suit if you need a bit more.

 

[mikeycanuk]

A 3mm was all we needed.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[rongoodman]

I don't think you'll be too warm in a 3mm, and it would probably be more useful for other tropical diving than a skin or shorty.

 

[keyshunter]

During July at the Brac, you can expect water temps in the mid 80's. I wear a 1 mil, which is the same as I use in the Keys at that time. But, I do see some people in 3 mil suits, and some diving in swimsuits.

 

[dmoore19]

I was there last year in July and wore a skin top to keep the BC from rubbing me and a pair of board shorts. I was diving 4 or 5 a day and never got cold. Water temps were 85 or 86 on every dive.

 

[mikeycanuk]

I have a nice fitting Pinnacle 3mm so why buy a skin?

I did get cold once, around 90' down in overcast conditions on the dive site with the anchor, sorry name escapes me at the moment. Another benefit of a suit, especially in the summer is the sun protection for the shoulders and upper back. Being a spoggy white Englishman I burn easily. We dove in August in '11 and '12. Both with Martin of Scuba Shack fame.

 

[diver 85]

skimpy bathing suit---if you are so inclined......@ most you'll need is skins(probably), ought to(should) be h-o-t....


EDIT..:...as I said in a post about GoM weather yesterday--: '0le Mother Nature can be a funny gal..'.......

 

[keyshunter]

I did get cold once, around 90' down in overcast conditions on the dive site with the anchor, sorry name escapes me at the moment.

Anchor Wall.